Ive posted requests for ethernet autoconnect and USB pendrive automount, and already got some good feedback and information. Patriot has written an ethernet autodetect script that Im keen to test/be tested, and Ive got a lot more information (much from mikeb) as to where to apply the late nights and coffee to fix the USB problem.
The Puppy Version Im using at the moment is 4.2.1, with Firefox (my ecofox 2.0.0.20 from Ecopup 2.15ce that Ive transposed over), as well as gyachi, amsn 0.98 and skype 2.0. These are "all the applications needed for daily use". Ive also modified the startup script not to run the xorgwizard (by renaming /usr/sbin/xorgwizard to /usr/sbin/xorgwizard2
). Im not sure if this has contributed to the problems autodetecting sound that you are having chris. The Alsa sound wizard is still in there unster Start>Setup, which should fix your sound problems. Essentially, I believe disabling hardware profiling may have caused the sound detections routines not to run at bootup.This really doesnt amount to that much development and testing of the puppy setup itself, most of my time has been spent getting my head around the netbooting concept, as well as finalising the hardware required, and dealing with wiring problems at the cybercafe itself (which has caused most of the problems so far). I wouldnt recommend the setup for commercial use as yet. Chris I think you might be better off showing your friend Ecopup for the time being.
Anyhow, I recieved via text while I was on holiday that the cybercafe is all systems go and has been functioning fine without my intervention for the last five days. The 100% puppy setup seems to be stable, so next time I am over there I will release and upload what I have done so far.
@ Ttuuxxx
Ive been keeping up with the 2.14X project, and been impressed so far. I understand the strategy of using an older kernel, updated with the latest drivers and libraries is a good strategy for supporting the widest range of hardware possible (I learned this from this thread). I also understand that with Puppy Linux aiming to be a "just works" distro for "Linux 'Newbies", it should steer clear of bleeding edge kernels/software in favour of the tried and tested.
From my tests with 2.14X I am convinced of its technical stability, speed, and its ability to run on a wider range of hardware. For this reason I have already been looking at it as a candidate for the system in use by the cybercafe. Although the computers at the Immingham cybercafe are high spec, I want the system as a whole to be able to operate on much lower spec equipment than that currently being used.
Judging by the current dominance of much less efficient, expensive and unstable operating systems, speed, stability and cost are only small parts of the bigger picture of what it takes to create a successful operating system. Ive spent four years now distributing, demonstrating and supplying Puppy Linux based systems, and listening closely to the feedback I've received from the people using it. Overwhelmingly they say that, although they appreciate the speed, stability and cost, it is far too difficult, complicated, and cumbersome for them to use on a day to day basis as their main OS. Overall I estimate the "retention rate" is only around 30%...for every three people that try it, two people return to using Windows. What is needed is "just works" simplicity, with a shallow learning curve to attain basic computer functionality, and no assumptions of any prior linux knowledge.
The infuriating thing is, the changes necessary to achieve this are, technically, very easy to accomplish....wizards and autosetups...changes in terminology, error messages, context sensitive help etc. This is the main area in which Puppy needs to improve to become more widely used, recycle more older equipment and give more people access to the hugely beneficial resources of the internet. Ubuntu (notwithstanding its unreliability, time to install, and hardware requirements) addresses many of these things, so I know it is possible with Puppy too.
In short, I believe Puppy 2.14X, 4.2.1, dup or whatever FAR from being "finished" in terms of meeting its objectives.
The aim of the Mission project is to research just exactly what is required so that people with no prior linux experience can try it, use it and like it. It is a testbed for new usability features and changes to Puppies user interface and wizards.
OK, Ttuuxxx, like I said, 2.14X is currently the frontrunner in terms of the stable foundations of the system that will be eventually booted. I have a few barriers that need to be surmounted before this can happen however.
1. For the "experiments" at the cybercafe to work, the "subjects" need to have no preconceptions, the system in use there therefore needs to be on first look to the untrained eye at least extremely "reminiscent" of another more widely used OS.
2. Currently were using a JAVA based billing system. I hope not to have this requirement soon which will mean that a system such as 2.14X with no java package can be used. This will also help lower the hardware requirements.
3. ATM, 2.14X does not currently have a netboot ability (although I believe I could add it).
4. Currently 2.14X (and in my opinion all puppies) does not contain enough programs for Communication/Instant Messaging, a very popular use of computers. I need to incorporate "on the fly" loading of additional SFS files over the network with NFS (using the routines in ChoicePup as a base perhaps).
5. At the moment, I know that the management of the cybercafe are happy(ish) with the setup they are using, so Im reluctant to change it just yet while I get these other issues resolved/researched. My personal circumstances means that I must get myself some kind of income, or I will again be marched off to the government work programme where I will be of no use to myself, society or Puppy Linux.
So, to answer your question I cant install 2.14X at the cybercafe in the short term, but in the future I would like to.If you would work on the usability issues weve already identified (graphical xorgwizard, pendrive mounting, and ethernet connectivity) then this would certainly much "improve" 2.14X considerably over previous puppies of any version number. I would be happy to work with you (or anyone) in achieving this.
Thanks for tuning in.
