how to run Archlinux 0.7 on an Acer Aspire 1522 WLMi.<back>


*** does it work? ***
i got everything to work, apart from the pc card slots (i didn't test them yet, but the "5 in 1 card reader"
isn't detected when i plug it in). i didn't test modem, firewire and parallel port (this one should work
fine anyway), but if i will i'll upgrade this document.


*** installation ***
everything should be fine. when you're done, add this line to your /etc/pacman.conf:
IgnorePkg = kernel26
this is needed because newer kernels create lots of problems, so you should stick with the 2.6.10 that comes
with the Archlinux 0.7 cd. this done, you can upgrade your whole system (pacman -Syu), which is a ~300M
download. i assume your Archlinux is fully updated (apart from the kernel).


*** X ***
to run X correctly you need to download the nvidia driver (pacman -S nvidia) and use it in X.org. you cannot
install this driver while running X, so shut it down first, and run the command from a console.  you'll also
need to set the correct video mode. you can use my xorg.conf (copy it in /etc/X11/).
it also contains the configuration for the touchpad, which works fine. when you leave X to return to the
framebuffer this will be horribly corrupted, almost unusable. to fix this, add this line to your
/etc/modprobe.conf:
options nvidia NVreg_SoftEDIDs=0 NVreg_Mobile=2


*** sound ***
the easiest way to get your soundcard working is to run alsaconf and answer its simple questions (leaving
the default values). the script will set up your volumes in the correct way. the module for the soundcard is
snd_via82xx, which is automatically loaded.


*** ethernet ***
the ethernet card works correctly out of the box. the system will load the right module automatically.


*** wireless ***
to use this card you'll need ndiswrapper, so install it. grab the windows drivers from here.
unzip the drivers in a directory, then cd into that directory and run:
ndiswrapper -i 80211g/Winxp/neti2220.inf
add the following line to your /etc/rc.local to have the driver loaded at boot time:
modprobe ndiswrapper
the wireless card will be associated with the interface wlan0.


*** external usb mouse ***
to use an external usb mouse in X, you'll have to add this line to the ServerLayout section of your xorg.conf:
	InputDevice    "USB Mouse"
again, you can use my xorg.conf.


*** final words ***
after this configuration your Archlinux system should be up and running. if you need more detailed
explainations feel free to mail me at tian-at-email.it.


--- gh0s+