How to set up a Puppy Linux Cybercafe

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Aitch
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#21 Post by Aitch »

Be careful with symbols, Rob,

That reference gives 11.92 MegaBytes i.e. MB as opposed to mb or Mb; megabits, as 100Mb Lan speed
But why not invest a few quid in a gigabit card, an make the server more capable of multi-connections?
A gigabit card can send 10x100Mb outputs simultaneously, through a suitable router/switchbox!

Also, Raid 10 is often recommended over Raid 5 or Raid 0, for server reliability, however off-source backups are still recommended, too

Aitch:)

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ecomoney
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#22 Post by ecomoney »

What, network boot only works on intels? This may cause some problem. I think most of the computers there are intels, but havnt done a full audit as yet. Thank you for the link and the info...however much bad news it is!

Sorry about the wrong denomination....erm how would it effect the sums?

Over the next few days Im setting up a few machines through a router, as a very simple mock-up of the cybercafe, to test the setup. I think I will do it with the puppy 4.1.2 initrd.gz and vmlinuz as they are already available (I think) although eventually I will have to learn how to make them myself for DeepThought.

Who is Steve sorry? If he helped Barry with getting pxe booting going for puppy then welcome whoever you are!

Im going to have to look into the different RAID technologies too....this is going to be a learning curve for me!
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Sorry, my server is down atm!

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Aitch
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#23 Post by Aitch »

Rob,

These look better value than your Battleship stuff @ £120 each

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0347793058

Check the speeds!! However, SATA2!!
Capacity: 60GB
- Read: Up to 155MB/sec
- Write: Up to 90MB/sec

- NAND Flash: Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
- Interface: SATA-II
- Low Power Consumption
- Lightweight (77g)
- Shock Resistant
Be nice though....eh?

Also found 128Gb OCZ @£190

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0290680053

OCZ rocks! Check their flash drives too - 30+Mb/sec & rising!

Don't like ebay?

Try China; direct.......

http://www.kingspec.com/index.asp

http://www.kingspec.com/solid-state-dis ... .asp?id=22

Aitch :)

MagicZaurus
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#24 Post by MagicZaurus »

Network booting also works with AMD. Important is that the network card and BIOS support PXE/Network Booting. I have an old machine which uses some kind of proprietary Novel driver for network boot and then PXE will not work, unless you flash the card with gPXE or some other tricks like gPXE on a boot floppy/CD.

You can start your setup with the initrd.gz and vmlinuz from version 4.1.2. Once 4.2 is released and WhoDo provides an Unleashed version, then building the new humongous initrd.gz is not much of a problem.

Important is that your DHCP and TFTP server are setup correct. The rest is just putting vmlinuz and initrd.gz in the right folder with the right permissions.

Any problems just post here and there should be a few people around, who have done PXE boot before, to answer your questions.

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pxe and Steve

#25 Post by raffy »

As long as the PC's BIOS can do PXE, then the manufacturer must have licensed the technology from Intel. Older boards generally don't have it.

Steve Shiao has done his work - enable net-booting for Puppy Linux, and unleashed is now there supporting net-booting. MagicZaurus is one of the guys building Puppy from unleashed.

The problem of remastering a net-booted pup has been asked, and RamWreck has started work on it.
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ecomoney
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Links

#26 Post by ecomoney »

Thank you for all the links and additional information :-)

Now i have all the info to get started. Ive "hired" the use of a quiet room for three days set up three computers and my laptop in it, and installed one with Smoothwall 3.0 SP1. Its an old 366mhz server from a school with a SCSI drive lol. Ive been playing about today trying to get the smoothwall mod onto it, but lacked a network hub. I had to use the wireless router as a hub to attach to the internal network card ("Green" in Smoothwall Speak).

This caused the i.p. address of the smoothwall to conflict with the wireless router (they both wanted to dish out i.p. addresses on 192.168.0.1?). I remember running into this problem before at the cybercafe but luckily then the guys at the Smoothwall forum really helped me out. I have to set the address of one of them 10.0.0.1 or something...will have to go over the thread again, or preferably get hold of a hub from somewhere (I think I know where there is a 24 port 10mb hub, and I definetely know I have a have a 5 port, but only one of the ports works!)

My problem was, the wireless router was upstairs, and when I had it plugged in downstairs, I couldnt get any internet to look up the documentation, so I had to keep unplugging it and take it up and down the stairs. The result wasnt a very productive day. :-( I must re-install Smoothwall tommorow with the new dhcp server settings (10.0.0.1) and see if that cures it.

Apparently I need to access the command line on the smoothwall server by logging in with a thing called "Putty". I remember doing this at the cybercafe to install the web filtering service.....a great many of the little darlings that went were keen to test puppy linux's virus resilience in totally inappropriate ways!

To tell the truth, Im a bit stuck on how to use putty with puppy linux. If there is anyone reading who has experience with it would you write a short howto on this thread....it would be good to keep the documentation on how to do the project complete in case anyone wants to copy the setup.

Putty would give me command line access, like I was sitting at the machine. My bash/command line experience is probably enough to dot about the directories and edit text files and do simple stuff. I know there is a command to transfer the smoothwall mod files files and install them via the command line on the Smoothwall linux machine. Most of the mods come with instructions about what to type in.

I think it would also be possible to log into the smoothwall machine remotely over the internet from home (Hull is about 40 miles away and immingham about 30). This way I could transfer new puppy initrd.gz and vmlinuz files to the tftp folder on the Smoothwalls (which basically is going to be a new puppy linux as the pup_420.sfs file is contained in the initrd.gz). All they would need to do is reboot the machines. Apparently they have a "fixed i.p. address" at the cafe's, which I think I would need.

Im thinking this way I could re-install new operating systems the sixty or so machines on the entire two cybercafe's from my laptop while sipping my morning coffee. :shock: :lol:

Im just thinking about the wear and tear on my car of course, and keeping time and expenses to a minimum for the cybercafe's.

With regard to the machines currently at the cybercafe and their ability to netboot, I will have to check each one individually of course, unless an audit or "asset register" already exists. The machine I did the demo was a Compaq EVO 2.8/512gb so is a fairly high speed. I have one here, and also our secretary uses one (although of slightly lower spec) and I know they have netboot capability in the bios.

From what was mentioned at the meeting, the netbooting/PXE capability is only lacking on older non-intel machines? I know they described the current speed of the machines (that were recently all upgraded I think I heard them mention) as being able to run windows XP at an "acceptable speed"....but that is a relative term ;-) Something tells me...with puppy's longevity its going to be a while before they have to spend money to upgrade their hardware again....and Redmund wont get any of it!!!

For the moment, I need to get the netboot/smoothwall setup done and familiar in my head. Hopefully when I see the seafarers cybercafe next I can bring along a smoothwall p.c., pre-configured to boot all of the machines connected to it into puppy linux 4.2 at whatever stage that is in at the time.

Like I say, will document this entire process when its "done", for other people to set up similar puppy based systems where they are in the world. I will also contact some people to run it as a "feature" in some linux magazines/websites/digg/slashdot etc. Im sure its going to be both a great testing ground, and a great advertisement for Puppy Linux. Im really grateful there are so many technically talented experts offering their help and assistance with this project.
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paulh177
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#27 Post by paulh177 »

putty is a lovely little ssh/telnet client.

but can't you just use the BusyBox telnet already in Puppy?

if not then perhaps someone can compile it (i've had a quick go but something's not right and I have to go to work so no time this morning to sort it out)

take care

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dhcp

#28 Post by raffy »

@ecomoney: As you are now a network guy, be ready always with a crossover cable for testing. :)

The TFTP server that I used in Windows likes to use its own DHCP, so perhaps if you use a router and encounter problems, then turn off its DHCP server function.

As to remote replacement of Puppy images, I doubt it, as when you do, there should be a parallel effort to update help leaflets or posters in the cafes. Simple menu prints could change with a Puppy file overhaul. So your presence would still be needed in the sites with every change.
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#29 Post by paulh177 »

ah had a look at the smoothwall manual ... you don't have to use Putty, any old ssh (secure telnet, in essence) client will do, and there's one in Puppy anyway - in the network menu.

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#30 Post by paulh177 »

ah had a look at the smoothwall manual ... you don't have to use Putty, any old ssh (secure telnet, in essence) client will do, and there's one in Puppy anyway - in the network menu.

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freeNAS

#31 Post by raffy »

I have just tested freeNAS and it immediately allowed remote control with GUI (user admin password freenas).
Attachments
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#32 Post by ecomoney »

Thanks for the heads up Raffy, I think we really need something that will be able to load share the internet connection, check useage stats, web filter, firewall and stop p2p traffic too as part of the solution. Though I think they both have their place at the cybercafe (see below), I really would just like one machine and a "single point of failure". This would mean they would only have to make sure one (hardened linux) p.c. was working the entire time.

FreeNAS seems a very interesting project though, and Im glad you brought it to my attention for another project. For recycling p.c.'s at our "workshop" I would love to do away with cd's altogether. A freeNAS box would allow us to boot puppy and install to the hard disk (using files on the FreeNAS server). I think the people at the cybercafe may well want something like this there, for wealthier travellers who have virused/broken laptops. Im sure with a bit of training they would be able to do the same there. For home setups, it seems an excellent use for an old laptop with a broken screen, which can be got on ebay for a song, and will use very little power while left on overnight bittorrenting.

Im still getting nowhere with the Smoothwall through lack of a network hub. This is the rough schematic of the cybercafe as it stands (excuse the poor ASCII graphics). Obviously there are a lot more p.c.'s in the real thing.


[MODEM]
|
|
[NET. HUB]
/ | | \
/ | | \
PC PC PC PC


I want eventually to place a smoothwall box here, with tftp booting enabled.

[MODEM]
|
|
[SMOOTHWALL]
|
|
[NET. HUB]
/ | | \
/ | | \
PC PC PC PC


It should then just be a matter of setting each PC to netboot in the bios and off we go. I think will need crossover cables between the smoothwall and the hub(downstream) and modem (upstream).

The problem I have in testing is that I dont have access to a network hub back here. What I need to know is if I can just test the tftp function of the smoothwall by using a much simpler setup...



[SMOOTHWALL]
|
|
|
PC

I think I will need a crossover cable (thanks Raffy!) between the two. I have in the past, when short of a crossover cable, cut into a normal cable and swapped the Orange and Blue (I think) crossed pairs over, and wrapped everything back up with copious amounts of insulation tape. Im not suggesting this for the cafe....but it has got me out of a scrape or two.

Will this work to get the testbed up and running? And when I take the smoothwall box to the cafe for a demo will it function in the same way through a hub?

This is the only solution I can think of for now.
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Aitch
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#33 Post by Aitch »

Rob

AFAIK crossover cables are only needed PC to PC with no network DHCP to sort out connection assignments, therefore straight links will do for modem/smoothwall/router connections

btw, I have picked up 24 way 100Mb Lan Routers for £10 inc. on ebay

You may find this useful:-

http://blog.lxpages.com/linux_network.html


Aitch :)

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#34 Post by Dougal »

There's something I don't understand about your planned setup (though I might just not understand the netbooting properly):
You plan to have the machines boot when the users want them, running in ram with no save file, right?
So what about the basic settings? You can't really expect them to go through the xorgwizard etc. every time they boot...
Or will you have some basic. ro, save file on each machine just with the basic configuration (or maybe a remastered initrd.gz -- but then you'll need one for each machine...)?

Did I miss something?
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yes

#35 Post by raffy »

Amen to that, with little changes:
Aitch wrote:.. crossover cables are only needed PC to PC with no network HUB, therefore [the usual] straight links will do for modem/smoothwall/router connections..
As to Dougal's question, parameters can be passed in the TFTP server (in pxelinux.cfg) re the keyboard and even the screen resolution. I guess for the mouse, too, but I have not yet tinkered with that - note that 4.1.2 pauses to confirm the mouse selection.

Any particular parameters would help ecomoney's setup? What about the mouse choice, can the display of mouse alternatives be suppressed?
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dinky
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#36 Post by dinky »

Firstly, great idea. Secondly, I haven't read all of this thread, so some of this might already have been said. I've often thought about something similar with Puppy linux, however I hadn't considered the netboot method. That's got lots of potential. Here's another option:

Rather than using the netboot method, you remove the hard drives, and in their place use a solid state flash drive, one that's locked and can't be written too. This could be as simple as a usb card reader, with a locked sd card plugged into it behind the glass. It can be read, but not written to. Each card is configured specifically to that particular pc, so that on bootup no questions are asked, and they are automatically connected to the internet. This could be done as a remaster, or by creating a save file. Remember that the sd card is locked after installtion, so it's not possible to write to the save file anymore.

A very simple solution, here are the benefits:
- very easy to do. Potentially anyone who knows a little about puppy linux could implement it, and no extra code needs to be written.
- leaves plenty of room to create remasters specific to your needs. For instance, perhaps the pinboard only contains a web browser and word processing program, nothing else.
- Simple documentation could explain the need to power off the pc after use, or more code can be written so that logging out would destroy a users session, and all their data.

Here are the disadvantages:
- requires someone to be onsite to upgrade the sdcards for new versions, bug fixes, etc.
- may require some coding to implement advanced features, depending on what's needed.

The biggest issue is new sd cards to upgrade, however, there's plenty of ways to deal with this. One option would be for you to custom create new sd cards each time you need to upgrade puppy linux. This would create some waste (old sd cards, which could then be recycled, reused, etc), but is very easy to implement. All that would be required would be for staff at the cybercafe to remove the old cards, and pop in the new ones, making sure they stayed locked. You would simply have to create them, then mail them in. The cafe could even post back their original cards if they wanted to reuse them, but sd cards are so cheap these days, there's probably not much point.

Totally different tack to where your heading, which will also work eventually. Just a thought, no offence taken if you don't use it. Good luck, I think you're on the right track.

~dinky

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#37 Post by ecomoney »

You can't really expect them to go through the xorgwizard etc. every time they boot...
Why? Isnt that puppy linux's design? Isnt puppy linux supposed to friendly to "linux newbs" :twisted: :roll:

You have totally hit the nail on the head Dougal. One of the purposes of this cybercafe project is to provide feedback to the puppy linux project, as well as is puppy linux's mission is to provide a simple to setup and setup linux system for "linux newbs".

I totally agree , the xorgwizard isnt anywhere near friendly enough for non-linux-techies, and it needs some serious revision if puppy is going to fulfil its origional mission statement. The question is...why hasnt this usability flaw been corrected by now?

I have booted hundreds of different computers with puppy linux, and each time I set up the xorgwizard I have thought "Why do I have to continually just press [ENTER] on all of the xorgwizard screens. The xorgwizard, with nearly no exception, just picks up the defaults and works......so why present the end user with all this complicated extra information about "X", graphics drivers and mouse types etc.
Puppy linux has NEVER failed to autodetect the correct mouse, and why this has been put back into 4 series Dingo is a mystery.

Its my belief, from my own observations, Puppy Linux would be a more a more successful operating system if these options (xserver, resolution, mouse type) were presented as an "advanced setup" configuration, that was presented as a choice, on a time delay, before the xserver started for example.....after the initial bootup, the screen should clear of bootup messages and display.

Code: Select all

Puppy linux will now attempt to automatically configure its graphics. Press [ESC] (escape) now in the top left of your keyboard to interrupt autoconfiguration and enter the graphical settings manually. You will need to do this if puppy linux has failed to start automatically in the past on this computer setup.

Auto-configuring in [5].....[4].....[3].......[2]......[1]......


In the background, the xorgwizard would prepare the xorg.conf with default settings i.e. with the xorg graphics server, and the default detected mouse type. The screen resolution is most often often autodetected from the monitor, especially the type of monitor (LCD or CRT). If the screen resolution for lcd is not autodetected, then 1024x768 should be requested.

Pressing escape will run the current text-based xorgwizard.

After the xorgserver starts, puppy linux should display a graphical startup screen, where the screen resolution can be adjusted with a mouse and a slider, and a location entered (perhaps using a graphic of a world map?). This sets the "locale" as well as the keyboard layout. This would be of particular use in the cybercafe, as people from all nationalities come and are used to different keyboard layouts.

I realise this strategy may not be popular with more traditional puppy developers, who understand the various video modes and xservers and prefer access to low-level controls. It will be VERY popular with normal "linux newb" computer users around the world however....a linux distribution that, in the vast majority of cases....."Just works....No hassles".

It would take a very far-sighted developer, who take Barry's origional mission statement seriously, to put their own preferences to one side....and actually produce this much needed feature that will make Linux as an OS much more popular ;-)
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Aitch
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#38 Post by Aitch »

Rob, I sort of agree
However too many *nixes just go for broke & fire up the highest res it can, which often fails
800x600 is a safe, if large starter for virtually any box, IMHO
After it starts, then adjustment screen could popup asking if you want to tune it
Real problem is too many variables in hardware

Aitch :)

PS I put out a shout for tester to help you with networking stuff, he says by w/e maybe, OK?

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smoothwall

#39 Post by raffy »

Good points, Robert (ecomoney). Am sure help in coding is coming. :)

Having seen dinky's (exploratory) comments above,I suddenly wondered if you really need a smoothwall PC for firewall when you can have an able router with integrated firewall (already low-cost nowadays). All you have to do is configure the router for that. It is a service enterprise, and the users deserve the maximum connection speed, which can be helped by avoiding bottlenecks upstream.
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#40 Post by dinky »

Casting my vote for a simpler start up like ecomoney suggested. Please!!!!! If I could code it, and use it for my own distros, I would. I fully agree, Puppy Linux needs to be taken further. It's just not there yet.

~dinky

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