Trisquel 6 on a Thinkpad X230

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MagicFab
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Iscritto: 12/13/2010

Hi

I recently got a Lenovo Thinkpad X230 and tested it under Trisquel 6. I
runs quite nicely except for wifi and fingerprint reader.

I filled the details at hnode.org in case anyone is interested:

http://h-node.org/notebooks/view/en/1020/X230-2306CTO
http://h-node.org/wifi/view/en/753/Intel-Corporation-Centrino-Advanced-N-6205--rev-34-
http://h-node.org/fingerprintreaders/view/en/1019/Upek-TouchChip-Fingerprint-Coprocessor--WBF-advanced-mode-

I originally wanted to run Debian as the main OS on this machine but the
multi-language support is just not as good as what Trisquel inherited
from Ubuntu and I can't spend the time to re-learn that right now.

I don't mind too much about the wireless as I previously got a USB wifi
radio that works well (thank ThinkPenguin.com!) and it looks like the
BIOS whitelisting of wifi devices may be hacked-out at some point.

If anyone else has a X230 running Trisquel, I'd like to hear about it.

Cheers,

F.

--
Fabián Rodríguez
http://fsf.magicfab.ca

Cyberhawk

I am a translator!

Offline
Iscritto: 07/27/2010

I think I've seen the x230, if it's what I think it is, congrats. Probably one of the best laptops you can get. Nice to hear it is working so well with Trisquel too.

lammi87

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Iscritto: 07/27/2012

Thanks a lot for reporting your laptop to h-node. Contributions are highly appreciated and they benefit us all. Good job!

By the way, have you tried the newest linux-libre with your laptop? I think there is this one guy here in the forums who has his own repository for the latest libre-kernel. I haven't tried it myself though. If I recall, the guy is known as jxself.

Chris

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Offline
Iscritto: 04/23/2011

His repository works great. There are a few minor issues if you need to run virtualbox although other than that it usually works well to fix the lack of support for at least some newer hardware.

MagicFab
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Iscritto: 12/13/2010

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Le 13-01-09 10:21 AM, name at domain a écrit :
> Thanks a lot for reporting your laptop to h-node. Contributions are highly appreciated and they benefit
us all. Good job!
>
> By the way, have you tried the newest linux-libre with your laptop? I
think there is this one guy here in the forums who has his own
repository for the latest libre-kernel. I haven't tried it myself
though. If I recall, the guy is known as jxself.

No, i haven't.

What is the repository you're talking about?

I wanted to wait for 3.7, I keep looking here:
http://www.fsfla.org/svnwiki/selibre/linux-libre/

What is the recommended way/best practice to install the current
linux-libre in Trisquel 6?

F.

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GustavoCM

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Iscritto: 11/20/2012

> What is the repository you're talking about?

See http://jxself.org/linux-libre/ .

> I wanted to wait for 3.7, I keep looking here: http://www.fsfla.org/svnwiki/selibre/linux-libre/

There's also another page, to which https://www.gnu.org/software/linux-libre redirects: http://www.fsfla.org/ikiwiki/selibre/linux-libre/ . I don't know what is the difference beyond the layout.

> What is the recommended way/best practice to install the current linux-libre in Trisquel 6?

You could try Linux-libre PPA; for more, see this: https://trisquel.info/en/forum/better-libre-kernel-source-dns-ppa-or-jxself .

jxself
Offline
Iscritto: 09/13/2010

> I don't know what is the difference beyond the layout.

fsfla.org maintains the scripts that are used to clean up the Linux source code and they also publish their cleaned up source code under the name Linux-libre. I get a copy of the source code, compile it, and update my repository with new versions. That's the difference.

There's a web page for Linux-libre on gnu.org (the gnu.org/software/linux-libre you mention) because it was deemed a GNU package in 2012, although it's still hosted on fsfla.org because the project maintainer (Alexandre Oliva, aka lxo on IRC) hasn't moved it and probably never So... the gnu.org web pages just redirect people to the place where Alexandre Oliva keeps it.

Clear as mud now? :)

GustavoCM

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Iscritto: 11/20/2012

Sure; I was talking about the differences between fsfla's svnwiki and ikwiki, but thanks anyway, for explaining the rest :-)

Jodiendo
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Iscritto: 01/09/2013

MAGICFAB

I own a Toshiba Intel dual core gamers laptop, that has the same fingerprint device, The drivers are embedded into the Bios, The software for is windows Vista OSI. Is pretty cool just to initialize a whole system at the touch of your finger print! a Very anti-intrusive device. You got 3 try's before it shuts himself down. I think that a hacker will have to cut your finger off before accessing your system.

My thinking is, since you are a developer, could you rewrite those drivers into gnu/Linux? other example: When I was in the Service our finger prints were embedded into our ID chip card, those readers are using Unix.

I still holding the rescue disk that includes those drivers.

Maybe, is just too much to be asking for.

Here is a big problem Centrino Intel drivers are non-free and sole proprietary. Lenovo wireless adapter is just generic one, Made in china! recently the US government cancel a 21 billion dollar defence contract for Lenovo due to "backdOORS" issues.

I'm just a Linux user for know, still learning fast, I started using Tristel on an old Averatec 7100 laptop, made in 2006, just 3 days ago, it runs on 2gb ram, 80G HD, ATI-128Meg Video card with an AMD sempron-1.Just got tired of slack-ware and its repository limitations for Puppy slacko.

Thank YOU MIL GRACIAS for your TIEMPO.

Chris

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Offline
Iscritto: 04/23/2011

If you look at buying a computer in the future avoid AMD's ATI graphics and NVIDIA. AMD hasn't released sufficient data or source to be free software friendly. You could almost say NVIDIA actively works against free software. The have (in the past) explicitly stated they would offer no help to the free driver development effort.

Intel Graphics are golden right now. They've drastically improved in recent years and gotten great reviews (not that people aren't still pouting off how bad they are). Some games are actually tweaked for Intel graphics on GNU/Linux now because the full source code is available even. Some major development house is working on the Intel drivers/games too.

Also avoid wireless cards that are not Atheros.

Also avoid HP, Lenovo, Dell, and Toshiba. You might not be able to replace the wireless card should it be incompatible with GNU/Linux or free software.

MagicFab
Offline
Iscritto: 12/13/2010

On 13-01-12 02:59 AM, name at domain wrote:
> If you look at buying a computer in the future avoid AMD's ATI
> graphics and NVIDIA. AMD hasn't released sufficient data or source to
> be free software friendly. You could almost say NVIDIA actively works
> against free software. The have (in the past) explicitly stated they
> would offer no help to the free driver development effort.
>
> Intel Graphics are golden right now. They've drastically improved in
> recent years and gotten great reviews (not that people aren't still
> pouting off how bad they are). Some games are actually tweaked for
> Intel graphics on GNU/Linux now because the full source code is
> available even. Some major development house is working on the Intel
> drivers/games too.

Except for Poulsbo and Cedar View :(

If someone has one of those chipsets it would be useful to document them
on h-node.org. I almost kept a netbook based on the "Intel is golden"
assumption, until I noticed pretty much useless graphics performance
(for its intended usecase).

They're technically not 100% Intel, but rather rebranded, and only had
binary non-free drivers available at introduction.

F.

--
Fabián Rodríguez
http://fsf.magicfab.ca

Chris

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Iscritto: 04/23/2011

:) Thanks for adding that. Forgot to mention it.

MagicFab
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Iscritto: 12/13/2010

On 13-01-10 11:40 AM, name at domain wrote:
> MAGICFAB
>
> I own a Toshiba Intel dual core gamers laptop, that has the same
> fingerprint device, The drivers are embedded into the Bios, The
> software for is windows Vista OSI. Is pretty cool just to initialize a
> whole system at the touch of your finger print! a Very anti-intrusive
> device. You got 3 try's before it shuts himself down. I think that a
> hacker will have to cut your finger off before accessing your system.

Just a a side note, this is not very useful here. As the subject
indicates this thread is about the X230. Please don't hijack discussion
threads like this, specially when your example doesn't even involve
Trisquel.

Your configuration involves security by obscurity - you can't know how
the fingerprint support is implemented, so there is no way to know how
secure it is.
In any case fingerprint readers have so many ways to be fooled into
giving access to the systems they "protect" that they can be used for
convenience, at best. Bruce Schneier provides tons of useful (and funny)
links about this in every other issue of his Cryptogram email newsletter.

In general, whenever a driver "just works with Windows" and you're
wondering "why isn't this working with Gnu/LINUX?!??" it involves a
business relationship which doesn't exist (yet?) between the
manufacturer and those able to implement such drivers - ie. almost never
a technical impossibility.

>
> My thinking is, since you are a developer, could you rewrite those
> drivers into gnu/Linux? other example: When I was in the Service our
> finger prints were embedded into our ID chip card those readers are
> using Unix.

Maybe, through extensive, time-consuming reverse-engineering. The best
case scenario would involve fully open, freely-licensed, pattent
unencumbered documentation being available. This usually happens when
the manufacturers (laptop & FP reader) hire developers or finance each
other's development. My personal interest (and effective knowledge in
programming this) is less than zero, though.

>
> I still holding the rescue disk that includes those drivers.
>
> Maybe, is just too much to be asking for.

In my very personal opinion, there are lots of other projects to focus
on/contribute rather than reverse engineering.

>
> I'm just a user for know, still learning Linux and learning fast, I
> started using Tristel on an old Averatec 7100 laptop, made in 2006
> just 3 days ago, it runs on 2gb ram, 80G HD, ATI-128Meg Video card
> with an AMD sempron 1.Just got tired of slackware and its repository
> limitations for Puppy slacko.
>
> Thank YOU MIL GRACIAS for your TIEMPO.
>
That's the thing, you're not "just a user" if you're here. Glad to see
you're already participating :)

What has been your experience with the Averatec? I had a 32xx series
some time ago. It would be useful if you can post about that on a
separate thread and perhaps contribute its components reports on h-node.org.

Cheers,

Fabian R.

--
Fabián Rodríguez
http://trisquel.magicfab.ca

famicommie
Offline
Iscritto: 01/11/2013

How is the battery life with Trisquel? I have an X220 and the 6 cell battery gets an incredible 9+ hours in that non-GNU OS. That's probably the biggest thing holding me back. Well, that and the required firmware blob for wifi.

GustavoCM

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Iscritto: 11/20/2012
Chris

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Iscritto: 04/23/2011

It depends on the system although you can't go wrong with Intel graphics. It'll increase the chances of getting decent battery life. I know you can get 5+ hours with our 15.6" laptop on Trisquel (libre.thinkpenguin.com). Could be significantly more if you install the Intel utility to optimize the system. 9 hours is pretty good. Not sure what the specs/configuration are that you have though.

MagicFab
Offline
Iscritto: 12/13/2010

On 13-01-11 05:35 PM, name at domain wrote:
> How is the battery life with Trisquel? I have an X220 and the 6 cell
> battery gets an incredible 9+ hours in that non-GNU OS. That's
> probably the biggest thing holding me back. Well, that and the
> required firmware blob for wifi.

I haven't tried the latest linux-libre kernel. I am finishing reading
about it and how to best install it, (there are 3 PPAs out there), and I
haven't had my system too long.

I'll be reporting on this in a few weeks. I have both a 4 cell and 6
cell batteries:
- ThinkPad Battery 44 (4 Cell) Part # 0A36305
- ThinkPad Battery 44+ (6 Cell) Part # 0A36306

Cheers,

Fabian

--
Fabián Rodríguez
http://trisquel.magicfab.ca

MagicFab
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Iscritto: 12/13/2010

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Le 13-01-11 05:35 PM, name at domain a écrit :
> How is the battery life with Trisquel? I have an X220 and the 6 cell battery gets an incredible 9+
hours in that non-GNU OS. That's probably the biggest thing holding me
back. Well, that and the required firmware blob for wifi.

I tried the 3.7 libre kernels on both PPAs and had some important problems:
- - no more brightness controls
- - no more wireless (using an external Atheros USB adapter)

I also applied all the tweaks in the recent "battery time squeezing"
thread and now the battery indicator shows between 9:45 to 11h battery
time remaining on the 6-cell model fully-charged, depending on
brightness, activity, wireless on/off. That's more than enough more me
and it matches the Windows 7 advertised capacity (BTW in Windows 7 it
reports having <7hr left). Keep in mind this is a core i5-3320, Trisquel
runs on an SSD drive and WIndows 7 is still on the primary regular
(7200RPM) drive.

So, I'll keep the stock Trisquel 6 kernel for now :)

Thanks to everyone who added bits of information here and there, I
learned more than I bargained for!

Cheers,

Fabian

- --
Fabián Rodríguez
http://trisquel.magicfab.ca

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Jodiendo
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Iscritto: 01/09/2013

Magicfab

My experience with my old Averatec varies, while using TRSITEL 5.5, everything works fine for know, lets include the wireless side.

Comparing both distros Puppy slacko and Trisquel 5.5, both are equal match in performance and compatibility of old drivers and devices.

Trisquel is way superior, has more choices and easy to use and not limited to a specific code or language. Hands down to trisquel, it is awesome managing memory. Puppy slacko was not that good on it.

Lets not forget, that we are talking here about linux support of old laptops/system.

When I discover Linux, I was desperate, not wanted to pay extra money for any OSI for one old system.

The original windows was obsolete. I was asking myself. this software companies, Can't be so greedy?? I discover they are! the hard way.

Yet, while researching about alternative Linux OSI to salvage my old laptop, Came across MR. Ubuntu, an OSI design for older pc. I beleive it was version 9.00, it did not work and it was a setback.

I kept pushing and reading, until I came across Puppuy Slacko, and then, I did discover Trisquel, The far away dimension and newly found Galaxy.

Chris

I am a member!

Offline
Iscritto: 04/23/2011

Yea- the way free software is maintained differs from most (all?) proprietary systems. You need to really buy hardware with support already taken care of. And I don't just mean that a driver exists. I mean that it has the chipsets which have a driver that have hit mainline and are now included in distributions.

Otherwise even if there is “support” it might be some proprietary driver or require compiling some piece of code because companies were too cheap to properly support it and make sure the code ended up in mainline and/or otherwise got packaged for inclusion in distributions/or distribution repositories.

What I'm really impressed with is the projects like Freegeek that recycle systems and ship GNU/Linux (Freegeek is a non-profit in Portland, Oregon). It is hard enough getting the right hardware and now your digging through peoples discarded trash to assemble a complete system that works with free or mostly free software. The one advantage Freegeek has though is most of the hardware is already supported or it isn't going to be so it is safe to discard (of course you couldn't do that with new hardware quite so easily). And what makes it impressive is they have to do this for each system (or bunch of systems) that come in. As opposed to ThinkPenguin which just has to worry about getting one of every type of device (ie one half height wifi card, one USB N adapter, one USB N adapter /w external antennas, a handful of motherboards, etc).