PPC: 6.4 - Installation on the new PowerMacs
Support knowledgebase (olh_ppc_64_new_powermacs)
Applies to
SuSE Linux PowerPC: Version 6.4
Request:
The installation of SuSE Linux 6.4 for PowerPC is possible on the latest PowerMacs. All you need is a newer Linux kernel that supports these new machines.
Note that not all features are fully supported (sound, graphics on the iBook, sleep). Modem, Ethernet, USB and airport can be used.
Procedure:
Create the required partitions as explained in the manual, chapter 2.
Copy the folder "suseboot" onto the Linux boot partition.
Edit the file yaboot.conf, it should look like this:
timeout=50
default=install
image=vmlinux
label=install
root=/dev/fd0
initrd=ramdisk.image.gz
append="load_ramdisk=1 ramdisk_size=64000 video=aty128fb:vmode:10"
Note: if you do not have an iBook the video=
option is not required.
Download the newer kernel image and the kernel package from our FTP server:
ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/suse/ppc/update/BETA/kernel/vmlinux.benh.gz
ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/suse/ppc/update/BETA/kernel/k_benh.rpm
Use the tool "Mac Gzip" in the tools folder in the folder "suseboot" to extract the file, StuffIt Expander fails often with .gz files.
Copy the file vmlinux.benh into the folder "suseboot" and replace the old "vmlinux" file.
Open the controlpanel "Startup volume" and choose the Linux boot partition as the active boot volume.
The bootloader "yaboot" should be started after a reboot. It is currently not possible to display the welcome message on the screen, just hit Return.
The newer kernel contains a newer mouse device that is unknown for the graphical installer YaST2. Use the textbased YaST1 or use YaST2 without the mouse (use TAB to move the focus).
You need at least two more update packages, the mouse interface has changed and the USB support can be activated automatically.
ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/suse/ppc/update/6.4/ap1/usb.rpm
ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/suse/ppc/update/6.4/a1/devs.rpm
You can use the the YaST menu "install packages" to install the packages.
Or install them manually with this command:
rpm -Uvh usb.rpm devs.rpm
Please read the article about the new mouse devices with kernel version 2.2.16 and later.
http://sdb.suse.de/sdb/en/html/usb2216
See also:
PPC: 6.4 - Kernel update
PPC: Mouse button emulation
USB with kernel version 2.2.16 and newer
Keywords: PPC, POWERPC, KERNEL, APPLE, RS6000, MEMORY, IBOOK
Categories:
Power PC
SDB-olh_ppc_64_new_powermacs, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany
- Version: 20. Okt 2000
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 07. Nov 2000 by olh (sdb_gen 1.40.0)