I have recently setup RedHat 8.0 on two separate laptops, the Toshiba
3020CT and the Toshiba 320CT. This explains how to install without
a local cdrom. Perhaps, these instructions will help someone else who
is doing the same thing.
I opted for the network install, because I didn't have access to a CDROM
which could connect via a PCMCIA adapter. The install required two
floppies (boot and driver) and a network connection using a PCMCIA
ethernet adapter. Luckily, the network adapter I was using was
recognized by the driver floppy and I didn't have to make any other
modifications.
Here are the steps I followed for the 3020CT (320CT similar):
1. Updated system BIOS to latest version for the 3020CT.
2. Made floppies to use for the install:
a. Boot floppy uses /images/pcmcia.img.
b. Driver disc uses /images/pcmciadd.img
3. Started setup using floppy:
linux dd
4. Proceeded to finish of setup. Setup proceeded flawlessly!
Because the hardware is similar on both the 320CT and 3020CT, I used this
as an opportunity to "clone" the setup from the first system. I wanted
to test this-- even if the setup took more time than the automatic
install. I used the same floppies as before.
Here are the steps I followed for the 320CT:
1. Updated system BIOS to latest version for 320CT.
2. Used floppies from prior install:
a. Boot floppy uses /images/pcmcia.img.
b. Driver disc uses /images/pcmciadd.img
3. Started setup using floppy:
linux dd rescue
4. Executed preliminary steps:
a. Assigned 320CT IP address: 192.168.1.10
b. Partitioned and formatted new drive
c. Mounted and created these directories:
mkdir proc
mkdir tmp
mkdir mnt
5. Manually restored backup of 3020CT to 320CT, using "netcat" as simple
client/server application:
a. On 320CT, initiate file restore:
cd /tmp/hda1
nc -l -p 1234 | gzip -cd | tar -xvpf -
b. On another network workstation, initiate data transfer of backup
file:
cat 3020.tgz | nc -w 3 192.168.1.10 1234
6. Executed final setup steps:
a. Fixed OS loader, setup swap partition, and checked /etc/fstab
b. Unmounted new drive and rebooted.
c. At first boot, kudzu noticed the video has "changed" and reset
X configuration. (The video does not use the same chipset on the
320CT as on the 3020CT.)
Other notes about these systems:
RedHat 8.0 works fine, but the performance is not super. The
hardware (especially memory) may be limiting performance. The RH8.0 box
states that the minimum RAM for graphics mode is 128M (192M recommended)-
so technically these systems are "out-of-spec." Here are the system specs:
3020CT System--
CPU: 300MHz Pentium, Memory: 64M, Disc: 6G, Video: Neo chipset (800x600)
320CT System--
CPU: 266MHz Pentium, Memory: 64M, Disc: 4G, Video: C & T chipset (800x600)
The on-board sound works with some manual tweaking and does not always
play "smoothly." Also, the fonts (in X) are noticably better on the
3020CT.
The 3020CT was one of the first powerful, small form factor laptops. My
experience using this system is mostly positive. Here are some notes
specifically about the 3020CT:
Plusses:
1. Common software works great: Mozilla, gftp, pan, gedit work fine.
2. RedHat 8.0's anti-aliased X fonts look great!
3. X works with virtual desktop 1024x768 (or larger).
4. Good looking fonts and color contrast in "blue curve" theme.
5. USB works (reads and writes to digital camera out-of-box).
Minor annoyances:
1. It runs fairly warm-- even the top of the keyboard can be warm.
2. The keyboard is a bit small and typing can be tricky.
3. Long startup for open office (system has a dated CPU and limited
memory).
4. At times, there are some noticable lags when redrawing the screen.
5. Disc controller not using Ultra-DMA mode and this may be slowing the
system.
Summary
RedHat 8.0 could be used to extend the life of these systems, especially
the 3020CT. If these systems are being discarded, consider installing
RH 8.0 and giving to someone with a beginning interest in Linux. The
small form factor is very appealing to a lot of users.
-Douglas Mayne
