Solaris : Why is it so difficult ?

[harnaud]

Hi all;
a newbie who used Linux decided to migrate on UNIX System > SolariS.
And now, Sadness .
A dozain of video cards supported.
Of course, my Riva 128 ZX neither my GeForce4 are in this list.
Many and many hours looking for any informations above that, and nothing.
I don't know what to do.
Put the Cds in the garbage.
Cry, my head between my knee.
You're my last chance to discover Solaris 9 on my PC.
Thx for your help.

 

[jad]

ok ...

you could probably get the 'Xsun + Xfree86' patch to work the video cards ...

http://solaris-x86.org/software/drivers/video-comparison.mhtml

has links ...

http://sunsolve.sun.com/pub-cgi/findPatch.pl?patchId=112786

might also be needed ...

and

http://www.bolthole.com/solaris/x86-laptops.html

is for laptops, but it has links on it that might help with graphics.

hope some of this helps ... Solaris really is a good Unix OS, and it's worth getting to know

 

[harnaud]

Jad, thx for your answer.
But I guess, the patch will be applied after the installation.
In my case, the installation aborts because an unknown element : my famous video card.
I follow your links, and I believe I've to install solaris on my Pc before apply the patch.
Isn't it?
Thx a lot.
Harnaud

 

[jad]

yes ... but you can (if you really need to) install in VGA (16 colour) with panning mode ...

i think that if you cancel the graphics identification it will also give you a command-line install that isn't half bad.

 

[harnaud]

It's EXACTLY the origin of my problem.
I chose the VGA mode ( 16 colors), and my system halted.
I chose any configuration else in the Solaris list, with the same result.
I am unable to continue the installation after Solaris checked my graphic card.
And for a newbie like me, it's a real nightmare....
Harnaud

 

[jad]

understood ... if when you get to the screen that has 'F3' to exit without saving changes ... or if you can 'F3' before that it takes you into the command line install ... you should be able to work happily in this, then patch up afterwards.

no mouse support for the command line, but arrow keys and tab's work on the keyboard.

 

[harnaud]

OK.
I try and I'll be back to let you know if it works or not.
Tks.

 

[harnaud]

Here I am.
Unsecessful installation.
Bad SID , is the message obtained after reboot.
I reboot and every time the same message.
Two choices offer to me.
Get a video card compatible with Solaris ( GeForce II, for example) or Stay on Mandrake Linux.
Thx you for your patience as if it did'nt work .
Harnaud

 

[kumsaga]

Try installing using command line and after installiation you can install patches .

 

[harnaud]

All steps of this installation are made in command line.
I use The Solaris CD " Install Cd".
2 other CD Disk1 and Disk2 have been used, but I didn't succes no more.
May be an error in the steps of installation?

 

[jad]

ok ... if i remember correctly in x86 ... for me

boot to cd ...
1) get the device configuration page.
F2, F2, F2, CD, <space>, F2
1 (interactive mode)
0 ('C' keyboard)
0 ('C' language)

then at this point it goes back to a blue screen that checks for graphics card ... hit 'F3' to cancel this and it should stay in command line ... if you go any further it will try to interrogate the graphics card.

 

[harnaud]

Tkx for your support.
I try now, and make you a reply.
Harnaud

 

[harnaud]

I got it !!!
Thx a lot !!
I've always the error because of video card (just Warning), but I got finally Solaris on my Pc, and it's wonderful.
A last question.
I followed the Jad's links, and I'am a little smoked by all that.
Is it a simple way to apply the patch (X11, I believe) in order to set up the server X ?
A great Thx to all for your support.
Harnaud !!!!!!

 

[harnaud]

The last one.
My keyboard is in english mode, and i want to set up in the french one.
Do you know the steps to reconfigure it ?
ThX !!!!

 

[jad]

umm ... the 'kdmconfig' command will set it up, at least when the graphical display is up ... but kdmconfig is the graphical thing that causes your machine currently to hang

if you get the patch from the internet onto that machine you should be able to 'patchadd -d <directory patch is in> <patch>' to add a patch.

really hope it works for you

Jon

 

[harnaud]

You're right.
I'm unable to set up 'kdmconfig' because of my video card.
I'll try one of the patchs you submmit me.
I'll give you a feedback.
Thx.
Harnaud