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Getting started
- Installing Ubuntu Linux
- Using USB CD-ROM
- Using USB key
- Using PXE boot
Video drivers for Koolu Hardware
1. To maximize compatibility, the Koolu units are shipped with the default VESA driver installed. Unfortunately this driver does not fully utilize the AMD Geode platform. To install the AMD Geode video drivers, please see below.
2. This should not be necessary for Ubuntu versions 7.10 (Gutsy) and greater.
Installing from binary:
Download the proper driver.
Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy) - http://www.koolu.org/amd_drv-6.10.so
Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty) - http://www.koolu.org/amd_drv-7.04.so
Source Code for above:
Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy) - http://www.koolu.org/src_amd_drv-6.10.tar.gz
Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty) - http://www.koolu.org/src_amd_drv-7.04.tar.gz
Switch terminal modes by hitting CTRL-ALT-F1.
Log in using your username and password.
Shutdown your window manager:
sudo killall gdm
Back-up your old AMD driver and Xorg.conf
sudo cp /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/amd_drv.so /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/amd_drv.so.bak
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak
Copy your new driver to the proper place:
sudo cp amd_drv-x.xx.so /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/amd_drv.so
Modify your Xorg.conf to use the new video driver: See example http://www.koolu.org/xorg.conf
Restart your window manager:
sudo gdm
A login screen should appear.
Widescreen Resolutions on Koolu Hardware
This requires the video drivers listed above
Depending on the monitor that you are using, it may not detect it properly for widescreen use. You will need to create a ModeLine for the resolutions you would like to use. Example Modelines are listed below.
ModeLine "1680x1050" 147.14 1680 1784 1968 2256 1050 1051 1054 1087 -HSync +Vsync
You can create custom modelines with the tool called cvt.
Running OLPC on Koolu Hardware
Koolu hardware, due to its similarities to the One Laptop per Child Project (OLPC), runs the OLPC software natively for a similar computing experience.
- OLPC on Koolu Project Status
- How-to create the OLPC image to boot off USB key
Installing MythTV Frontend on Koolu Hardware
This guide assumes you have a working master backend on your network. You will need to be able to connect to this backend and the mysql database on the host computer. Be sure to know the IP address of the master backend and that the appropriate privileges are set. The format of the video will determine if the video plays back smoothly. It is recommended that the backend supply mpeg4 video. This has been tested using a Plextor TV402U tuner/hardware encoder on the backend. It should also be noted that the accelerated video drivers need to be installed for mythtv to work.
1. Add Extra Repositories
Go to the Ubuntu guide and add the extra repositories.
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Edgy#How_to_add_extra_repositories
2. Installing MythTV
Now install the mythtv frontend plus extra themes using the package manager or from a terminal by typing:
sudo apt-get install mythtv-frontend mythtv-themes
3. Setting up MythTV
Start mythfrontend from the menu or from a terminal by typing:
mythfrontend
You should be prompted with a configuration screen. Change the Host name field to the IP address of your mythbackend. Also change the database User and Password field if necessary.
Once you have the frontend up and running, it is recommended that all options for low CPU usage be selected. The most important options are as follows:
Theme : Blue
OSD Theme : isthmus
Guide shading Method : Eco – transparent (CPU usage - low)
