*********************************************************
Topologilinux version
6.0.0
*********************************************************
-----* Info: *-----
Over the years, the Linux
operating system has become very popular
among both computer enthusiastics and experimenting home users.
The trouble with the Linux
operating system has always been getting
starting.
Here comes the solution of
that problem !!
Topologilinux is a free linuxdistribution
to be run on top of any
dos/windows computer
without partitioning your hard disk, and you
can also run it inside your
windows system.
It is very easy to install
Unlike other Linux distributions
Topologilinux DOES NOT NEED ANY PARTITIONING.
It will run on your
existing windows/dos partition in a directory
named "/tlinux6".
This release works on both NTFS and FAT partitions
which means that you can
run it under all existing Windows or dos
systems. New since version
5 and above is that you can run it inside
windows through coLinux, you can also use X windows through a vnc
server and then connect
using a vnc viewer.
BUT you can now since
version 6.0 also install it in real linux mode
without loopmount
like the traditional distributions
slackware,redhat,fedora,suse and so on if you prefer this methood.
It is also possible to run
your existing windows program in
Topologilinux through the windows emulator wine. Just enter
wine your_program.exe
Also a great Office package
is included in /extra, OpenOffice 2.0
To install enter: installpkg openoffice*.tgz.
It is now also a firewall
in the /gnome directory named firestarter
If you want to run the
monitor just type firestarter as root or in
the "root
terminal" in gnome. it will also run as a service in the
background if rc.firewall is on you just need to start firestarter
up and configure as root
first
Topologilinux is a free Linuxdistribution
but all donations of money
are welcome. You can also
order a copy of the Topologilinux dvd
for $50 or 42EURO
(including shipping)
send an email to
info@topologilinux.com for more info or visit
Topologilinux homepage.
If you want the source I
will recommend you to order a copy of slackware
cd:s from www.slackware.com scince
most of the pkg:s are from slackware.
So donations are welcome to
both me and the slackware team !
There are many added
packaged besides the current 10.2 version of
slackware. Like Gnome 2.12, and a 2.6.14.2 kernel and
many other
packages has been added.
-----* install on windows: *-----
1. Backup important data
before installing (see IMPORTANT: below)
2. start up windows and
insert this CD and run topologilinux-setup.exe )
and create files (will normally start
automatically
(Or if you prefer using the install-without-cd methood place the)
(isofile according
the instructions in the /install-without-cd)
3 Follow instructions and install the system
(recommended is to install
everything in coLinux
mode (default) but you can also select not to
do so and boot with this cd
in and write "install" then press Enter
(You need to have "boot from cd" enabled in bios)
(for more advanced boot options press F1)
(make sure to try all options in the F1 menu
if default)
(installation kernel fails)
But as said before read the steps and follow
instructions and
select default alternatives.
A warning for the TAP driver might appear,
accept this and continue
the installation.
DO NOT FORGET TO DO the networking
configuration if you want coLinux
to work.
NOTE: that you may not use the cd/dvd-driver in any other open windows
program like the filemanager
explorer or anything like that if you
do the setup through coLinux
cause filesharing does not work
between colinux
and windows correct
Also note that setting for colinux can easy be changed in the
xml files /tlinux6/colinux/*.xml
4. follow instructions, and
install the software you want.
It is always prefered
to install ALL software
5. Your system is now
installed, You can start it inside windows
from
the "Start Topologiliux" icon or do a
reboot and use the
grub based bootmanager
to start it in real mode (much faster)
6 To use the X system inside Windows you need
to start the Topologilinux
system first then "Topologilinux
X" to connect to the system.
NOTE: that you can not login as root from vnc (Topologilinux X)
so you need to login as auser..
(can add more users by adduser command)
(to be able to use internet inside topologilinux in colinux mode
you need to do the steps listed in the
/tlinux6/doc/network-installation.doc or
the htm file)
7 After you have done all part in coLinuxmode you should
restart your computer and start in the loopmounted linux mode and
select start Topologilinux
from the bootmanager or boot with the
cd/dvd in and just
hit enter (or "vga" if your screen not
support 1024x768
resolution. Then when you are there you
should run setup to configure
your system there too.
NOTE: you need to run the setup in linux mode to get the system to
work correct.
Also note that you can install without
CD/DVD, see install-without-cdrom
NOTE: When installing using
more than one cd it might be troubles
with mounting the second
CD/DVD in coLinuxmode. But don't give up: try to
first close all programs
that uses the cdrom and try press continue,
if that does not help you,
open the cd in a windows "explorer" window
and then try to close it
again and wait about 10 sconds and try to
press continue again. This
step might be a bit triky but it should
work. If it does not work
for you try to do the installation by booting
and install in the linux mode instead of the colinux
mode.
The above problem will not
appear if you use a DVD instead of the cd:s
According the Network it might
be a tricky part that to. Try the
help that is available in
this readme file, it it
still fails try
to search on colinux homepage or try the forums on topologilinux.com
You can also try to upgrade
to colinux 0.6.3-rc3 located in the extra
directory on this cd after the first setup
Another thing to know is
that if you during the setup in linux mode select
to start in grafical login during X configuration, this can be changed
back by just edit /etc/inittab and change to runlevel3 instead of 4.
(This is the same as the
question that appear during the X setup)
-----* Topomanager
*-----
If you want topologilinux and colinux to be
run as a daemon in
windows you can try to use
the Topomanager included on the cd/dvd.
(see instructions in that
zip file for more info)
Above program is a nice
small program and is recommended to try
when you have a working Topologilinux system up and running.
You will find topomanager in the /utils
directory
-----*
install real mode without Windows *-----
This is new in version 6.0
and works like the traditional Slackware
setup. You will need to
have place to create 2 new partitions where you
will install it to. (Note
that this method is not recommended for newbies)
1. Backup important data
before installing (see IMPORTANT: below)
2. Insert the CD and boot
and write "real" and press enter.
3. partitioning your hard
driver (for example with cfdisk)
You need to have one Linux partition (at
least 4G for full
installation) and you should have a swap
partition (about 250Mb)
4. Start the setup by
writing 'setup' and åress enter
You can get more info according this setup
by selecting help
when you start the setup program.
5. Follow instructions.
Since you now almost run a slackware 10.2 system (ok, with gnome
and 2.6 kernel and some
other small changes) but it is like slackware
in the setup and
configuration and so on, so you can also try to read
info at www.slackware.com
for more help.
-----* Install old dos system *-----
If you have an old system
that not have boot from CD in your bios
or if you are running old
dos system without windows see
the readme_dos.txt in the /dos_setup directory on the
Topologilinux version 4.0.0 cdrom
(should probably work on version
6.x too but has not been
tested and therefore not on the cd) I will
recommend users with old
system to use the real mode without windows
methood.
-----* Install on system without cd *-----
Yes it will work fine !.
You should place the iso image in the folder
\tlinux6\ and name it pkg.img
(the isofile
can be downloaded from www.topologilinux.com if you
not already have it.
also download the package
from the homepage listed below that
includes the setup program
for none cd setup.
-----* IMPORTANT: *-----
Remember that all damages
that might appear on your system is at
your own risk, Topologilinux takes no responsibility for any damages.
But this version should be
stable and has been tested by a lot of beta
testers for a long time now.
**BUT REMEMBER TO BACKUP IMPORTANT DATA BEFORE
INSTALLING ! **
-----* coLinux
WARNING !: *-----
CoLinux is still at a early development and may cause
damage to
your computer. Topologilinux 6.x uses coLinux
version 0.6.2
byt If you find problem with this version you can
still upgrade to
version 0.6.3-rc3
(According to the main developer at coLinux version
0.6.3-rc3 is probably much
more stable than 0.6.2)
You can also try downgrade
to 0.6.1 (but not so recommended)
To upgrade or downgrade run
"colinux-daemon
--remove-driver" when removing old versions and
"colinux-daemon
--install-driver" then installing the new version
-----* Whats
included ?: *-----
Topologilinux comes with 2 cd:s
full of software. Here are some of them.
* Kernel 2.6.14.2
* coLinux so you can
use Topologilinux inside Windows
* Xorg 6.8.2 with xapplications, firefox and many
other appz.
* Kde 3.4.2 with xapplications
* Gnome 2.12 with many appz
like nautilus and evolution and so on.
* Xfce,windowmaker,fvwm
and some other window managers.
* A windows emulator (wine 0.9.1) and icq clones like gaim
* A great officepackage
named Openoffice 2.0
* Network appz,
console utils, gcc 3.3.6
and many other appz...
* great 3D games like Torcs
and Tuxracer.
-----* NTFS
driver: *-----
This distribution use a NFTS driver that can only change data on a
loopmounted file on a NTFS
driver. This means that you need to create 2 files
first in windows mode base.img (the base system) and swap.img
(swap file)
Then you reboot with this cd in or use the bootmanager or
use new colinux mode)
** Do not try to write to your NTFS partition outside Topologilinux
**
** it is still dangerous ! ****
(but this will not appear
for you if you use Topologilinux as you should)
(since topologilinux
only writes to a loopmounted file which is OK)
(above information is only
when running in "real mode")
-----* LIMITS *-----
One limit in this
distribution is that FAT32 SYSTEM CAN ONLY HANDLE FILES
UP TO 4090 MB! SO A NTFS SYSTEM IS RECOMENDED !!
NTFS system can handle much larger files (should
work fine up to at least 3TB
probably more.).. I have
tested up to 120G with succsess.
-----* Developer *-----
Tobias Svensson
a now 28 year old M Sc E E programmer from Sweden
(2005)
email:
tobias@topologilinux.com or tobiassvensson@home.se
also a lot of work from
Chris Semler, email chris@topologilinux.com
-----* Help *-----
Here are some famous
problems that might appear.
1. My system does not boot.
solution: You first need to run setup.exe from
windows, then you reboot your
computer and write
"install" then you press enter and install your
software, or for advanced boot press
F1 and read.(Or do the setup
inside Windows through oLinux)
2. Problem when booting Topologilinux with bootmanager in
"real mode".
solution: make sure your system works in colinux mode and that grldr is
placed
in c:\ (or your windows driver) and
also that boot.ini has
the entry "Start Topologilinux"
grldr.lst
should be placed on the driver where Topologilinux is
installed.
You can also try to boot using the
bootable cd (need to have boot from
cd enabled
in Bios)
3. Problem after booting Topologilinux in "real mode". (your screen might
flip out)
solution: Your videocard
might not support 1024*768 256color correct, try to
use the normal vga
mode (write "vga" is using boot from cd)
4. How do I get my cd burner to work ? (not tested in colinux
mode)
solution: when booting there are 2 options,
try "hdd" or "hdc"
depending on where
your cd
burner are. Check it by typing "cdrecord -scanbus" and se if
your cd
burner is there. othervise try the other boot option(hdd or hdc)
There exists many cd
burning programs. One are included on the second cd
and have the name xcdrtoast.(from slackware extra)
5. My soundcard seems not
to work.
solution: First of all make sure that you have
sound on in mixer on (check your
mixer settings in your current windowmanager) and make sure it is on.
This release of Topologilinux
uses alsa sound driver and if your
card does not work please visit that
page and make sure your soundcard
are supported.
to set the sound volume use command
"mixer" (press "M" to unmute)
More info at alsa
homapege: www.alsa-project.org
If you still have problems search
for slackware 10 and alsa
on the net and
see if there are somethings
strange with your motherboard and slackware 10.2
6. Can not configure my X
correct.
solution: First try xorgsetup
and setup your monitor, if this still not work ->
go to www.slackware.com and check
how to configure x systems. You can
also try to search on the net, you
will probably found info there for
your videocard
and your monitor.
If you want real fast X and have say
a Nvidia chip, goto
www.nvidia.com
and download latest Linux driver and
install.(TNT,Geforce and so on)
you might need to manually edit
/etc/X11/xorg.conf
(Nvidia
and ATI drivers are now also on the extra cd)
7. Can not get my network
or modem working correct.
solution: also here, go to www.slackware.com
and check !
But also check out drivers on your
network creator homepage and so.
My new networkcard
needed drivers from asus, and was easy downloaded
from
their homepage and a simple
"make" to install. So if your card are not
working you might need to do so too
!
If you are in colinuxmode
se step 18 below.
8. Can not type anything
when I should login, my keyboard is frozen. ("real-mode")
solution: The most common problems with this
are that your mouse is not working
correct and the mouse is loaded
before the keyboard.
you have probably selected wrong
mouse, fix this by DO NOT loading gpm at
boot time. Make sure that you have
the right mouse selected !
9. Topologilinux
does not install in colinuxmode with my cdrom
solution: You probably have more than 2 cdroms and try to install from 3/4:st Cdrom
er edit /tlinux/colinux/*.xml and change from Cdrom1 to Cdrom2 or 3
10. My scroll mouse does
not work.
solution: edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf and add
option "ZAxiaMapping"
"4 5"
under your mouse selection... might
also change mouse from ps/2 to imps/s
11. Can not install on my scsi cdrom (in "real
mode" and boot from cd)
solution: start up by using scsi supported kernel
press F1 at boot and choose a kernel
with scsi support
12. What about updates ?
solution: You can update packages that not
contain the -t in the package name
from any slackware
10.2 site at your own risk.
Packages that contain -t in the name
like (colinux-t....) are Topologilinux
packages and should not be updated
with any slackware packages.. but
all other should hopefully work !
13. Notebook problems ?
solution: visit www.linux-laptop.net
14. USB or Hotplug problems ?
solution: add parameter NOUSB
or NOHOTPLUG to the kernel at boot
If you use the bootmanager
edit c:/grldr.lst and add it there
then run the install.bat
again. (can also select not to use Hotplug during
the setup)
15. No sound appear for me.
solution: The volume are muted by default, so
open a mixer and change the volume
then it will hopefully work. (run
"mixer")
16. During the setup
("colinux-mode") errormessage
"ERROR ! Could not find CDROM !..." appear
solution:
You probably have the cd open in some other
application like "My computer" or you
have some files from the cdrom open. You need to close all stuff that uses the cdrom
only the setup are allowed to
run from the cdrom
(a coLinux feature)
when you have closed all cdrom apps you can just continue the setup by entering
"setup" again
(if you use another than cdrom0
change it in setup.cotopo.xml)
17. The coLinux
console crash.
solution:
Try to download a newer version of colinux at
www.colinux.org
18. Can not connect to the
Internet from coLinux.
solution:
First of all: Make sure you have done the steps listed in networking
docs.
Then starting dhcpcd
might help you. Try in a window to start "dhcpcd"
as
root, if that not solve your
problem read read more at coLinux
homepage
at www.colinux.org
19. Problems with colinux and ICS (Microsofts
Internet connection sharing) and ip 192.168.0.1.
solution:
The best things for this is to visit www.colinux.org and read the
documentation.
most of the documentation is on the
Wiki page
ICS is the Internet connection
sharing that windows uses to share a connection
which unfortunately uses tha same ip as colinux
Bot don't
worry, it works for you if you have a ICS (just a bit tricky so setup) ;)
20. Grub does not work for
me.
solution:
Read files in /grub/debug and see if that helps.
21. When I setup a message
saying that 192.168.0.1 is alreasy in use, what to do
?
solution:
This is related to (question listed 2 step above)
22. I don't know how to
configure the network in setup (in real mode)
solution:
If you don't have a domain just give some valued like
test and example.org
23. Installation problems
in the setup (linuxmode)
solution/tips: You need to install the [a]
base packages (Do NOT miss this !)
If you want colinux
and networking you also need the [n] networking
otherwise an error about "inetd not found" will appear during the
colinux
setup, to be sure install everything.
24. I want to change the
size of my Topologilinux system (base.img)
solution:
Use the toporesize in the /utils
directory
-----* Frequently Asked Questions
(F.A.Q) * (mostly old questions) -----
Q. Will I have to
repartition my hard drive to install Topologilinux?
A. No, that's what's great
about Topologilinux. Unlike other Linux
distributions,
This one does not need it's own partition.
It will run on any Windows or DOS
partition. But if you prefer installing in
the other way by partitioning it is
also possible.
Q. What are the system
requirements ?
A. Topologilinux
needs a PC 486 or higher with about 100MB free diskspace
and
about 8MB ram. If you want to install
everything you need about 2,5GB free
space. If you want to have a X system it is
recommend to have a Pentium PC
with 32MB ram or more. And If you want to
use colinux and X in windows you
will probably need a pentium
300Mhz or above with Win2k or XP and about 96Mb ram.
Q. Will Topologilinux
run on my version of Windows?
A. YES, Topologilinux
works with all versions of Windows or Dos and works with both
FAT and NTFS
partitions. You just need the CD to boot with if you use NTFS.
But if you want the new colinux
feature to run it inside windows you need to have
Windows 2000 or XP or above.
Q. Is Topologilinux
based on any other big distribution ?
A. Yes Topologilinux
is based on the first and still the most stable
linuxdistribution Slackware Linux. The main goal with this distribution is
that it should be almost 100% slackware compatible.
Q. Will Topologilinux
delete Windows?
A. No, Topologilinux
will install in a folder on any of your Windows drives
(/tlinux6). To uninstall Topologilinux
see uninstall selection in this readme
Q. Can I run Windows
programs under Topologilinux in "real
mode"?
A. YES, Topologilinux
6.0 comes with the windows emulator wine. Just enter
wine your_windows_program.exe and your
program will hopefully work under
Topologilinux too.
Q. Does Topologilinux
require another installed operative system ?
A. NO, You can run Topologilinux on a clean hard disk without any other
installed systems.
Q. Is Topologilinux
free ? the source too ?
A. YES, Topologilinux
is free and under GPL but all donations are
appreciated.
Some source is on the cd,
the other is slackware packages and can
be downloaded or ordered from
www.slackware.com
-----* Homepage *-----
Please visit Topologilinux homepage regulary
to make sure your Topologilinux system
is up to date. You will
find more documentation and info there too !
homepage: http://www.topologilinux.com or
http://topologi-linux.sourceforge.net/
-----* Thanks to *-----
All my betatesters
and especially Chris Semler (chris@topologilinux.com)
who has helped a lot with
this version, especially the colinux stuff
..also all other people who
mailed me ideas and helped me with this release,
..also all developers in
the coLinux team,
..also all developers in
the gware team (I uses most of their built script)
..also all you who help
people in the forum at the homapage,(hopefully ;) )
..also all who have helped
me in the forums to help other Topologilinux users,
..also thanks to YOU, the
user of Topologilinux !!
..also a great thanks to
all people that have/will supported me by ordering
a cd or donate
money to the project !
Please spread this to all
people you know if you like it, and also magazines and so on !!
And if you like it you can
always try the DONATE button at the homepage ;)
//Tobias tobias@topologilinux.com