[Linux-disciples] RE: can't root, network and display woes

[Karl Sokol]

I have ammended the boot sequence as directed, but it still loads up in 
the same way.

Meanwhile, I have been given a WinBook M laptop which I have promptly 
repartioned for linux.  I installed Debian 3 from CD.  I have selected 
my SIS 900 network card from the listed modules, but it won't work.  
Googling revealed that this is an infamous card, but is included in the 
2.4 kernel and does not work well as a module. Otherwise, I have a 
minimal installation with access to the command line.  Can I get my 
network to work from the shell. 

Thirdly, the display chops off the bottom 3 " or so, leaving me 
essentially blind to questions being asked.  Using an external monitor 
gives the same results.  When I used the install from Debian 2.1, there 
was no problem.

Without exagerating, I have spent about 20 hours trying to get this 
laptop to work.  I was even desperate enough to re-partion it as NTFS 
and try to restore windows from the restore disks that came with the 
computer.  It pretends to restore, but upon restart, it only gives an 
endless stream of 010101010101...

Please help,
Karl