This blog started out as an install log of RedHat 9 on a Compaq Presario 2538cl laptop (linuxpresario.blogspot.com) . However, I soon started to include little logs to myself when I made configuration changes to software, etc. So, I've moved it over to our domain, and changed its name to Linux Log. Here you will find some tips & tricks related to Linux configuration on a laptop, as well as software related things that I run into. I log here things that worked for me, of course, your mileage may vary.

Any questions/comments? E-mail me at linux_atsign_boshoff|za|net.

Streamlining

June 18, 2003

Tried today to do some power optimization. I've noticed that when leaving the laptop in Linux for some, after opening it it feels pretty warm, suggesting that even though the system is idle, a lot of power has been consumed. I guess the major one is the hard drive. So I downloaded hdparm and compiled it with make, make install. You can set all kinds of parameters, I just chose to spin down the hard drive after 5 minutes of inactivity. That should cut out the heat problem.

Also did some streamlining at start-up. I chkconfig'ed off the following deamons and services that I don't need:

1. apmd: Have acpid instead.
2. atd: This is the "at" deamon, which allows execution of commands at a later time. Not necessary.
3. crond: Don't have anything in cron, and can't imagine needing it on a machine that's not constantly on.
4. sendmail: Don't need to send mail from the system...

As far as my todo list is concerned, I now stand at:

1. Get the ACPI-patched kernel compiled to have battery status displayed in Gnome.
   
2. Get the winmodem to work.
   
3. Try to resolve the hang issues whenever firewire comes into the picture in Linux. (Latest kernel resolved that)
   
4. Resolve pcmcia issues. (Latest kernel resolved hang issues as well - haven't tested it yet though, don't have a pcmcia card).
   
5. Get the one-touch buttons to work, such as the Internet, e-mail etc. shortcut buttons.