accessing one's tower system specifications

[kato40]

 Here is my conumdrum. I would like to be able to have a print-out of what is helping to run my PC Linux OS, LXDE. Because I am not able to update my OS, and even though I have a DVD burner, and a cd rom, and
I have tried to alter the start-up for "live" cd's it just does not get recognised. Consequently I cannot provide any
System info. e.g. Ram, HD etc.
Sometimes when I switch on the power the DVD tray opens.
Thanking you,
kato40

[OMSkates]

kato40, I noticed your last post was in November 2010 so I'm wondering if you have been able to update the system since then?  Are you able to boot PCLinuxOS at all?  

[kato40]

Hi:
Yes ,I am able to boot into pclinux OS(Lxde) ,but I am not able to update ,much less access my BIOS correctly to even load a live pclinux os cd to change to gnome version ;or even "burn" a cd or dvd .Also unable to access the systrem to ascertain what I have for HD size ,Ram etc.
Thanks for your reply
kato40

[russell.eberhardt]

Hi:
Yes ,I am able to boot into pclinux OS(Lxde) ,but I am not able to update ,much less access my BIOS correctly to even load a live pclinux os cd to change to gnome version ;or even "burn" a cd or dvd .Also unable to access the systrem to ascertain what I have for HD size ,Ram etc.
Thanks for your reply
kato40

If you can't update have a look at this thread: http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,87377.0.html

To access the BIOS press the del key while the POST screen is showing.  On some machines this goes by very quickly so keep pressing del during bootup.

You can check what hardware you have with "Configure my Computer" (the little circle with a spanner and screwdriver)

LXDE uses "Grafburn" for CD/DVD burning.  You should find it in the menu under Archiving.  Failing that just type "grafburn" (without the quotes) in a terminal.

Hope that helps.

Russell.

[OMSkates]

Accessing Bios during early boot is sometimes Delete key or F12, even other F keys depending on manufacturer.  Select CD-Rom or "Optical Drive"...are you able to access your Bios this way?

Russell is correct, follow his link and use the instructions to get your synaptic's repos set up correctly;  The "Automated" method is easiest.  Note that mirrors aren't currently syncing with ibiblio but this should be resolved soon

I think you should have a successful update after fixing Synaptic Package Manager.

After you are fully updated maybe try installing "task-gnome" from synaptic rather than reinstalling with a live CD.  You can switch to Gnome or any of the DE's you have installed at log in

[kato40]

With regards to the BIOS accessibility ,I still am unable to use whatever drive that I need ,neither cd or dvd will let me access them.
With regards to updates ,the synaptic says that the upgrades are closed or out of date.
I shall try to firstly get the cd or dvd drive to work.
Thanking you,
kato40

[kato40]

Hi Russell:
I found the system files, but how can I actually print them out to post them on the forum ,and to trouble shoot .
Cheers,
kato40

[Village Idiot]

What you might be able to do is install lshw (LiSt HardWare) from the repo if it is not already installed.

Then, as root, run lshw from the command line.

To have all this information put in a text file instead, run the command and pipe the output to a file like this: lshw > hw.txt

HTH

[russell.eberhardt]

In PCC>Hardware>Browse and configure hardware you can select a section on the left then highlight the details on the right and ctrl V will copy the detains so you can paste them intp your post.

For a more detailed hardware listing type lshw in a terminal.  You can copy a highlighted section with ctrl-shift V.

Re., your BIOS; when you boot up and press del (or possibly F2) while the boot splash screen is displayed, does it take you into the BIOS setup?

Russell.

[russell.eberhardt]

With regards to updates ,the synaptic says that the upgrades are closed or out of date.

You need to follow the instructions in the link I posted above to get the correct repository.

Russell.

[menotu]

A couple of links that may prove useful

How to enter the BIOS or CMOS setup.

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000192.htm

Motherboard Manuals Data & More

http://motherboards.mbarron.net/

[kato40]

Hi Russell:
Yes, I am able to access the BIOS ,but regardless of what I enter ,say DVD ,ikt will not accept the ability to use said drive. If I was able to , I would re-install PC linux OS ,Gnome latest version.
It would seem to me that the BIOS does not recognise or has the ability to find the cd or dvd drive.
Thanking you,
kato40

[russell.eberhardt]

If the BIOS does not recognise the drives you have a hardware problem.  It is unlikely that both drives have failed so perhaps it is the motherboard.  You could try booting from an external CDrom drive.

Russell.

[pags]

If the BIOS does not recognise the drives you have a hardware problem.  It is unlikely that both drives have failed so perhaps it is the motherboard.  You could try booting from an external CDrom drive.

Russell.

Or, perhaps, a cable issue.  Do the drives share a cable (if IDE...if they're SATA, then ignore this question).

Does

Code:

eject -T /dev/cdrom

cause the drive tray to open?  If so, does the same command cause it to close, again?

[kato40]

Re:
The tray opening/closing it is only intermittent ,not very often. I shall get back to you re : if sata or IDE.
Thanks, kato40