coldtobi's blog

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Updated to lifetype 1.2.6

I just updated to lifetype 1.2.6. And as far as I can see, some nasty bugs I was experiencing with the ModReWrite are gone too..

Installing Debian on the Thecus N2100 -- PART 1 -- Preparation for install

As you know, I bought myself a Thecus NAS 2100, with the intent to install debian on it and use it as an homer server solution.  This article -- or better articles -- will focus how to install debian on the box.

Please note, that this VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY, so the usual disclaimer applies: You brick it, you repair it. I do not recommend to install Linux on the box, if you are not sure you can handle it. Linux requires more hands-on than the GUI -- you won't have a GUI anyway -- but reveals the real power. With power comes responsibility.

The motivation why to install Linux lays on the hand: The Thecus is more a home server than "only" a NAS. Therefore my NAS will have to do some more duties than just to store data. Actually, all of them are related to "data storage", but not everything can be done with the "plain" firmware.

As an example, I am planning to use it as an dedicated backup server, a server hosting my mail system and of course as an multimedia server for streaming my music everywhere I want it, not bowing before the ITunes restrictions.

But as the services will surely adapt to my needs, I will focus on them later in dedicated articles.

Okay, lets get started after the "read more" line. (if you at the main page of my blog)

Table of Contens

1. Part 1: Get Prepared (this article)
2. Part 2: Installing the Installer.
3. Part 3: Installing Debian I (start the installer and configure RAID)
4. Part 4: Installing Debian II
5. Part 5: Fine tuning after the installation

Is RedBoot via Ethernet available on my Thecus N2100

To find out, if your Thecus N2100 supports RedBoot via Telnet / Ethernet,  do the following:

Full Speed Ahead!

Today at 11:11 MET my modem lost its sync, to come up back some seconds later with the desired feature:  RAM.

Its to early to tell if it is stable. So far, I can tell that I am indeed not limited due the RAM limit, but due the "purchased limit" (1 MBit). 

At this time, I can only post some screenshots. (Click on the images to enlarge)

Telecom Field Test: RAM DSL

My Broadband Internet conection was always someway "limited": Down at 408kbit and up at approx 80 kbit. This is as my ISP is known to be very conservative according to the technical limits. Well, as the continued to lose customres in significant numbers, the had to react:

However, at the moment, the Telecom is trying out RAM -- Rate Adaptive Mode. This field test is limited to some thousands people here in Germany, and one had to apply at a special homepage for participating.

The participation is free of extra charges. 

Linus about "const pointers"

The concept of the C-modifier "const" is often misunderstood. On a recent question one person asked why there was a "const" parameter to the kfree syscall.

My Thecus N2100 arrived

My new toy finally arrived: My Thecus N2100, the winner of my "which-NAS-fits-me-best"-competion.

Here's a brief summary of its key features, as already told in the above article:

• not sealed. (Have-to-open for installation.)
• two options for "own linux on the box": Reflash with debian kernel, or run debian in an chroot.
• comes with128 MB DDR-RAM; expandable up to 512MB with standard DDR memory module.
• 2 Ethernet interfaces, both Gbit
• 3 USB2.0, additionally 1 internal. (that hidden by the case. Needs mod too utilize.)
• Debian supported, can be installed with sotck debian installer.
• Internal mini-PCI slot. Can be used for WLAN, if the two GBits are not enough.
• Intel XScale 80219 CPU @ 600 MHz. FAAAASST!!!

Together with two Samsung Spinpoint F1, HDJ753 -- with a combined storage of 1.5 Terrabytes -- and and upgraded with 512MB DDR Bar, this is a very good hacking opportunity. As my plans include hacking for it, I created a dedicated category for that topic.

Have fun!

(First pictures I made are currently on my camera and will be added soon....)