Problem Computer (Both Linux and Windows!)
The media center desktop that my parents bought a few months ago has continually given us trouble. One of the optical drives "disappeared" in Windows, some of the software doesn't interoperate nicely, and Linux rarely runs on it at all!
Linux often stalls during boot. Another problem is that the few Linux distros that finally boot don't detect or mount the hard drive. Lastly, I haven't managed to get the tv tuner card or IR remote control to work. I need Linux to do all of these things on this computer, to justify using it for hardware analysis, file manipulation (especially movie converting), and TV recording. My pool of distros has been limited to liveCD/DVDs, because my parents don't want Linux installed yet. And, wildly reaching for a fix, I gave up 32-bit versions for the few and not-standard-yet 64-bit distros. Very occasional success with this pool, and I think I'll go back to 32-bits, because the 64-bits have the same issues with booting and HDD, and it's not like 64-bit computers can't run 32-bit operating systems!
I just found more information that shines a light on the stupid problems. Seems some special boot cheatcodes are needed to work around the motherboard chipset or SATA controller. Next time, I'll try disabling APIC or sata during boot, or in the BIOS.
Another deep breath to regain composure...
Linux often stalls during boot. Another problem is that the few Linux distros that finally boot don't detect or mount the hard drive. Lastly, I haven't managed to get the tv tuner card or IR remote control to work. I need Linux to do all of these things on this computer, to justify using it for hardware analysis, file manipulation (especially movie converting), and TV recording. My pool of distros has been limited to liveCD/DVDs, because my parents don't want Linux installed yet. And, wildly reaching for a fix, I gave up 32-bit versions for the few and not-standard-yet 64-bit distros. Very occasional success with this pool, and I think I'll go back to 32-bits, because the 64-bits have the same issues with booting and HDD, and it's not like 64-bit computers can't run 32-bit operating systems!
I just found more information that shines a light on the stupid problems. Seems some special boot cheatcodes are needed to work around the motherboard chipset or SATA controller. Next time, I'll try disabling APIC or sata during boot, or in the BIOS.
Another deep breath to regain composure...