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Dying DVD Drive?
by Martin Collins 29 Aug '06

29 Aug '06

Hi, can anyone decipher the following kernel messages. These occur when I put a DVD in the drive and it tries to mount and fails. I previously had Suse 10.1 on my HP Pavillion laptop but have recently switched to Ubuntu 6.06. These messages don't occur with pre-recorded media (mag cover discs) and don't occur with writable media burnt in other computers. Media previously burnt under SuSE which read fine under SuSE, now don't read under Ubuntu but media burnt under Ubuntu does read in other computers but not this one. It's quite bizarre - it seems if it was burnt in this laptops burner, however long ago, under whatever Linux version or with whatever media brand, they now don't read but do in other computers? Mmmm, maybe the reading laser on my DVD drive has had it? But how come it can read writable media burnt in other computers? I tried turning off dma with hdparm but no difference: martin@linux-laptop:~$ sudo hdparm /dev/hdc Password: /dev/hdc: IO_support = 1 (32-bit) unmaskirq = 1 (on) using_dma = 0 (off) keepsettings = 0 (off) readonly = 0 (off) readahead = 256 (on) HDIO_GETGEO failed: Invalid argument Anyone experienced anything like this before, particularly with a dying DVD burner perhaps? Thanks & best regards, Martin Kernel messages follow:- Aug 28 20:21:42 linux-laptop kernel: [4295833.959000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:42 linux-laptop kernel: [4295833.959000] hdc: rw=0, want=68, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.481000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] hdc: rw=0, want=4607396, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] hdc: rw=0, want=4606372, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] hdc: rw=0, want=4606148, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.482000] hdc: rw=0, want=4607388, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] hdc: rw=0, want=4606364, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] hdc: rw=0, want=4606140, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] hdc: rw=0, want=4606796, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.483000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] hdc: rw=0, want=4605772, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] hdc: rw=0, want=4605548, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] hdc: rw=0, want=4606788, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.484000] hdc: rw=0, want=4605764, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.485000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.485000] hdc: rw=0, want=4605540, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.485000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.487000] hdc: rw=0, want=3780444, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.487000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.487000] hdc: rw=0, want=3779420, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.487000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] hdc: rw=0, want=3779196, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] hdc: rw=0, want=3780436, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] hdc: rw=0, want=3779412, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.488000] hdc: rw=0, want=3779188, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] hdc: rw=0, want=3779844, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] hdc: rw=0, want=3778820, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] hdc: rw=0, want=3778596, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.489000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] hdc: rw=0, want=3779836, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] hdc: rw=0, want=3778812, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] hdc: rw=0, want=3778588, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.490000] hdc: rw=0, want=1252, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.491000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.491000] hdc: rw=0, want=1028, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:43 linux-laptop kernel: [4295835.491000] UDF-fs: No partition found (1) Aug 28 20:21:45 linux-laptop kernel: [4295837.445000] attempt to access beyond end of device Aug 28 20:21:45 linux-laptop kernel: [4295837.445000] hdc: rw=0, want=68, limit=4 Aug 28 20:21:45 linux-laptop kernel: [4295837.445000] isofs_fill_super: bread failed, dev=hdc, iso_blknum=16, block=16

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Weekly IRC reminder
by Brett Parker 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

This is the automated ALUG IRC meeting reminder sent to remind you that there is an IRC meeting tonight (Monday) at 8.00pm. Historically, these used to be the only time a lot of us would be about, now the channel has some usual faces that are there most of the time (except at silly o'clock, when we might be sleeping, or on the second thursday of the month, where we might be drinking in the Reindeer), so don't feel limited to visit during this time, come visit us when ever you feel like it! The meeting takes place on the irc server irc.alug.org.uk in the #alug channel. Most IRC clients should allow you to get there with the commands "/server irc.alug.org.uk" and "/join #alug". Popular IRC clients include xchat, irssi and EPIC on Unix, and Mirc under windows. Here are some links to help you get started with irc. Unix http://www.xchat.org/ http://www.irssi.org/ http://www.epicsol.org/ Windows http://xchat.org/windows/ - the UNIX client has a windows port! http://www.mirc.com/ (loads of help with irc for newbies!)

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"Firewall" directory perms possible?
by Ted.Harding＠nessie.mcc.ac.uk 26 Aug '06

26 Aug '06

Hi Folks, I've been toying with the following kind of question. Is it possible to setup a directory (say ./invis) such that it is impossible for anyone (even the owner) to do 'ls' on it, or 'cd' to it, thus not being able to find out the names of files and subdirectories under./invis, but such that if you name such a file or subdirectory explicitly than you (as owner) have access to it? I.e. in order to access anything under ./invis you have to know its name. E.g. cat ./invis/myfile cd ./invis/mydir Ordinary "chmod 000 ./invis" will not work, since this prevents all acess of any kind ("permission denied"). But I have a feeling that this sort of thing should be possible somehow (without having any idea of how to do it). Any comments? Thank, Ted. -------------------------------------------------------------------- E-Mail: (Ted Harding) <Ted.Harding(a)nessie.mcc.ac.uk> Fax-to-email: +44 (0)870 094 0861 Date: 26-Aug-06 Time: 12:42:46 ------------------------------ XFMail ------------------------------

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Smartd and Hard Drive errors
by Barry Samuels 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

smartd[6119]: Device: /dev/hda, 1 Currently unreadable (pending) sectors smartd[6119]: Device: /dev/hda, 1 Offline uncorrectable sectors Do the above error messages indicate any serious (potential) problems? -- Barry Samuels http://www.beenthere-donethat.org.uk The Unofficial Guide to Great Britain

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FW: [sheflug] Dinnington.net Presentation 5th September 2006
by Ted.Harding＠nessie.mcc.ac.uk 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

Hi Folks, I'm taking the liberty of forwarding this from the ShefLUG list. As well as the URL for the September 5th event itself at Dinnington, I also looked at the main Dinnington.net website at http://www.dinnington.net/ whi8ch makes very interesting reading! Dinnington is a somewhat out-in-the-sticks-ish place between Worksop and Sheffield. Not unlike a number of our own communities! This is so interesting that I might go up there for it. There are several pertienent fundamental questions that I'd like to know the answers to. For example -- what "pipe" do they tap into, and how? And how can they provide it for free -- where's the money coming from? If anyone else is interested in a possible trip up, maybe we can coordinate? (It's not at all certain I shall really go, but it's quite a possibility). Best wishes to all, Ted. -----FW: <200608251747.56972.richard(a)sheflug.co.uk>----- Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 17:47:54 +0100 Sender: sheflug-bounces(a)sheflug.co.uk From: Richard Ibbotson <richard(a)sheflug.co.uk> To: sheflug <sheflug(a)sheflug.co.uk> Subject: [sheflug] Dinnington.net Presentation 5th September 2006 Hi Bob Holland has been circulating some information about an event which takes place on the evening of the 5th of September over in Dinnington. This is of interest to anyone who uses or has some use for Free or Open Source software. To quote Bob's e-mail.... " Starting in September, we are beginning a series of Tuesday evening events in Dinnington to raise awareness of the project. The first of these - on September 5 - is a technical introduction to the system we have put in place in Dinnington. It is aimed primarily at those in our community who have already expressed an interest in supporting and extending the system, but I would like to extend an invitation to those from the wider FLOSS community who may be interested in finding out more about the project and how the FLOSS components are working together. Full details of the event can be found here... " http://www.dinnington.net/click-tuesday/dinnington-net-the-project -- Richard ___________________________________________________________________ Sheffield Linux User's Group - http://www.sheflug.co.uk/mailfaq.html GNU the choice of a complete generation. --------------End of forwarded message------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- E-Mail: (Ted Harding) <Ted.Harding(a)nessie.mcc.ac.uk> Fax-to-email: +44 (0)870 094 0861 Date: 25-Aug-06 Time: 18:39:10 ------------------------------ XFMail ------------------------------

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HDD --> Flash??
by Ted.Harding＠nessie.mcc.ac.uk 25 Aug '06

25 Aug '06

Hi Folks, This morning's Guardian "Technology" section has an item about the possible replacement of the classic HDD by flash-memory modules. See: http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,1856508,00.html While reading the article (mostly about cost comparisons), I was wondering about whether the data stored on a flash module would be as solidly stored as on a HDD. Finally, there was a brief discussion of the issue: "But besides cost, there are other obstacles for Flash memory replacing hard drives. Flash memory is typically guaranteed for around 1m read/write cycles, which sounds a lot, but in the context of the working life of a PC (which is continually writing, erasing or rewriting data) is not. So designers have to use techniques known as wear-levelling to shift data around the Flash memory block to reduce the risk of data error. "We can design around the problem," says Walsh." I was also wondering about how long data would "stay in place" over time anyway. Does the "bit-state" of an element on a flash module tend to "diffuse" away over time? Admittedly I have never experienced data corruption on a flash drive (though the number of read/writes to such that I've made is far from the millions); aqnd I've certainly had problems with hard drives! (But then I do hammer these). Any views? There's also an interesting insight into XP and Vista. Booting XP from a flash would be 25%-50% faster than from a HDD. And, it says, "Vista is about five times bigger than XP, and what comes along with that large size is a speed issue, even with faster CPUs. We've been working with Microsoft on ways to speed up booting and application loading by complementing the hard drive with Flash." Hmmm Best wishes to all, Ted. -------------------------------------------------------------------- E-Mail: (Ted Harding) <Ted.Harding(a)nessie.mcc.ac.uk> Fax-to-email: +44 (0)870 094 0861 Date: 24-Aug-06 Time: 10:54:16 ------------------------------ XFMail ------------------------------

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PC World TV Advert
by Ian bell 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

PC World's latest TV advert has a saleman extolling the virtues of a dual core Pentium. Dual core? asks the customer. Yes, replies salesman, Let's you do more than one thing at a time. At the very least misleading to the average punter. I have complained to the advertising standards authority. ian

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New Gnome User Needs Help
by Martin Collins 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Hi, after using KDE for many years now, I've defected to Gnome with Ubuntu's Dapper Drake. After using it for a few days I really like it and I'm getting along great. I had tried to use it a few times previous but always gave up and went back to KDE. Everything I use and need is available in Gnome, except one thing. In KDE I always used Konqueror for navigating around my folders and when needing to revert to the command line simply clicked on the Konsole button in Konqueror (which I placed on the toolbar) and a terminal popped open in my current working directory. I can't seem to do this in Gnome/Nautilus. I have to open Gnome Terminal separately and cd into the directory that I want. It's only a minor niggle, but I've just seemed to have fallen into working this way. I do remember, I think it was Mandrake 8.2, that Nautilus did used to have a function like the one described above. Does anyone know if this is possible in the latest Gnome/Nautilus? Thanks all. Martin

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Exim - deny rule ignored
by James Green 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Hi, I'm trying to change the behaviour of exim 4.50 such that as soon as a RCPT TO: foo(a)domain.com is received, it checks if that recipient exists and if not, denies service. deny !verify = recipient Should do it, at the top of the acl_check_rcpt rule. exim -bH shows the rule being loaded, but completely ignored. Indeed testing from my gmail account results in the standard mail rejection notice complete with spam index, instead of an SMTP-level deny. Any clues? Cheers, James

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PC World
by Bob Dove 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Hi folks, PC World - a good place to shop as undoubtedly almost anyone who enters the portals knows more than the staff employed. My most famous encounter was at the specialist desk wherein I enquired after a hard drive caddy or drive case. "Nah, don't make 'em anymore, no call for them." I looked on the shelves and found a Belkin device that looked as if it would do the job (it does - still) and I took it back to the specialist counter and asked the same bloke if I could mount an IDE drive in it. He concurred that what was wrote on the box was correct. I asked that as they didn't do 'em anymore - no call for them - was there a special price? They must be aware of their reputation? I worked for Dixons for ten years. In my time even the junior had a full product knowledge and was actively encouraged to join clubs, go to college or adult learning centres to learn more and more about the subject. It is embarrassing at times to overhear the sales patter! But go into any multi selling almost anything. You'll find Sales Managers, Sales Advisors, Key Account Executives (the person that knows how to write an invoice) Team Leaders but no team or any lowly sales persons. Most of these companies are driven by accountants who have know knowledge of the product. A famous photographic company I was once in frequent contact with had a policy of not employing anyone with photography as a hobby - 'we want them to sell boxes, we don't want them to like the product.' The reps main line was always 'how many outers do you want?' No trying to buy one item to replace the one you sold last week. Many more boxes - don't matter what's in 'em. These people also employ ad agencies at vast sums of money to produce these facile and incorrect ads. The ad agencies are briefed (obviously inadequately) by Sales Directors. Ah Whale! Bob Dove.

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