Intalling VMware 6.0 in Linux

I found this link which give me some instructions with what to do to get the rpm from VMware into something that can be installed using the package manager.

http://glyphobet.net/blog/?p=10

sudo apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r) build-essential gcc-3.4

I have to have the Ubuntu install disk to do this. Wonderful.

Media change: please insert the disc labeled
'Ubuntu 7.10 _Gutsy Gibbon_ - Release i386 (20071016)'
in the drive '/cdrom/' and press enter

Have to install 'fakeroot' using the Synaptic Package Manager.

Have to install 'alien' using the Synaptic Package Manager.

fakeroot alien VMware-workstation-6.0.*.rpm

Remember to exit package manager before running command.

sudo dpkg -i vmwareworkstation_6.0.*.deb

Edit /etc/vmware/locations as root and add the following three lines:

1. Just after

   answer BINDIR /usr/bin

   add

   answer SBINDIR /usr/sbin

2. Just after

   remove_answer BINDIR
   answer BINDIR /usr/bin

   add

   remove_answer SBINDIR
   answer SBINDIR /usr/sbin

Bad news, there is no locations file.

The other instructions I see are for using the tar file.

yeh!!! I found the locations file in the install folder.

Doing edits and than coping it to the specified location.

Next problem. The locations file already contains the line they are asking me to add.

Also the second part they ask me to add is not present.

Leaving the locations file alone and just copying it to the location mentioned.

sudo cp locations /etc/vmware/

Next problem. The config file is not where it is suppose to be.

Spoke with Steve and there are some problem with converting rpm packages.

He recommends that I use the TAR file.

Cleanup the install.

This was a little painful but I think I have un-installed the package.

First I had to find out what the package was:

sudo dpkg --info vmwareworkstation_6.0.2-59825_i386.deb

Next I had to purge it:

sudo dpkg -p vmwareworkstation

It seems I have done things in the wrong order. I believe that I first need to remove and than purge.

sudo dpkg -r vmwareworkstation

Even doing a remove followed by a purge I still see configuration files.

I am going to do a find and remove by had the files the are still present.

I believe that there are lot of VMware related file in my user directory from when I was playing with VMware before.

Looks like I may already have the TAR file.

I am punting on this for the moment and going back to XP. If I can.

Linux Dual Monitors

Following this Ubuntu HOWTO: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=221174

I am going to use the ATI BigDesktop.

Need to install the restricted ATI driver.

Backing Up

Backed up the new Linux root folder '/' to the external drive and 'backups/hda6.tar'

This doesn't contain all the updates, but that should not be a problem.

Preparing for the dual screen setup.

Looking to the Future

I would like to upgrade my portable.

This look like a good system: Aspire AS7520-5757

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0278965

1. Expands to 4GB of memory.
2. Takes the newer SATA drives.
3. 17" screen
4. NVIDIA video
5. Gigabit Ethernet
6. 4 USB ports
7. weight is 7.41 lbs.
8. Price is 699.99 from more than one place.

This is new, but if I can find this system refurbished in about a year or two the price should drop a lot. Maybe down to around 4 to 5 hundred.

Finally Working

Found the missing driver on the Gateway site while trying to install ALL the recommended Gateway drivers. This has been a real pain.

Still Not Working

I believe I have the right sound file but it will not run.

I have down loaded it 3 times.

Once from here: ftp://ftp.gateway.com/pub/hardware_support/drivers/win_xp/portable/mx6000/

However, it will not start.

It is from New Boundary Technologies file version 5.0.0.0 date create 9/27/06

Sound Driver from Gateway

Daniel M. suggest that I get the sound driver from Gateway.

Found the driver but after a extract and try to run it nothing happens. Nothing. No error message. No error message in the command-line.

The read me is wrong.