linux 64bit on sony vaio - Recently Updated Pages

Home

collins_ — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:08:16 CDT

HOW TO INSTALL LINUX 64BITS ON YOUR LAPTOP VAIO SONY SZ

Compatibility : SZ3 (sure!), SZ4 and some things on all sony laptop with a core2duo (64bits)
Linux Distribution : Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Farm 64bit (amd64)

Why Ubuntu ?:

Debian testing "etch" 64bits : not enough drivers inside, not enough recent packages, not enough plug and play (although i use it for my home server, more secure!)

Fedora "core 6" 64 bits : it doesn't work, the kernel crashes with the DVD, you can't do nothing
Mandriva 2007 : it works "fine" if you buy the powerpack DVD to have wifi and nvidia drivers, but the sony_acpi module freezes the laptop (you can't change the brigthness with intel video board !), the 3D desktop warm up too much the laptop in my mind (~60°C)
Mepis 7 : s.o. can test it for me ?
Ubuntu : so plug and play :), the alone live-cd that runs wifi and frequency scalling so easily, the sonypi and sony_acpi modules work fine.

So, now you can go in installation folder to know how to install ubuntu and test the 3D desktop with Beryl or install Flash64bit

Updated 27 august 2007 :
Some people are trying to do a new driver, so you can follow this topic on Ubuntu Forums, in my case i'm waiting the new version of Ubuntu to do new tests...
They are looking for some information about your laptop, try to help them and go there : http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=46549

=> Follow this tutorial to send them the good file :
http://ubuntufs.wordpress.com/2007/06/09/attention-all-vaio-owners/

Updated 2 november 2007 :
Don't use my old advice about feisty farm, now use gusty gibbon version of ubuntu (amd64 version) :
- wifi works without problem
- flash 64bits is installed automatically by firefox (in fact it's 32bits used with emulation )
- 2 video board works without problem, BUT you must follow some things at the end of this topic ( in french sorry )
- Fonction keys works without problem of driver
- 3D desktop requires no install, go there to improve it if you want

An advice :you'll have to install ubuntu first in stamina mode with wifi running !
After you could install nvidia driver for the speed mode and follow the topic on video boards to keep the direct rendering and the automatic management at the start for the 2 boards ...
You 'll have just to install "smartdimmer" software to be able to change the nvidia brightness

install flash

collins_ — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 12:17:07 CDT

HOWTO INSTALL FLASH WITH A 64BIT KERNEL

Adobe doesn't want (at this time) provide a flash version for linux 64BIT.

First solution

use a GNU version of flash : gnash . The package is available in synaptic (unlock all ubuntu repersitory ! ), don't forget to install the "mozilla-plugin-gnash". But some flash animations don't work (youtube for exemple).

Second solution

use nspluginwrapper ( more details here )

In synaptic (or in /etc/apt/sources.list) add this repersitory :
"deb http://janvitus.interfree.it/ubuntu/ edgy-janvitus main-amd64"

Add authentification for this one
#wget http://janvitus.interfree.it/ubuntu/2C4C84CC.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -

Update the sources list and install nspluginwrapper package...

Now download the last version of flashplayer9 , uncompress it and CLOSE FIREFOX.
#cd folder-flash
#cp libflashplayer.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins
#cp flashplayer.xpt /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins
#nspluginwrapper -i /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so

Normally a file "npwrapper.libflashplayer.so" appears in /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/
In your home and with your user login create this folder :
$mkdir ~/.mozilla/plugins
And copy npwrapper.libflashplayer.so inside :
$cp /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/npwrapper.libflashplayer.so ~/.mozilla/plugins

Now start firefox and enjoy...

WARNING :
Sometime after an ubuntu update, firefox freezes everytime with flash, so reuse nspluginwrapper and recopy "npwrapper.libflashplayer.so" in the two folder.
The best solution could be a script...

webcam

collins_ — Sat, 19 May 2007 09:30:18 CDT

HOWTO install "Sony Visual Communication Camera"

Before check if you have the same webcam than me with lsusb :
#lsusb |grep 05ca
Bus 005 Device 005: ID 05ca:1830 Ricoh Co., Ltd

N.B : 1832,1834 and 1870 version could work too, see the website of Sam Revitch

Download the Ricoh R5U870 module that you can find on the website of Sam Revitch. Uncompress it and compil it :
# cd folder-ricoh/
#./configure
#make
#make install
reboot and enjoy (or if you want test it now : #modprobe ry5u870 )

Now you can test your webcam with Ekiga or amsn, the microphone works too :)

N.B. : if it doesn't compil, you 'll have to add some package with synaptic. Read errors and try to add the good packages, there is a solution:).
If you're trying to update your driver with a new version, don't forget to remove your old driver :
#updatedb
#locate ry5u870
...
#rm /lib/modules/2.6.x.x-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/ry5u870.ko

HOWTO INSTALL MOTION SOFTWARE

This is a motion software detector, download it there or on the official website.
Install packages :
libmysqlclient
libq5, libq5-dev
libavcodec-dev
libavformat-dev
# cd folder-motion/
# ./configure -----> try to have all yes
#make
#make install
#cp /usr/local/etc/motion-dist.conf /usr/local/etc/motion.conf
Try it now and enjoy :)
#motion

N.B. : if it doesn't compil, you'll have to add some package with synaptic. Read errors and try to add the good packages, there is a solution:)

power

collins_ — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 05:32:18 CDT

HOWTO CHANGE POWER MANAGEMENT

Ubuntu use "powernow" deamon to scale processor frequency. You can change the mode of frequency scalling with the "powernowd" software.

There are 4 modes supported by this powernowd:

Mode 0, SINE, changes the frequency as a sine wave function, raising

the frequency by "step" Hz every time the CPU usage goes over 80%, and
decreases it by "step" Hz when the CPU usage falls under 20%.

Mode 1, AGGRESSIVE, changes frequency by a sawtooth function. Imme‐

diately jumps to the highest frequency whenever CPU usage goes over
80%, and decreases by "step" Hz as usage drops below 20%. This is the
default behavior.

Mode 2, PASSIVE, is the inverse of AGGRESSIVE. Immediately jump to

lowest frequency when usage drops below 20%. Raise by "step" Hz if it
goes above 80%.

Mode 3, LEAPS, immediately jumps to the highest frequency if usage is

above 80%, and immediately jumps to the lowest frequency if usage is
below 20%.

You use the software like that (root session ! ):
#powernowd -m 0
--->you set mode 0

You can have more information if you type :
# man powernowd

HOWTO USE FREQUENCY SCALING GOVERNORS

A Short Overview over the available governors:

ondemand This driver is a dynamic cpufreq policy governor. It changes frequency based on the processor load

conservative Similar to ondemand but has a much slower 'slew rate', remaining at high frequency for many seconds after recent processor demand.
powersave Like the name says, your battery would choose this one;). It sets the Frequency always to the lowest available.
userspace You have to choose this one, if you want to set the frequency manually.
performance This governor sets your Frequency always to the highest available.

Happyness, on feisty farm we have the 4 governors, and you can choose wich one you want like that :
# cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_available_governors
--->show governors for cpu0
#cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu1/cpufreq/scaling_governor
---> see the governor for cpu1 (ondemand at the beginning)

#echo powersave > /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_governor
#echo powersave > /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu1/cpufreq/scaling_governor
--->put powersave for cpu0 and cpu1

I recommend ondemand for normal use and powersave on the road...
You can use this script to switch between ondemand and powersave :
# gedit mcpu <-----copy script inside
#chmod 755 mcpu
#cp mcpu /usr/bin
After you can create a DesktopShortcut with "sudo mcpu" with the "console launch" option... ( sudo because you must be root to use this script )

You can find more information about power on this website or there ...

dual screen

collins_ — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 05:16:16 CDT

At this time, I'm just able to run a dual desktop with this kind of xorg.conf file .If you want use it don't forget to change screen resolution for the external display.

I'm looking for a sample "xorg.conf" able to toogle between two screens : I can't switch only on the external display. Please, send me an e-mail if you know the solution...

Thanks to zzlead a solution there : http://zzlead.blog.com/1650346/
(in french, maybe one day the blog will be in english ;) ), but for me impossible to add nvidia-settings package with nvidia-glx package...

3D Desktop

collins_ — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 04:54:11 CDT

HOWTO INSTALL 3D DESKTOP BERYL

FIRST OF ALL, you must be in speed mode and have the nvidia driver ready with direct rendering (test with : "#glxinfo |grep direct"). You have to uninstall all packages "compiz" with synaptic, otherwise you'll have a conflict with beryl.

Add this repersitory in synaptic (more information on beryl-repersitory ) :
deb http://ubuntu.beryl-project.org feisty main

Add the authentification package :
#wget http://ubuntu.beryl-project.org/root@lupine.me.uk.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -

After the update of your synaptic, use the keyword "beryl" and install everything except packages like xxx-dev or xxx-dbg. AND install emerald themes package (except xxx-dev and xxx-dbg).

Finally, start beryl in console or in your gnome menu "system". Don't worry, the first time the windows will appear without borders, choose an Emerald theme in the beryl menu and it will work...
ENJOY !!!

bluetooth

collins_ — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 04:27:23 CDT

Test with a bluetooth mouse : "DICOTA BlueTooth BlueStar"
activate bluetooth on your laptop like that (after installation of sonypi module and spicctrl software !!!) :
#spicctrl -l 1
search your mouse like that :
#hidd --search

You can add a Desktop shortcut with console launch like that:
sudo hidd --connect xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
(MAC Address of your device )

video boards

collins_ — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 06:20:46 CDT

HOWTO SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY BETWEEN STAMINA AND SPEED MODE

Like you know, on sony SZ3 or SZ4, you have an nvidia board (speed-mode) and an intel video board (stamina-mode).

Before, don't forget to download the nvidia driver with synaptic :

nvidia-kernel-common

nvidia-glx

Add in your /etc/X11 folder these files (it works fine on my vaio SZ3 ) for the X server :
xorg.conf-stamina
xorg.conf-speed
WARNING : maybe you'll have to change screen size in these files if you don't have a 1280x800 Flat Display ( 13'3 display on sony SZ3 or SZ4)

Save your xorg.conf file please, if you have a problem you could use it anyway...

Now create a script like that in your /etc/init.d folder : vaio
#gedit /etc/init.d/vaio <----- copy inside
#chmod 755 /etc/inid.d/vaio
#ln -s /etc/inid.d/vaio /etc/rc2.d/S12vaio
restart and enjoy

N.B. :
You can test your server fast if you replace the "xorg.conf" file by the good one and restart Xorg server :
tape "<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<F1>"
log in root and do :
#mv xorg.conf xorg.conf.save <<<< don't forget to save your xorg.conf
#cp yourxorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf
#pkill gdm
#gdm
If it doesn't work, you could tape "<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<F1>" again , rechange xorg.conf and retest it...
It's probably the best way the test and improve your X server. You can add or remove some things in your xorg.conf file with "vi" editor, but not really easy to use it (see there) :
#vi /etc/X11/xorg.conf
tape "a" to edit , write your text...
tape escape
tape "x" to remove text
tape "dd" to remove line
tape escape
tape "wq" to save your file or tape "q!" to save nothing...

HOWTO CONTROL NVIDIA BRIGTHNESS (SPEED)

Donwload smartdimmer , uncompress it and compil it :
#cd folder_smart/
#./configure
#make
#chmod 755 src/smartdimmer
#cp src/smartdimmer /usr/bin

you could change brigthness like that :
#smartdimmer -d
#smartdimmer -i#gedit /etc/init.d/vaio
#chmod 755 /etc/inid.d/vaio
#ln -s /etc/inid.d/vaio /etc/rc2.d/S12vaio

N.B. : if it doesn't compil, you'll have to add some package with synaptic. Read errors and try to add the good packages, there is a solution:)

HOWTO CONTROL THE MOTHERBOARD VIDEO BRIGTHNESS (STAMINA)

Download the standalone module sony_acpi (information on stelian website) , uncompress it and compil it (you can try my module for kernel 2.6.20):
#cd folder_sonyacpi/
#make
#insmod sony_acpi.ko
#cp sony_acpi.ko /lib/modules

you could change brightness like that :
#echo 2 >/proc/acpi/sony/brightness
#echo 7 >/proc/acpi/sony/brightness

N.B. : if it doesn't compil, you'll have to add some package with synaptic. Read errors and try to add the good packages, there is a solution:)

HOWTO CONTROL BRIGHTNESS WITH "FN" KEYS

if you did everything in the "installation" sheet and in this one :

install the sonypi.ko module in /lib/modules
install the spicctrl software in /usr/bin
install the smartdimmer software in /usr/bin
install module "sony_acpi.ko" in /lib/modules

it will work with this script : vaio
#gedit /etc/init.d/vaio <------copy inside
#chmod 755 /etc/inid.d/vaio
#ln -s /etc/inid.d/vaio /etc/rc2.d/S12vaio
restart and enjoy

installation

collins_ — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 06:06:40 CDT

LIVE-CD BOOT

Download the Feisty Farm live-cd (desktop amd64 ) on ubuntu or there, burn-it, and boot on it (change your bios startup if necessary )...
Please start with wifi activate and stamina mode (mother board video card)!

With a standard internet access (cable & DHCP) : tape "eth0" in the network applet, it works...
With a wifi access : tape in the network applet "eth1", wait a little, open the other network applet and choose your network, tape your password, it works...

Install ubuntu like you can read on ubuntu, please be sure what you're doing... About partition, I recommend something like that : 30Go for XP (ntfs), 30Go for data exchange (fat32), 10Go for / (ext3), 2Go for SWAP, 18Go for /home (ext3) ...

Please, unlock all repersitories in synaptic and do an update of ubuntu before the beginning!

Install the hardware module SONYPI

This module allows to control : Fn Keys, fan speed, bluetooth, brightness of intel video board (stamina mode), AC status and the battery capacity. This driver was written by Stelian Pop , you can find more information on his website.

Unfortunately, the driver is locked if you use a 64 bit kernel (I don't know why !). Consequently you must patch the kernel and compil yourself the module. You can try my module (for kernel 2.6.20 )

In synaptic (package software of ubuntu), activate all the repersitory and install :

kernel-package

libncurses5-dev
linux-source (----> put sources in /usr/src)

Uncompress the sources in /usr/src (root session):
#bunzip2 linux-source-xxx.tar.bz2
#tar -xvvf linux-source-xxx.tar
#ln -s linux-source-xxx linux

N.B. : on ubuntu you don't have a root password create it with
$su passwd
type your password and after create your root password

Now, try to compil your kernel :
#cd /usr/src/linux
#make menuconfig
exit and save, if it doesn't work read this website

After you must change kernel configuration :
#cd /usr/src/linux/drivers/char
#gedit Kconfig
find "depends on EXPERIMENTAL && X86 && PCI && INPUT && !64BIT " and suppress "&& !64BIT", now you can have access to the sonypi module in the menuconfig :)

#cd /usr/src/linux
#make menuconfig
go in "Device Drivers" > "Characters Device" and choose <M> for "Sony Vaio Programmable I/O Control device Support"
exit and save

#make
wait, wait ,wait... kernel compilation (i don't know how to compil only the module :( )

now copy the module :
#cp /usr/src/linux/drivers/char/sonypi.ko /lib/modules/

try and hope :
#insmod /lib/modules/sonypi.ko
#lsmod |grep sonypi
if you have "sonypi" you're lucky :)

Activate sonypi module automatically at each boot use this script : vaio
# gedit /etc/init.d/vaio <-----copy inside and save it
#chmod 755 /etc/init.d/vaio
#ln -s /etc/init.d/vaio /etc/rc2.d/S12vaio
restart and enjoy

>> Sometimes after an ubuntu update, the sonypi doesn't run because the kernel was updated. You must reload the new kernel package and redo everything. Sorry i don't have a best solution at this time...

Install the control software for sonypi : spicctrl

Download spicctrl on this website, with this software you could manage all sonypi functions :
uncompress it and compil it
#cd spic_folder/
#make
#chmod 755 spicctrl
#mv spicctrl /usr/bin

N.B. : if it doesn't compil, you'll have to add some package with synaptic. Read errors and try to add the good packages, there is a solution:)

Now you can test it and for exemple unactivate bluetooth at each boot with this script : vaio.
The Fn Keys for the sound work, you can change the sound output in "Sounds" menu with "Default Mixer Track". At this time you can't change the brightness it doesn't work with this software.

See all commands with :
#spicctrl

links

collins_ — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 05:57:03 CST

Website of Stelian pop about sonypi and sony_acpi drivers : http://www.popies.net/sonypi/
Website of Sam Revitch about webcam driver : http://lsb.blogdns.net/ry5u870/
Website of Albert Vilella about linux 32bit on sz1xp : http://avilella.googlepages.com/vaiosz
3D Desktop Beryl : http://www.beryl-project.org/
Beryl repersitory : http://ubuntu.beryl-project.org/
Howto install Flash 64bit on linux : http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=341727
Howto install a kernel : http://www.howtoforge.com/kernel_compilation_ubuntu
Howto use frequency scalling : http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_make_use_of_Dynamic_Frequency_Scaling