Bodhi Linux 2.1 on an old AMD Sempron

Recently read about lightweight Linux and find out about Bodhi Linux 2.1.  So, I decide to install Bodhi Linux 2.1 on it.  The machine spec is 512 MB of memory and AMD Sempron socket A 2500+ CPU.  Install is very straight forward.  The following software are installed from Add Software option.

Firefox 16.0
Java JDK 7 u5
LibreOffice 3.x
Adobe Reader
Printing for my Brother HL-3070CW

This is for basic office application and internet banking.  I am very satisfied with the performance.  At least, boot time and response time is much better than CentOS 3.  Forget about XP, it barely runs on this box.

Here are some of the issue I encounter.

I cannot read Chinese in Firefox.  So, I do some research and it requires the following packages (see reference).  Use Synaptic Package Manager to install them.

• ttf-arphic-bkai00mp
• ttf-arphic-bsmi00lp
• ttf-arphic-gbsn00lp
• ttf-arphic-gkai00mp
• ttf-arphic-ukai
• ttf-arphic-uming
• 
  

For Flash, I see people complaining about viewing youtube (see reference).  I follow the instructions to download and install mint-flashplugin-11 package.  It works flawlessly.

After installed printing package (basically CUPS), then I select the printer from the list.  For some reason, I don't see an option to select Mono or Color printing.  So, download the squeeze package from Brother website and follow the instructions to install lpr package then the cupswrapper driver.

Go back to http://localhost:631/printers to modify the printer to select HL-3070CW again.  This time, I do see the Color/Mono option under Printer Options of Printer properties.

I try to download VMWare WS 7 and test it on this box.  However, it won't compile.  Someone point out similar issue and resolve by installing WS 8.  However, WS 8 requires 64 bit processor even for 32 bit version (see this).  It affects my plan to test Bodhi Linux with VMware WS 7.1.6 on my old Sempron since I plan to replace CentOS on my Lenovo T400 laptop with Bodhi Linux 2.1.

SCSI reservation conflict error in ESX

Basically, if you encounter such an error in your ESX environment,

WARNING: SCSI: 5532: Failing I/O due to too many reservation conflicts

WARNING: SCSI: 5628: status SCSI reservation conflict, rstatus 0xc0de01 for vmhba1:0:7. residual R 919, CR 0, ER 3
WARNING: J3: 1970: Error committing txn to slot 0: SCSI reservation conflict

you should follow VMware kb 1005009. 

On the storage side, make sure you follow best practise guide.  For example, array fan in limitation.  For Symmetrix, make sure the front end port is dedicated for ESX connection only and do not mix with other host running other OS. 

Error Codes list for Microsoft technologies

When we troubleshoot backup issue, especially system state backup, backup program normally return a Microsoft error code.  For example, in NetWorker, you may get an error like

"ASR System Files - AsrCreateStateFile failed - 0x80080005"

(By the way, if you get this error for system state backup, most likely a reboot will fix it)

To find out what it means, there is a Symantec kb "Error Codes list for Microsoft technologies" listing the MS error codes.

Over the weekend, I got an alert about System State backup on Windows 2000. Error is 0x00000070.  It complains there is not enough space.  Confirm by rdp to the box and only 3 MB available on the system drive.  An old Windows 2000 box waiting to be retired.