Fed up. Random lockups are back with a vengeance.

[DoYouKubuntu]

This thread is/has veered off its original topic, so if it isn't steered back, I'm going to CLOSE it.

Okay, fine, Mr StickToTheRules Snowhog!

How's this: the random lockups have NOT stopped, but they're very infrequent--I mean MUCH LESS often than before, when I was using QtCurve. They can and do happen at any time, whether actively using the laptop or not. Like the other morning, when I unplugged its power cord, and didn't hear the sound I've associated with that event, I said "uh-oh!"

Sure enough, it had frozen solid at some point during the night (I don't remember the time, but definitely while it was not being used).

I've been tailing my $HOME/.xsession-errors after a lockup to see if there was anything there that might be useful. So far, there's nothing meaningful to me, but I wonder if it would be to someone else. There are odds and ends entries referring to things like kwin decorations and 'type error' but I don't know what to make of them.

GG, how would I integrate a Roku box into my scenario? So my TV is still connected to its DirecTV DVR and I only need one remote and I don't need to manually switch any hardware around to use it?

PS @Snowhog, thread drift happens to be one of my favorite things about using forums like KFN. It lets us learn and see things about each other we wouldn't know if we just stuck to on-topic discussions. I know you're a mod and you have your rules, and I truly mean no disrespect, I'm just saying that I like thread drift and don't mind it at all in my threads.

[Snowhog]

This thread is/has veered off its original topic, so if it isn't steered back, I'm going to CLOSE it.

[GreyGeek]

A $25 Roku box from amazon is all you need. We have an old VISIO TV, about 15 years old. I attached that cheap Roku device and when I hit the HTML button it switches to Roku. You can limit yourself to free stuff, like YouTube, Pluto, weather, music, and tons of other free stuff, or If you want to pay for Netflix or HULU or other paid services you can do so. Our TV in the bedroom is a Roku TV, with Roku built in. I can't tell the attached Roku from the built in version. There are more expensive versions for 4K/HD/HDR, etc., but the $25 cheepie gives all we want.

For your computer Hypnotix is in the repository and you can look up m3u files for various countries on the Internet. I have about dozen m3u files for the US that include most of the TV stations around the country.
Here is one of many:
https://www.iptvm3uts.us/2019/06/usa...-m3u-kodi.html

I tried Kodi, also in the repository, but I couldn't get it to reliably work on my system. It hung a lot.

[DoYouKubuntu]

Now that we're talking about TVs, can anyone help me figure out how to accomplish something? I've had DirecTV for almost 30 years, and am 100% satisfied with its service, its customer service, everything. But...

I also want to be able to stream things--on the same TVs that have DirecTV DVR/receivers connected to them.

At one time, DirecTV had YouTube as one of its 'extras' (not pay extra, just called 'extras'), and it was AWESOME. I could use my regular remote to watch YT videos on my TV. Then they had a tiff...and YT was gone. Poof!

I spoke to DirecTV last month and asked if they have newer DVRs/technology that would allow access to Internet-based streaming. They said no. Note that all the DVRs are already connected to my Wi-Fi network. But its only functionality is for things like ordering pay-per-view movies, and accessing a handful of pre-defined apps, like Pandora, that DirecTV provides.

Right now, if I want to stream something like Netflix or Amazon Prime, I either have to use a computer (which I don't like), or manually switch cables around to use a DVD player/receiver AND its remote. I'm lazy. I want *ONE* remote and no physical switching.

I use DirecTV's remotes on all my TVs; they're universal, so after setting them up, they control the TV and the DVR/DirecTV. I want to use only one remote, but control everything, and watch on TV.

Aside from saying "dump DirecTV," can anyone think of an easy way to accomplish this?

[oshunluvr]

Oh also, I have an old (circa 2011) Asus ChromeBox that I cracked, upgraded RAM and drive capacity, and install Kubuntu on it long ago. Running 20.04 now. It's an i5 and sits behind a 65" TV in a house that I don't want to pay for cable TV at - and Hulu only lets you use one zip code. It's not powerful enough for "heavy lifting" but streams the 'net just fine.

[oshunluvr]

Even the new Dell desktops no longer support Legacy boot or MBR. I service over 250 Dell's in the field and now my spares are no longer a simple swap. I have to reconfigure the hard drives and add UEFI booting. It's a PITA.

OK, so I had to reconfigure ONE hard drive and clone it, but still...

[GreyGeek]

I'd take a Chromebook over either a System 76 or a Purism. And, I'd take a used, recent, T series Lenovo over a Chromebook - anytime.

But, even better, I have my HP Envy that was given to me by those who care. The next day I pulled out the m.2 drive with Windows and replaced it with another, and installed Kubuntu on it. No sweat and no distractions.

With the exception of the following every computer made since 2012 has EUFI and can be bricked remotely at any time for any reason.. Only two models from System76 have coreboot. Purism's computers have coreboot. The Lenovo T430 came with coreboot. Some chromebooks, but apparently not the new ones.

[DoYouKubuntu]

The primary reason to buy a Chromebook would be to avoid EUFI's backdoor and Golden Key. After the purchase the plan is always to burn Kubuntu to the metal. I prefer a 17" screen or larger because of my eyesight. The Purism mini allows a large LCD to be plugged in. The mini I spec'd included a 24" display. But, IF this Acer continues to run Kubuntu and doesn't wear out I probably won't be buying another computer.

Yes, GG, I'm right there with you--I prefer 17" and up when it comes to laptop screens now. The little Acer Chromebook I bought before I got sick, was perfectly usable--at the time. Unfortunately, my eyes got badly damaged when I nearly died from sepsis, as did every other cell/organ in my body. Using a tiny screen just doesn't work any more.

I'd take a Chromebook over either a System 76 or a Purism.

Really. May I ask why you feel that way? I'm not familiar with Purism at all, but I am with System76. For me, I can't imagine a Chromebook being better than a S76 laptop.

But, even better, I have my HP Envy that was given to me by those who care. The next day I pulled out the m.2 drive with Windows and replaced it with another, and installed Kubuntu on it. No sweat and no distractions.

Nice! HP was my go-to brand for desktops and laptops for decades. I always resented having to pay the 'micro$oft tax' when buying them, though, since the FIRST thing I did upon receipt was wipe window$ off their drives. Now, we actually have numerous brands to pick from that ship with Linux pre-installed...although we still have to install Kubuntu ourselves. Well, unless we buy Kubuntu's Focus, with its little screen.

[jglen490]

I'd take a Chromebook over either a System 76 or a Purism. And, I'd take a used, recent, T series Lenovo over a Chromebook - anytime.

But, even better, I have my HP Envy that was given to me by those who care. The next day I pulled out the m.2 drive with Windows and replaced it with another, and installed Kubuntu on it. No sweat and no distractions.

[GreyGeek]

The primary reason to buy a Chromebook would be to avoid EUFI's backdoor and Golden Key. After the purchase the plan is always to burn Kubuntu to the metal. I prefer a 17" screen or larger because of my eyesight. The Purism mini allows a large LCD to be plugged in. The mini I spec'd included a 24" display. But, IF this Acer continues to run Kubuntu and doesn't wear out I probably won't be buying another computer.

[DoYouKubuntu]

So, a Chromebook with Linux installed over it, or,

Spec'd out this Purism Mini for $1,482.
https://shop.puri.sm/shop/librem-mini/

Processor: Intel Core i7-10510U (Comet Lake), Active (fan) Cooling, 4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 4.9GHz
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Memory: 16GB, DDR4-2400, 2 SO-DIMM 1.2V DDR4 L2133/2400MHz
Storage: 1 SATA III 6Gbps SSD (7mm), 1 M.2 SSD (SATA III/NVMe x4)
Video: 1 HDMI 2.0 4K@60Hz, 1 DisplayPort 1.2 4K@60Hz
Display: 24 inch (can handle 2 displays)
USB Ports: 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB Type C 3.1
Audio: 3.5mm AudioJack (Mic-in & Headphone-out combo)
Networking: 1 RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet LAN), with WiFi Atheros ATH9k Module, 802.11n (2.4/5.0 GHz)
Bluetooth: Ar3k Bluetooth 4.0 (optional)
Power: 1 Powerbutton, DC-IN Jack, with US power plug
Keyboard and Mouse: kit
Dimension: 5.0″ x 5.0″ x 1.5″ (12.8 cm x 12.8 cm x 3.8 cm)
Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Warranty: 1 year

Slim pickings, but I could live with the Purism Mini

Several years ago, before I got sick, I wanted a small, easy to carry laptop to use on my patio. I bought an Acer Chromebook. I don't remember its cost, but it was well under a thousand dollars. I was curious to see Google's idea of Linux on a laptop. But I had the foresight to order it with a big hard drive installed.

I no longer recall the actual details, so I'll simply say I used it, as is, for about . . . . . this long. That gave me all I needed to be sure I wanted no part of cloud-only computing!

Back then, unlike now, Chromebooks did not give you a straightforward method of installing a different Linux on them--I did it the brute force way. I got Kubuntu up and running and was once again in familiar territory! I installed my usual, go-to programs, stored everything on its local drive (and networked drive backups), and left it out on the patio for use while I was outside all day.

I've had no reason/desire to fire it up since then, but while I was using it, it was great. It was a small version of a regular Linux laptop, very portable, very easy to tuck away at night, and--most importantly--it functioned the way *I* do computing. I'm sure cloud-only devices have their place, but what if your electricity goes out? and your Internet connection? All your data, all your programs, all your work, inaccessible. That's not for me. *shrug*

[TWPonKubuntu]

Given those two choices, I'd go with Purism too.

[GreyGeek]

jlittle, my thanks also for that explanation about BIOS vs UEFI. I have missed it in my research.

https://learnlinuxandlibreoffice.org...ft-kill-switch

Lack of Choice is a Lack of Freedom
The worst part of the UEFI Kill Switch is that we are not even being given a choice of whether to accept UEFI or not. This is because nearly all computers are being switched over to the UEFI start program. As of today, the only computers that use Coreboot instead of UEFI are Google Chromebooks and the Librem 14 by Purism. Microsoft is once again using its monopoly power to force all other computer manufacturers to use UEFI. Even Apple computers only come with UEFI installed. So today, we are all being forced to pay for an extremely dangerous UEFI system.
...


Option #4: If you want to buy a new computer, and you are on a limited budget, buy a Google Chrome Book
All Chromebooks comes with Coreboot and a stripped down Linux operating system called Chrome. It takes a couple hours to switch this to a full Linux Mint system ? a process we describe in a later chapter.

So, a Chromebook with Linux installed over it, or,

Spec'd out this Purism Mini for $1,482.
https://shop.puri.sm/shop/librem-mini/

Processor: Intel Core i7-10510U (Comet Lake), Active (fan) Cooling, 4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 4.9GHz
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Memory: 16GB, DDR4-2400, 2 SO-DIMM 1.2V DDR4 L2133/2400MHz
Storage: 1 SATA III 6Gbps SSD (7mm), 1 M.2 SSD (SATA III/NVMe x4)
Video: 1 HDMI 2.0 4K@60Hz, 1 DisplayPort 1.2 4K@60Hz
Display: 24 inch (can handle 2 displays)
USB Ports: 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB Type C 3.1
Audio: 3.5mm AudioJack (Mic-in & Headphone-out combo)
Networking: 1 RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet LAN), with WiFi Atheros ATH9k Module, 802.11n (2.4/5.0 GHz)
Bluetooth: Ar3k Bluetooth 4.0 (optional)
Power: 1 Powerbutton, DC-IN Jack, with US power plug
Keyboard and Mouse: kit
Dimension: 5.0″ x 5.0″ x 1.5″ (12.8 cm x 12.8 cm x 3.8 cm)
Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Warranty: 1 year

Slim pickings, but I could live with the Purism Mini

[TWPonKubuntu]

jlittle, my thanks also for that explanation about BIOS vs UEFI. I have missed it in my research.

[DoYouKubuntu]

Unfree software. The original memtest86 was free but was a 32 bit BIOS programme, and with the UEFI version it became encumbered with restrictions. Having booted a computer in UEFI mode, BIOS programmes can't run, hence the live disk and boot settings.

Ah ha! Thanks for that--I don't think that would've ever occurred to me.