[Omega_Shadow]

...bug the Linux gurus some more

Ok, most of you might be thinking something along the lines of "Oh, god. No him again". And in retrospect I deserve that. But please believe me when I say that this time it will be easy: just a few things I want to learn how to do, and some of them should be pretty basic.

The reason for this post is that I am diving completely into Linux. No more going back to windows when I can't figure something out. I am in this to make Mandriva my Primary OS. NO BACKING DOWN THIS TIME!!
I was inspired to do this after jiml8 told me how to get out of dephell, along with the fact that I was finally able to listen to my music on a linux OS using a Media-Library type program, something I used to go to windows to do all the time.


Alright, enough chatting. Down to the questions!


1. Installation of FireFox / Thunderbird
I am well aware that FireFox comes with MDriva06. However, it is an outdated version (1.0.6). I wish to install FF 1.5. I notice when I unpak the file I get from Modzilla, I get a fully working directory on my desktop. How do I install this? Do I move the folder somewhere else? Do I have to edit something? What should I do?
I also want to install Thunderbird. Should I follow the same instructions?

2. Mounting My Iriver flash MP3 Player (T-30).
In the Media player I use, amaroK, there is a panel that lets you connect to your MP3 player to transfer songs. In the setup it asks for a mount and unmount command. My player connects Via USB. What would the mount commands be? Also, if someone out there is feeling winded could you explain Mounts and just the overall file system of Linux? Every time I think I understand it I get confused again.

3. That friggin star is driving me nuts!!!
I must ask this every time I install a distro. I know it's purely cosmetic, but is there any way to get rid of that freaking star on the taskbar?! I dont care if It gets changed to text, just as long as that star goes bye-bye!!


Well, thats it for now exept for a few minor things I am trying to figure out on my own. Thanx you guys!

[tsunam]

2) mount /dev/sda1 should be what you are looking for, and umount /dev/sda1 for unmounting.

3) star?

[johnny_frog]

We're all here to learn.... all my (very limited) linux experience comes from trial and error and asking questions.
So if someone else is stuck with something that I can help with then I'm glad to help...

1. Personally I usually unpack in /usr/local/bin and then change the propoperties of the desktop launcher to point at the location of the new firefox file.

This means that the .firefox file on my desktop doesn't get touched so all my bookmarks etc. are untouched. Same goes for thunderbird.

The original versions that came with FC4 are still on my drive somewhere... I just don't use them.

3. By star I assume you're talking about the icon on the taskbar... Can't you edit that through the theme preferances....

Again I'm looking at FC4 rather than MDriva but under preferences, you can change the theme, and the theme details, this lets you change the icon set used. I can change the redhat to the gnome foot for example.

[Omega_Shadow]

Thanx Guys!
tsunam, I tryed "mount /dev/sda1" and "/dev/sda1". Even tried those with "2" insted of "1". Got a "Device not found". If it helps I have about four USB ports.

johnny_frog
Reply to One: Ok, that makes sense. I was thinking about doing that but wasnt sure if it would screw something up that way.

Reply to Three: Over here in MDriva, I have been searching high and low in the settings for a way to change that star! I may have overlooked something though. I use KDE- could you point me in the direction of the preferances you spoke of? Thanx

[prunejuice]

1. Install 1.5 in the directory currently housing 1.0.6. Settings will not change. I did this yesterday.

2. Set up an AUTOMOUNT feature for your MP3. I did for mine.
I can't exactly remember how I did it, but it wasn't difficult, and well worth it.

3. Ummm...I like the star! I know you can change the background colour.

Right click the star
Panel menu
Configure panel
Appearance

[Omega_Shadow]

Automount, huh? I have no clue how to even begin to do that. Could you remember anything? Maybe a few of the commands?

Ok, you might like the star but is clashes with the rest of my color scheme! But I must admit that "Textured background behind icon" look is pretty cool.

[prunejuice]

Mandriva should AUTOMOUNT by default, but if it doesn't, try this:

mkdir /mnt/usb
mount -t vfat /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb

[Omega_Shadow]

I am guessing: type that in konsole under root?

mount: special device /dev/sda1 does not exist

[prunejuice]

Yeah, as root.

Did you do this:
mkdir /mnt/usb
first?

[lynch]

Originally Posted by Omega_Shadow

I am guessing: type that in konsole under root?

mount: special device /dev/sda1 does not exist

I had issues with Mandriva seeing my 2 sata drives and ended up adding this to my /etc/rc.d/rc.local file:

/etc/init.d/harddrake restart
mknod /dev/sda1 b 8 1
mknod /dev/sdb1 b 16 1
mount -t reiserfs /dev/sda1 /mnt/data1
mount -t reiserfs /dev/sdb1 /mnt/data2

If the " mount: special device /dev/sda1 does not exist" message is repeated, (as root) you can try this command:

mknod /dev/sda1 b 8 1

That should create the special device. Then try the other command(s) suggested by prunejuice.
HTH
lynch

[Omega_Shadow]

mount: /dev/sda1 is not a valid block device

Oh, no. Not this again....

[prunejuice]

Okay, if you did this:

mkdir /mnt/usb

...see if the directory actually exists here:

file:/mnt

...when the device is plugged in.

[saikee]

do a

fdisk -l

and all the devices and partitions known by the Linux will be in front of your eyes

[Omega_Shadow]

Originally Posted by prunejuice

Okay, if you did this:

mkdir /mnt/usb

...see if the directory actually exists here:

file:/mnt

...when the device is plugged in.

Of course I did that prunejuice. Do you think I would actualy type in only half the commands you gave me

I checked and the USB dir does exist. No mater if my Mp3 player is connected or not


IMPORTANT EDIT>
I was in windows for a tad and tried to connect to my Mp3 player. I couldnt. After some troubleshooting I found that the cord has a short in it. I will replace the cord then we can start from the top on that one.

[Omega_Shadow]

ok, mounting the MP3 will have to wait.

I noticed my system is slugish compaired to windows. Are there any settings or tweeks I should preform? I had driver problems with my ATI 9600, could that still be a problem? Any way to turn off services I dont use like I do in windows? Thanx