Difference between revisions of "General FAQ"


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(Q: I have linux already, what should I do?)
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==Q: What exactly is Knoppix?==
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===Q: Why is my favourite software xyz not present on the CD? ===
 
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A: Knoppix is a bootable CD with the freedom to copy it and give it away to anyone. It contains a collection of [http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html GNU/Linux] software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. Knoppix can be used as a Linux demo, educational CD, rescue system, or adapted and used as a platform for commercial software product demos. It is not necessary to install anything.
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==Q: What are the minimum system requirements?==
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A: Intel-compatible CPU (i486 or later), 16 MB of RAM for text mode, at least 96 MB for graphics mode with KDE (at least 128 MB of RAM is recommended to use the various office products), bootable CD-ROM drive, or a boot floppy and standard CD-ROM (IDE/ATAPI or SCSI), standard SVGA-compatible graphics card, serial or PS/2 standard mouse or IMPS/2-compatible USB-mouse.
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==Q: Why is my favourite software xyz not present on the CD? Can't you add it in future versions of the download version? It doesn't cost anything!==
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A: Even on a 700MB medium, available space is limited.  Aside from that, there are certain criteria for software licenses in order to be acceptable for Knoppix, totally independent from price or fees. All licenses must guarantee that the CD can still be downloaded, modified and copied, free of charge. Licenses that don't allow incorporation into such a CD can't be accepted by us, at least not for the freely available/downloadable versions of Knoppix. That also applies to licenses that would force the recipients to sign another agreement before download, or even pay royalty fees, and licenses that do not allow the CD to be distributed commercially (for example, customization, copying and mailing of the CD for an appropriate fee for the work done, is commercial distribution). Almost all programs on the CD fall under the GPL or similar Open Source licenses, which provide a lot of freedom for the recipients of the software (see also [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html The GNU GPL License Page]). Exceptions regarding software that may, due to the wish of the vendor, only be distributed in binary form, are still tolerable if they fall under a liberal license that allows non-commercial as well as commercial distribution of the CD without essential restrictions. Please check the license of your software carefully before writing a recommendation for inclusion in future versions of Knoppix to the developer team.
 
A: Even on a 700MB medium, available space is limited.  Aside from that, there are certain criteria for software licenses in order to be acceptable for Knoppix, totally independent from price or fees. All licenses must guarantee that the CD can still be downloaded, modified and copied, free of charge. Licenses that don't allow incorporation into such a CD can't be accepted by us, at least not for the freely available/downloadable versions of Knoppix. That also applies to licenses that would force the recipients to sign another agreement before download, or even pay royalty fees, and licenses that do not allow the CD to be distributed commercially (for example, customization, copying and mailing of the CD for an appropriate fee for the work done, is commercial distribution). Almost all programs on the CD fall under the GPL or similar Open Source licenses, which provide a lot of freedom for the recipients of the software (see also [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html The GNU GPL License Page]). Exceptions regarding software that may, due to the wish of the vendor, only be distributed in binary form, are still tolerable if they fall under a liberal license that allows non-commercial as well as commercial distribution of the CD without essential restrictions. Please check the license of your software carefully before writing a recommendation for inclusion in future versions of Knoppix to the developer team.
  
==Q: How do I install Knoppix to my hard drive?==
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===Q: What license does the Knoppix-CD use?===
  
See [[:Category: Hard drive Installation | Hard drive Installation]].
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A: If not otherwise specified, the software on the CD is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software Free Software] falls under the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE]. Similar to other [http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php Open Source] licenses, this means that you can copy, modify, redistribute and even resell the CD without restrictions, as long as the recipient receives the same license. The source code of the standard packages on the CD are available from their respective original providers (for example on the FTP servers at Debian, Red Hat, Mandrake). Special components such as the Knoppix kernel or the automatic hardware detection source code can be downloaded from [http://www.knopper.net/download/knoppix/ The Main Knoppix Site] if not already available in the /usr/src directory on the CD. Individual packages, as specified by the GPL, may fall under another license (for example Netscape). If in doubt, the licenses can be found in the help sections or the DEB-database (dpkg -p package-name) of each software package.
  
==Q: Where did the name "Knoppix" come from?==
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===Q: What is the root password?===
  
A: Knoppix's inventor, Klaus Knopper.
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A: There is none; all passwords are locked/scrambled by default; you set one yourself for those situations which call for it. You can set the root password by going to Knoppix Menu -> Knoppix -> Root Shell and typing "passwd", then entering a root password. You can also go to Knoppix Menu -> Knoppix -> Set password for root.  There are several sections you can read dealing with this subject in KNOPPIX/README_Security.txt.
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You can also type "sudo su" or "sudo -s" in any console window, or use <ctr>-<alt>-F2 to get at the text console with already opened root shell.
  
==Q: How is Knoppix started?==
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===Q:From where does KNOPPIX start all the scripts at the bootprocess?===
 
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A: To start the CD, set up the BIOS of your computer to boot off the CD, put the CD in the drive, and power up the computer. If your computer doesn't support this option, you have to use a boot disk. You can create this disk from the image in Knoppix/boot.img on the CD or order it using the web form. You can find additional information at this address regarding the Knoppix platform, or order a version specifically adapted for your project.
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==Q: What license does the Knoppix-CD use?==
+
 
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A: If not otherwise specified, the software on the CD is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software Free Software] falls under the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE]. Similar to other [http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php Open Source] licenses, this means that you can copy, modify, redistribute and even resell the CD without restrictions, as long as the recipient receives the same license. The source code of the standard packages on the CD are available from their respective original providers (for example on the FTP servers at Debian, Red Hat, Mandrake). Special components such as the Knoppix kernel or the automatic hardware detection source code can be downloaded from [http://www.knopper.net/download/knoppix/ The Main Knoppix Site] if not already available in the /usr/src directory on the CD. Individual packages, as specified by the GPL, may fall under another license (for example Netscape). If in doubt, the licenses can be found in the help sections or the DEB-database (dpkg -p package-name) of each software package.
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==Q: I have Microsoft Windows already, what should I do?==
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A:The init scripts are located in /etc/init.d and are [[symlink]]ed to
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in the /etc/rcX.d directorys in a sysV like fashion.
  
A: You can still boot and run Knoppix even if you have windows installed. Knoppix will not interfere with your windows installation, when you are finished with Knoppix you can just remove the cd and you're back to your old windows.
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===Q: Where can I find where all the boot-time parameters are interpreted???===
  
==Q: I have linux already, what should I do?==
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A:You can see them in /etc/init.d/knoppix-autoconfig script
  
A: You can still use Knoppix. Just remove the CD after use and you're back to your old linux.
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===Q: How can I watch a DVD?===
  
==Q: Is filesystem X supported? Are there kernel modules for hardware Y?==
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A: First of all, you have to have Knoppix installed on your hard drive.  You won't be able to execute the following proceedure if you are running it from the CD.
  
A: Here is some technical info about the kernel and its modules on Knoppix 5.0.1:
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I beleve if you used a USB to hold the changes you make on a system couldnt you use that to watch a dvd?
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I imagine that would be more useable.
  
/proc/version: Linux version 2.6.17 (root@Knoppix) (gcc version 4.0.4 20060507 (prerelease) (Debian 4.0.3-3)) #4 SMP PREEMPT Wed May 10 13:53:45 CEST 2006
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* Become root
  
[[List Of Modules]]
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* Add the following lines to your /etc/apt/sources.list:
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deb <nowiki>http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/debian</nowiki> $(ARCH)/
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deb-src <nowiki>http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/debian</nowiki> sources/
  
[[Kernel config file]]
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* Then do:
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apt-get update
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apt-get install libdvdcss2
  
==Q: What else is there to be aware of?==
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* Play the DVD (e.g. with Xine, Ogle, Videolan, Mplayer etc).
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* If your DVD plays but skips and jumps, then you probably need to enable Direct Memory Access (DMA) for the drive.
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* To see if DMA is enabled, log in as root and type: "/sbin/hdparm -d <device name>"  For example: "/sbin/hdparm -d /dev/hdc"  It it says "using_dma    =  1 (on)" it is already turned on.
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* Otherwise, to enable DMA type: "/sbin/hdparm -d 1 /dev/hdc"
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*If you want DMA to be enabled automatically then  add the line "/sbin/hdparm -d 1 /dev/hdc" to any startup script (/etc/init.d/bootmisc.sh for example).
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*Enjoy watching DVDs in Linux :-)
  
A: DISCLAIMER: THIS IS EXPERIMENTAL SOFTWARE. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. KNOPPER.NET CAN NOT BE HELD LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR DAMAGE TO HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE, LOST DATA, OR OTHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE. IN SOME COUNTRIES THE CRYPTOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE AND OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE CD ARE GOVERNED BY EXPORT REGULATIONS AND THUS MAY NOT BE FREELY COPIED IN THESE COUNTRIES AS IS OTHERWISE NORMAL FOR SOFTWARE UNDER THE GPL LICENSE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTE THIS SOFTWARE.
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===Q: How can I see a film with subtitles that of course I have? ===
  
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A: in a console "xine name_movie.ext#subtitle:name_subtitle.ext" you have to replace .ext with the real extension
  
  
 
[[Category : FAQ Page]]
 
[[Category : FAQ Page]]

Revision as of 21:41, 7 February 2013

Q: Why is my favourite software xyz not present on the CD?

A: Even on a 700MB medium, available space is limited. Aside from that, there are certain criteria for software licenses in order to be acceptable for Knoppix, totally independent from price or fees. All licenses must guarantee that the CD can still be downloaded, modified and copied, free of charge. Licenses that don't allow incorporation into such a CD can't be accepted by us, at least not for the freely available/downloadable versions of Knoppix. That also applies to licenses that would force the recipients to sign another agreement before download, or even pay royalty fees, and licenses that do not allow the CD to be distributed commercially (for example, customization, copying and mailing of the CD for an appropriate fee for the work done, is commercial distribution). Almost all programs on the CD fall under the GPL or similar Open Source licenses, which provide a lot of freedom for the recipients of the software (see also The GNU GPL License Page). Exceptions regarding software that may, due to the wish of the vendor, only be distributed in binary form, are still tolerable if they fall under a liberal license that allows non-commercial as well as commercial distribution of the CD without essential restrictions. Please check the license of your software carefully before writing a recommendation for inclusion in future versions of Knoppix to the developer team.

Q: What license does the Knoppix-CD use?

A: If not otherwise specified, the software on the CD is Free Software falls under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE. Similar to other Open Source licenses, this means that you can copy, modify, redistribute and even resell the CD without restrictions, as long as the recipient receives the same license. The source code of the standard packages on the CD are available from their respective original providers (for example on the FTP servers at Debian, Red Hat, Mandrake). Special components such as the Knoppix kernel or the automatic hardware detection source code can be downloaded from The Main Knoppix Site if not already available in the /usr/src directory on the CD. Individual packages, as specified by the GPL, may fall under another license (for example Netscape). If in doubt, the licenses can be found in the help sections or the DEB-database (dpkg -p package-name) of each software package.

Q: What is the root password?

A: There is none; all passwords are locked/scrambled by default; you set one yourself for those situations which call for it. You can set the root password by going to Knoppix Menu -> Knoppix -> Root Shell and typing "passwd", then entering a root password. You can also go to Knoppix Menu -> Knoppix -> Set password for root. There are several sections you can read dealing with this subject in KNOPPIX/README_Security.txt. You can also type "sudo su" or "sudo -s" in any console window, or use <ctr>-<alt>-F2 to get at the text console with already opened root shell.

Q:From where does KNOPPIX start all the scripts at the bootprocess?

A:The init scripts are located in /etc/init.d and are symlinked to in the /etc/rcX.d directorys in a sysV like fashion.

Q: Where can I find where all the boot-time parameters are interpreted???

A:You can see them in /etc/init.d/knoppix-autoconfig script

Q: How can I watch a DVD?

A: First of all, you have to have Knoppix installed on your hard drive. You won't be able to execute the following proceedure if you are running it from the CD.

I beleve if you used a USB to hold the changes you make on a system couldnt you use that to watch a dvd? 
I imagine that would be more useable.
  • Become root
  • Add the following lines to your /etc/apt/sources.list:
deb http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/debian $(ARCH)/
deb-src http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/debian sources/
  • Then do:
apt-get update
apt-get install libdvdcss2
  • Play the DVD (e.g. with Xine, Ogle, Videolan, Mplayer etc).
  • If your DVD plays but skips and jumps, then you probably need to enable Direct Memory Access (DMA) for the drive.
  • To see if DMA is enabled, log in as root and type: "/sbin/hdparm -d <device name>" For example: "/sbin/hdparm -d /dev/hdc" It it says "using_dma = 1 (on)" it is already turned on.
  • Otherwise, to enable DMA type: "/sbin/hdparm -d 1 /dev/hdc"
  • If you want DMA to be enabled automatically then add the line "/sbin/hdparm -d 1 /dev/hdc" to any startup script (/etc/init.d/bootmisc.sh for example).
  • Enjoy watching DVDs in Linux :-)

Q: How can I see a film with subtitles that of course I have?

A: in a console "xine name_movie.ext#subtitle:name_subtitle.ext" you have to replace .ext with the real extension