Need some Linux help - Sharp Zaurus SL5500

Doomer

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 1999
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Just bought a Linksys WCF12 and I'm trying to get it working in My Linux powered SL500. I found a tutorial on how to do this but I need some lingo translation.

I'm supposed to use vi to edit the /etc/pcmcia/wlan-ng.conf file. Problem is I have no clue as to what or where "vi" is.

I tried using the text editor but there is no file open option so I guess I can't use that.

Any and all help much appreciated.

Thanks
 

rmrf

Platinum Member
May 14, 2003
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vi is a command line text editor.

what you need to do is go to a command line, and as root, type this command:

vi /etc/pcmcia/wlan-ng.conf

this will allow you to get into the file. to start typing, jut press the 'i' on the keyboard. to save your changes and exit, press the <esc> key twice and then ':wq' followed by enter. to exit without saving changes, press the <esc> key twice and then ':q!' followed by enter. as always, do not type the quotes.
 

Doomer

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 1999
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Thanks mrf.

I'm making progress. I can open the file and make the necessary entries but <esc> <esc> .wg don't save and exit. In fact, it totally screws it up by making duplicate lines of the last entry and when I exit terminal and try to load the file again it tells me it's busy. I have to cold boot to get back to it and of course I loose my sttings by doing so.

Any other help appreciated.
 

Doomer

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 1999
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I finally managed to get it to work. This is being typed on the tiny Zaurus keyboard. This will come in handy for those sudden trips to the library. :D
 

Spyro

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: Doomer
I finally managed to get it to work. This is being typed on the tiny Zaurus keyboard. This will come in handy for those sudden trips to the library. :D

Hey! Congrats! I's nice to know of a fellow zaurus user. I've already been through the whole thing though, so feel free to pm me if you have any problems with your zaurus.
 

Doomer

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 1999
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Thanks Spyro. i spent several hours getting it to work. The real pain came from the dinky keyboard which ain't much better than the on screen keyboard.

If you don't save and exit the file properly in vi, you'll never be able to access it again until you do a hard reset and when you do you loose everything and have to start over. Linux is proof that the devil is always in the details.

btw: have you upgraded to the new 3.1 ROM ? Is it worth it ? Thanks
 

Spyro

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2001
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Linux is proof that the devil is always in the details.

Until you set it up that is ;)

You might want to try openzaurus instead of the sharp rom, it makes installing applications a real easy with the package manager and TinyKate is much better to use for file editing because you're less likely to punch the wrong keys and screw something up. Even if you do stick to the Sharp OS you might wanna check out the Zaurus Software Index for ay programs you might want. And if you haven't already done it, upgrade to the latest sharp rom (or openzaurus, kompany, or any of the others). And check out Zaurus.com's forum too (I'm registered there under the same user name that I am here at AT).
 

Spyro

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2001
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btw: have you upgraded to the new 3.1 ROM ? Is it worth it ? Thanks
Words cannot express the improvements that Sharp made, the 2.38 rom just doesn't compare to 3.10, but I use openzaurus anyway, because I like the power and flexibility of it :)
 

Doomer

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 1999
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I'm registered there under the same user name that I am here at AT
It just dawned on me that I saw you over there. I'm slow this late at night. :D

I just DL'ed the latest ROM but I'm going to wait until tomorrow to tackle it. This thing's been more of a toy than a tool. It's probably not the best way to learn Linux but it's fun.
 

robisc

Platinum Member
Oct 13, 1999
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I agree with the above posts, 3.1 ROM was a MAJOR improvement, the wireless worked "our of the box" for me with 3.1.
 

Spyro

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: Doomer
I'm registered there under the same user name that I am here at AT
It just dawned on me that I saw you over there. I'm slow this late at night. :D

I just DL'ed the latest ROM but I'm going to wait until tomorrow to tackle it. This thing's been more of a toy than a tool. It's probably not the best way to learn Linux but it's fun.

Yep, when you first get a Zaurus it is a really wonderful plaything, but after it gets setup it really is more like a tiny linux box. I've had an Aero 1550 and a Palm m500, but the Zaurus is my favorite PDA because it really isn't one :). Of course if you want something that has better PIM apps then a palm or pocket pc is for you, but if you want the full power of linux in your pocket then get yourself a Zaurus.

BTW, sharp does have that ROM installation software for windows PCs, but, either way you do it, just make sure that you follow the instructions very carefully.
 

Doomer

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 1999
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I update to the 3.10 ROM and now my CF card has gone MIA. Is there something I need to do to get the Zaurus to see it ?

It's a Simpletech 256mb.

Worked fine before the update. :(