Linux on the ASUS N10 N10J

I edited my post (deleted this part). But since you already answered... Well i'm convinced now. It's just... I always thought SMP is solely for multi-processor machines.

I'll build it myself and test it... hopefully tonight.

 

There was a problem with my .config and .debs they are back up now...

Edit: updated the howto for the new packages and config, new 180.29 nvidia drivers, added a couple of new tweaks to part 3

 

Hm, to be honest I see no significant difference between those kernels. I guess it would require some specific compiling timings or I dunno what to determine which one is faster.
Anyways i'm keeping the the core2 one because it feels faster + I turned some unnecessary things off.

regards,

 

Hey...first off this thread is gold! I actually was looking for a small laptop and bought this one because of this thread!

Now, when I install the custom kernel and headers I get a message saying that there is a sym link packaged with the deb "/lib/modules/2.6.29-rc4-core2/source" and ".../build"

The directories are not created and dpkg deletes the links.

With no source I cannot install the NVidia drivers because it asks for the kernel source to create the right kernel modules.

Did I miss something? how can I get the above directories?

Matt


UPDATE: Nevermind. I created the source link

Code:

ln -s /usr/src/kernel-headers-2.6.29-rc4-core2 /usr/src/linux

to have the proper symbolic link. The driver install found the source fine now.

 

Updated howto for 2.6.29-rc5.

Yea I don't notice anything, but I'm going to keep compiling with Core 2 since it is supposed to be better, though I cannot tell any difference.

Cool! Welcome to the forum

Glad you sorted out your problem, way to go

Just out of curiosity -- what distro are you running?

 

BTW: if anyone's interested in playing even 1080p videos with vdpau i think i finally managed to do it.
If you're interested read on.

I managed to make it work with the latest (3482714) version of vdpau patch (link in first post). run the included script and it will download, patch and compile the latest mplayer version. Before you run it tho be sure to run

Code:

sudo apt-get build-dep mplayer

Now for playback use:

Code:

mplayer -lavdopts skiploopfilter=all -vo vdpau -framedrop -dr -vc ffmpeg12vdpau,ffh264vdpau,ffwmv3vdpau,ffvc1vdpau, video_file_you_want_to_play

Add your own options if you like
Now this should be enough to play 720p files smoothly.
For 1080p file however you need to do one more tuning - disable composite in xorg.conf. This will disable compiz as well. You do it by either:

Code:

/usr/bin/nvidia-xconfig --no-composite

or by simply editing the xorg.conf file and adding:

Code:

Section "Extensions"
    Option         "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection

Then you must restart X (either by ctrl-alt-bacspace or by /etc/rc.d/init.d/gdm restart).

If this 1080p's don't play smoothly there's one more thing you can try. I had to do it to get a smooth playback.
Edit the patch file and change:

Code:

case IMGFMT_VDPAU_H264_HIGH:
    vdp_decoder_profile = VDP_DECODER_PROFILE_H264_HIGH;
    max_reference_frames = FFMIN(16, rndr->info.h264.num_ref_frames);
    break;

to

Code:

case IMGFMT_VDPAU_H264_HIGH:
    vdp_decoder_profile = VDP_DECODER_PROFILE_H264_HIGH;
    max_reference_frames = 16;
    break;

I'm only having one more problem with it now - i get probems playing those files in Smplayer fullscreen. All I get is blackscreen, but well... with composite/compiz on and playing 720p files and those with lower quality smplayer works great and I don't really download many 1080p videos

edit/update: What I wrote above is true for 720p60 videos and even 1080p24 videos. Hovewer 1080p60 videos still don't play smoothly and I'm not sure if they ever will.

regards,
--
Luke

 

Debian 5.0 (Lenny) has gone stable as of yesterday, so I updated the howto to reflect the new versions. The new testing distribution is called Squeeze.

Thanks for posting this! I linked to your above post from the howto on page 1.

 

the link for ubuntu 9.04 does not seem to work, is there a torrent or something that we could use?

Also, for the NVIDIA driver install, I have and error stating that "No pre compiled kernel interface was fond to match your kernel" I am using the 8.10 install, is that going to give me problems. I have already installed you custom kernel package.

 

Thanks for letting me know, they changed the URL apparently.

That error isn't an error that you need to worry about, it is just telling you that it needs to build it manually instead of downloading a precompiled package. If you run into problems building and installing the driver, post back. Good luck

Edit: I added a couple of sentences to clarify this in Part 2 of the howto. Hope it helps.

 

Thank you groceries, but i am getitng this now, "ERROR: The kernel header file '/usr/src/linux-2.6.29-rc5/include/linux/version.h' does not exist. the most likely reason for this is that the kernel source files in '/usr/src/linux-2.6.29-rc5' have not been configured"

this is the second error i have come across, the first one said that it could not find any source files, so i simply did the first part of the kernel compile (up to, but did not do, the make menuconfig), would it bet better if i compiled my own kernel and did not use the pkg's you made?

I am going to start from scratch with the 9.04 disk, to make sure i am doing everything correctly.

Thanks!

 

Hm... you did a make oldconfig in the source directory? That is all you should need to do.

Edit: I'm packaging my kernel sources, I should've done this anyway. Will update this post when I'm done...

OK I added the package to the directions for part 1. It is called:
linux-source-2.6.29-rc5_2.6.29-rc5-10.00.Custom_all.deb

That should take care of the problem after using Part 1: quick & easy way with needing source installed for the NVIDIA drivers. This was a brainfart on my part, I should've done this earlier, my apologies.

 

I am trying the guide again, I will report in when complete, Thank-you for all you help and hosting!

UPDATE:
No Joy, get this error when trying to install the NVIDIA drivers

Code:

Unable to find the kernel source tree for the currently running kernel. Please make sure you have installed the kernel source files for your kernel and that they are properly configured; on Red Hat Linux systems, for example, be sure you have the 'kernel-source' or 'kernel-devel' RPM installed. If toy know the correct kernel source files are installed, you may specify the kernel source path with the '--kernel-source-path' command line option.

I tried to unpack the source package wile in the state after reboot before login in root and still no go

 

Yea there's another step I forgot in there, you need to expand the kernel source tarball...

as root:

Code:

cd /usr/src
tar jxvf linux-source-2.6.29-rc5.tar.bz2

I will add that to the guide in a sec

Edit: If it still doesn't work, run the nvidia installer like this:

Code:

./NVIDIA-Linux-x86-180.29-pkg1.run --kernel-source-path=/usr/src/linux-2.6.29-rc5

 

Ok, I did a fresh install, and still no luck with the driver. I decided to try to compile from source, that has failed to compile. the error message is as follows:

Code:

lguest.c:34:18: error: zlib.h: No such file or directory
make[1]: *** [lguest] Error 1
make[1]: leaving directory '/usr/src/linux-2.6.29-rc5/Documentation/lguest'
make: *** [debian/stamp/build/kernel] Error 2

I had no idea what I was doing wrong. the deb packages unpack fine including the source decompression, but the NVIDIA driver error's out with the following even after pointing it to the specific directory

Code:

ERROR: the kernel header file
'/usr/src/linux-source-2.6.29-rc5/include/linux/version.h' does not exist. the most likely reason for this is that the kernel source files on '/usr/src/linux-source-2.6.29-rc5' have not been configured.

but when I point it to the errored out linux-2.6.29-rc5 (the one from the kernel website) it installed without a hitch. also you my need to rename the xorg.conf file that is downloaded from your site as follows

Code:

cp xorg.conf.txt xorg.conf

I may edit/add/redo after I sleep some

 

straight-up debian (lenny)

 

OK
Now that we sorted out the missing sources, what about the "/lib/modules/2.6.29-rc4-core2/build/" dir. To be honest, I dont know what this even is or how to fix it.

When trying to compile the webcam drivers from the how-to here, I get

Code:

 file not found  /lib/modules/2.6.29-rc4-core2/build/.config at ... 

That dir doesnt exist.

 

COMPIZ and EMERALD working great with the packages from

Code:

deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/shames/debian-lenny/desktopfx/unstable/ ./

**above is for your sources.list file

they are version 0.7.9 (and have emerald...unlike 0.7.6 currently in official lenny repo)

 

It's looking for rc4, the current kernel is rc5, so maybe you need to install rc5

 

You probably need to delete the directory and compile from clean source... something got dirty.

So it worked with my source package?

That's what the -O option is for on wget... it's there in the howto

 

I have the rc4 kernel installed...not the rc5...it wouldnt know about a new kernel out on the internet, would it? it throws this error when I try 'make all' for the patched uvc drivers. what is the "build" directory?

EDIT: Nevermind...
Go to http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/How_to_build_from_Mercurial
and read the errata... it had exactly my problem.

Code:

 cd /lib/modules/`uname -r`
 sudo rm build
 sudo ln -s /usr/src/linux-headers-`uname -r` build

 

I am no longer going to post kernel packages and I have deleted Part 1 'the easy way' from the howto guide.

It is too much headache all around, ironically. My apologies for any inconvenience this has caused or may cause for anyone. Please compile your own kernel.

If anyone needs to remove my latest kernel packages (to replace with your own kernel), here is the procedure (make sure this isn't your only installed kernel!):

Code:

dpkg -r linux-image-2.6.29-rc5
dpkg -r linux-headers-2.6.29-rc5
dpkg -r linux-source-2.6.29-rc5
rm -rf /lib/modules/2.6.29-rc5/

 

hey I was thinking when compiling the kernel wouldn't it speed up performance if you add "--arch i686" or "--arch i386" ? I know in some cases it helps where as others(like MS.NET) it doesn't because the file is pretty much well always multi-arch

 

When you use make-kpkg all that is automated anyway.

We just had a bit of debate over 686 vs Core 2, and using Core 2 is better I guess.

 

Oh so I guess if you wanted to compile it for another computer(dunno why you would wanna do this on atom, when core i7 does it in 18 minutes(without stripping(i've tested it >:] )) you can specify the target arch?

 

Yeah, whatever is selected from the .config for the architecture... you can cross-compile for sure. Well with the exception that you can cross compile from x64 to x32 but not the other way around, for obvious reasons, hehe.

 

Yay that means no more waiting 1-2hours for compiling !!!

btw if your processor supports x64, can you still cross-compile if your O/S is 32bit?

 

Yeah, totally, if you've got another linux box there's absolutely no reason to pull teeth by compiling on the Atom

You can cross compile for a 32 bit target, but to compile for a 64 bit target you need a 64 bit OS.

Edit:

Also if you are on a 64-bit distro you will need to install ia32-libs beforehand

BTW for cross-compilation, since your host machine may be running the same kernel version you want to compile for the N10, it's best to make a separate directory under /usr/src like /usr/src/linux-2.6.29-rc5-n10 and then when you make-kpkg do something like this to differentiate the .deb package names (unless you move them out of the way beforehand from /usr/src):

Code:

fakeroot make-kpkg --initrd --append-to-version=-n10 kernel_image kernel_headers

Then the .debs will have -n10 appended to their name to differentiate them so that you don't overwrite the host's kernel .debs

It'd be best to make a tarball of the source directory and copy that over to the N10 instead of using the kernel_source target for make-kpkg. I used the kernel_source target and it ended up being a headache. So copy both the kernel-image and kernel-headers .debs, and then make a tarball of the entire /usr/src/linux-2.6.29rc5-n10 directory and extract it to the n10's /usr/src/linux-2.6.29rc5

 

basic question...if we remove and replace the kernel, will we have to recompile drivers like for the webcam and NVidia card?

 

Yes to both. Sorry about that.

 

roger that. no problem...how do we remove the previous nvidia and webcam drivers (I know we need to restore the old xorg.conf prior to removal...but how to "uninstall"??)

 

The steps I posted above, this one takes care of that:

Code:

rm -rf /lib/modules/2.6.29-rc5/

Technically the nvidia doesn't have to be completely removed. It'll say a previous installation was found and you just say OK and it'll overwrite the old files. It's safe.

If you want to make uninstall from the camera driver source directory, that's probably good too.

Edit: Oh yeah, if you are on my older kernel package replace rc5 with the version you're on... if you want to uninstall the kernel. If you are on an earlier kernel than rc5 you don't need to worry about uninstalling anything, and can just follow the howto guide to build a new kernel, then reinstall nvidia and recompile the camera drivers etc... it's equivalent to a kernel upgrade.

For example if you are on rc4-core2 (my previous build), the procedure to remove it would be:

Code:

dpkg -r linux-image-2.6.29-rc4-core2
dpkg -r linux-headers-2.6.29-rc4-core2
rm -rf /lib/modules/2.6.29-rc4/

 

that makes sense. Thanks. I've been a 100% linux user for a few years now, just now getting into my own kernels.

 

Yeah sorry about the kernel packages, I thought it was a good idea to save time but it ended up having the opposite effect... oh well. The howto is back to the way it originally was now. I'll leave the packages up for a few more days just in case anyone needs them for one reason or another, but at the end of the week I'll be pulling them.

 

do not update, it breaks things!

 

Er what? What breaks things?

Edit: Maybe you're talking about upgrading the kernel breaking the nvidia drivers... Every time you change the kernel you have to reinstall the NVIDIA drivers, that is nothing unusual.

Also, you could be talking about my kernel packages, which I've removed due to a number of problems. Please make a note that you will need to compile the kernel yourself from now on.

If you are talking about something else please post some detail! LOL

 

I cannot load into GDM, I can delete the xorg.conf and it loads in a semi low graphics mode (seems like 16 bit colour). I tried to reinstall the NVIDIA driver and replace the xorg.conf with the one you (groceries) provided and no luck. I will post the exact message after class. it says something like the greeting manager failed to load, or something to that effect

UPDATE:
the error it gives is the following:

The greeter application appears to be crashing. Attempting to use a different one.

the only option is OK, and it is cyclic, after clicking ok, screen flashes and same message pops up. I cannot start GDM without deleting the xorg.conf, also, the one that NVIDIA drivers produces does not work.

 

OK, you're following part 2 exactly as I wrote it?

After you boot, hit CTRL+ALT+F1 and log in as root into the text console.

You need to stop GDM first, /etc/init.d/gdm stop

Then run the nvidia installer. Then copy my xorg.conf.

Then start gdm again, /etc/init.d/gdm restart

All should be well. If not let me know which step you are having a problem with. Nobody else is having this problem.

Edit: Also make sure your switch is on on the left of the case, maybe you're switched to intel graphics. It's the rear switch. Make sure it's set to ON.

You can do a lspci | grep nVidia if nothing shows up this is your problem.

 

I am still using the kernel that you provided. I am going to start fresh (again) and this time compile my own kernel. I think that I broke my install because I had updated and unknown to me I had my graphics switch set for the Intel chip, so when I set the computer to reboot, it rebooted using the Intel chip. And I had followed the Guide, going into console before login and stopping the GDM and what-not. I know, I am special in that I always seem to do stuff the wrong way . But it's not too bad, I sill have another working ubuntu partition, so all is not lost. I will report back when I finish tonight! Thank-you Groceries for all of you help

 

Ah, yes, that is definitely my fault. My kernel packages weren't the best idea it turned out, again my apologies. I posted the procedure here for how to remove them. Let me know if you run into problems, and sorry again for the problems with my kernel packages

Edit on 2/20: I've removed the kernel packages entirely now. Added a section under tweaks & tips about IPv6 lookups.

 

No worries! I would have never even gotten this far with out your help! and remember, its not about the destination... its the bug's that you encounter on the way.

 

If you are running Debian Sid, DO NOT apt-get upgrade right now... it has totally broken my Gnome desktop on my G50V, luckily I didn't upgrade yet on my N10J, but I'm having a heck of a time trying to fix these problems. There are more details here and here. I will update this post when I've either found solutions to all of the problems or the packages get fixed.

Debian bug ticket

I got gutsy and updated my N10J, and it broke everything just the same.

The bug is closed now, and there are packages in the experimental branch that resolve the issue.

 

anyone got the mic working? there is no "mic boost" in alsamixer or kmix...and I have two mics there "mic" and "front mic". neither seem to do much

 

The mic works fine for me on Debian, for Ubuntu I think this tweak is needed. Obviously make sure it's not muted in alsamixer

You can also try this tweak if the other one doesn't work. Both require a reboot.

Edit: Also, I'm showing 12dB of gain on alsamixer...

 

I originally added:

Code:

options snd-hda-intel position_fix=1 model=3stack-6ch-dig

into alsa-base
from somewhere in this thread...it gives me somewhat quiet sound from the speakers (even with all maxed out)...will try the other options instead and see if that works.

I dont have ubuntu...i am running pure lenny with kde/compiz. what option line are you using?

 

I'm not using any option line, just the stock config file works fine for me. I'm on sid with the custom kernel.

 

Ok. with no option specified in alsa-base, I get no mics.

With the one I posted above, (supposedly for enabling the spdif output) the speakers work as do both mics...the problem is that the gain on the built in mic is 12 and it wont pick me up unless I scream!

With the first option you posted above I get a more limited selection of devices than the option I posted...but still no mike boost...I do however now get left-right channels for the master (not that I ever split them). The mics work (they are called different things) but same problem. The built in mic only goes to +12 and will not pick me up. It will pick up me blowing on the mic...and possibly screaming like a freight train. Will have to keep fiddling with it.

 

With my gain at 0 I can hear myself talking into the mic perfectly clearly... again I'm on Sid (unstable), so maybe it has something to do with a newer ALSA package.

Edit: Updated howto for 2.6.29-rc6

 

For me on ubuntu Intrepid mics work fine with no tweaks.
edit: well at least the built in mic, havn't tried the external yet.

 

yeah, after a reboot, it said that I had to run in low-graphics mode, because the X Server wasn't running or something like that. So I restarted it in Terminal, hopefully it will stay that way. Anyways, my sound is acting up all of a sudden? When I login it plays the startup for a second, and then there isn't anything after? I tried playing a video on youtube, and it sounds like it's trying to let out the sound, but it doesn't! Sorry if that's confusing, but I can't seem to fix it!

 

If this works "out of the box" then what is the section in Part 0 about getting sound to work all about? I am confused . . .