[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: Compaq's & Linux

[Minh Duong]

I'd hate to be a spoil sport but after you've done all
that partition work, I think you'll find that the BIOS
settings weren't worth it.

I have a Compaq DP2000 as well and I wanted to build a
router.  I formatted the drive again because there
wasn't anything that I needed.   This was after two
days of head scratching.  When I finally installed the
BIOS program and start it up, I got Compaq's
idiot-user BIOS gui program.  I only change or add
simple things.  None of the power user setting are
available to be changed.  Memory, power, ports, PNP. 
None of this can be adjusted by the user.

The sad ironic thing was that the BIOS installer took
3 floppies and did jack.  My LRP (Linux Router
Project) which includes the kernel and all the
firewall/routing capabilities took up 1 floppy.

I've noticed this trend in more manufacturers to make
the BIOS dependent on the hard drive.  HP, Compaq, and
Dell are the companies I know that install part of the
BIOS on the hard drive.  Some of them have tried to
make like Compaq try to make the BIOS with GUI.  In my
opinion, people who mess with the BIOS should be
enough of a geek not to need GUIs.

Minh


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