two important issues

[Chad]

#1

I'm trying to move files to my usb flash drive but it keeps telling me no permission.

How do I create a folder on my usb drive via command line AND drag/drop via places > usb?

chad@Secured:~$ sudo mkdir /media/Backup
Password:
chad@Secured:~$ sudo chmod a+w /media/Backup
chad@Secured:~$ sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /media/Backup
mount: /dev/sdb1 already mounted or /media/Backup busy
mount: according to mtab, /dev/sdb1 is mounted on /media/Backups

#2

How do I upgrade my hardware drivers in Ubuntu 7, and yet how do I know IF I need to upgrade? I'm specifically referring to network, graphics. Sound is not working (5.1) via my SB Live 24 bit external, as dozens others are having this issue here

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=402650
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=419166

For one thing, my display is not as bright in linux as it is in Vista. Not sure why.

My networking always shows up as "restricted driver".

#3

Also, any way to do a complete Ubuntu system snapshot even if it is only a small partition created in Vista? For example, in Vista you can do the whole computer snapshot which I've done, took 2 DVD's. I'd like to do the same only on the Ubuntu partition. If possible, would I be able to restore that snapshot and entirely wiping out any current partitions on my laptop?

Specs:
Sony Vaio FE770G Laptop
Core 2 Duo 1.83GHz
2GB Memory
Creative Soundblaster Live! 24-bit External USB
Intel 945GM / 950 Chipset (graphics)
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection
15.4" Widescreen (1280x800)
Intellipoint Wireless Laser 6000 Mouse

[falko]

#1

I'm trying to move files to my usb flash drive but it keeps telling me no permission.

How do I create a folder on my usb drive via command line AND drag/drop via places > usb?

chad@Secured:~$ sudo mkdir /media/Backup
Password:
chad@Secured:~$ sudo chmod a+w /media/Backup
chad@Secured:~$ sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /media/Backup
mount: /dev/sdb1 already mounted or /media/Backup busy
mount: according to mtab, /dev/sdb1 is mounted on /media/Backups
What filesystem do you use on your USB drive? If it's NTFS: Linux cannot write to NTFS partitions unless you install ntfs-3g (take a look here: http://www.howtoforge.com/ubuntu_edgy_eft_ntfs_ntfs_3g
http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04_p6 )


#3

Also, any way to do a complete Ubuntu system snapshot even if it is only a small partition created in Vista? For example, in Vista you can do the whole computer snapshot which I've done, took 2 DVD's. I'd like to do the same only on the Ubuntu partition. If possible, would I be able to restore that snapshot and entirely wiping out any current partitions on my laptop?

Take a look at the tutorials in this section: http://www.howtoforge.com/taxonomy_menu/1/34
Something like Ghost4Linux, dd, or SystemImager should work for you.

[Chad]

Trying to install systemimager from this link (auto script) but it won't work
http://wiki.systemimager.org/index.php/Quick_Start_HOWTO#Download_the_required_packages

chad@Secured:~/systemimager$ ./install -v --download-only --tag stable --directory . systemconfigurator \ systemimager-client systemimager-common \ systemimager-i386boot-standard systemimager-i386initrd_template \ systemimager-server \ systemimager-bittorrent systemimager-flamethrower
Using pre-existing package list: ./stable.list
Downloading: http://dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/systemconfig/systemconfigurator-2.2.9-1.noarch.rpm...done!

ERROR: package " systemimager-client" does not exist in ./stable.list



I also installed ntfs-3g via Synaptic, then rebooted. I still get the same error "do not have permission" to write to usb.

[falko]

Trying to install systemimager from this link (auto script) but it won't work
http://wiki.systemimager.org/index.php/Quick_Start_HOWTO#Download_the_required_packages

chad@Secured:~/systemimager$ ./install -v --download-only --tag stable --directory . systemconfigurator \ systemimager-client systemimager-common \ systemimager-i386boot-standard systemimager-i386initrd_template \ systemimager-server \ systemimager-bittorrent systemimager-flamethrower
Using pre-existing package list: ./stable.list
Downloading: http://dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/systemconfig/systemconfigurator-2.2.9-1.noarch.rpm...done!

ERROR: package " systemimager-client" does not exist in ./stable.list


If you're on Ubuntu, you should try and follow these instructions: http://wiki.systemimager.org/index.php/HOWTO_Install_from_sources_on_a_Debian_system


I also installed ntfs-3g via Synaptic, then rebooted. I still get the same error "do not have permission" to write to usb.Did you modify /etc/fstab?

[Chad]

Thanks for the help.

Can someone please help me upgrade my drivers, or at least find out HOW I should know when new drivers are available?

I also want to know why my linux is not as bright/saturated (gamma?) as Vista. I want to make sure my setup is on 32bit, not 24bit. How can I figure this out?

chad@Secured:~$ lspci | grep VGA
00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/GMS/940GML Express Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 03)

I have a Sony Vaio laptop with 1280x800 widescreen

[till]

Can someone please help me upgrade my drivers, or at least find out HOW I should know when new drivers are available?

If the drivers are available in Ubuntu, you can get the latest updates with:

apt-get update
apt-get -u upgrade

or with the update application that shows when updates are available in the task bar.

If your drivers are third party drivers that you download from other websites then ubuntu, you will have to check these websites for updates manually.

But if your drivers work fine, you normally do not need to update them.

[Chad]

Ok, but here's the thing that concerns me. My intel wireless driver shows up as "restricted driver". What does that mean and how do I correct that?

[till]

Restricted driver maens, that the driver is not released as open source by intel. It does not mean that is resticted in functionality like a trial version or that it is not the optimal driver for your hardware.