The new kernel in Gutsy moved from the SLAB allocator to the SLUB allocator. (Btw, I have no idea what that actually is..). So, this meant that I couldn’t put the machine into Suspend mode while using the ATI drivers. Although the RadeonHD driver works quite well, it means that I can’t actually play BZFlag.

To solve this, I ended up compiling my own custom kernel for Ubuntu, and switching it to use the SLAB allocator. I thought it would be appropriate to blog it here in case anyone else is interested.

I followed much of the instructions from the Macbook Pro page on the Ubuntu Wiki, but I built a deb package for my kernel. So have a look at the Unofficial ATI linux driver wiki page for installing on Ubuntu Gutsy.

Here we go:

Symlink the firmware directory. This is usually needed for the initrd.
sudo ln -sf /lib/firmware/2.6.22-14-generic /lib/firmware/2.6.22.9

Install all the required packages
sudo apt-get install linux-source libncurses5-dev build-essential kernel-package fakeroot module-assistant build-essential dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 linux-headers-generic

Extract the kernel source, import the old config and start the make config
cd /usr/src/
sudo tar -xvjpf linux-source-2.6.22.tar.bz2
sudo ln -sf linux-source-2.6.22 linux
cd linux
sudo cp /boot/config-2.6.22-14-generic .config
sudo make menuconfig

In the menu, browse to ‘General setup‘, then select ‘Choose SLAB allocator‘ at the last entry. Change this from ‘SLUB’ to ‘SLAB‘, then exit ‘General setup’.

Select ‘Processor type …‘ and ‘Processor family‘ and change the CPU from ‘Generic-x86-64′ to ‘Intel Core2 / newer Xeon‘, exit ‘Proccessor type …’.

Go to ‘Device Drivers‘ > ‘Sound‘ > ‘Advanced Linux Sound Architecture‘ > ‘PCI devices‘ and Hit the M key to enable the ‘Intel HD Audio‘ module.

I think that Ubuntu packages this driver as part of an extra modules package, but the in-kernel one works fine

Save the new config and exit.

UPDATE: Edit the file /etc/kernel-pkg.conf, and add the line:
CONCURRENCY_LEVEL = 3

This should make sure of both cores when compiling your new kernel. This will take it down from about 1 hour to still timing it, please update

Build your new kernel package
time make-kpkg --rootcmd fakeroot --uc --us --initrd binary

I think it’s a good idea to boot into your new kernel here. Make sure everything’s working before you move on.

Download the ATI driver installer ati-driver-installer-7-11-x86.x86_64.run

Build Ubuntu fglrx packages from the ATI driver script
sudo bash ati-driver-installer-7-11-x86.x86_64.run --buildpkg Ubuntu/gutsy

Install the fglrx packages
sudo dpkg -i xorg-driver-fglrx_8.433-1*.deb fglrx-kernel-source_8.433-1*.deb fglrx-amdcccle_8.433-1*.deb

Build the fglrx kernel module package.
sudo module-assistant prepare,update
sudo module-assistant build,install fglrx -f
sudo depmod -a

Install the fglrx kernel module
sudo dpkg -i fglrx-kernel-2.6.22.9_8.433-1+2.6.22.9-10.00.Custom_i386.deb

Make sure you’ve got fglrx set in the device section of your xorg.conf.

That should do it.

I have this feeling that it’s been brought on my the new Nokia N810 internet tablet to be released shortly this month. The N800 (which I have) does include Skype, but sans video. I think that video support was something that the Nokia guys would have been pushing for with the N810. I’m really looking forward to using Skype with Video on the N800 once the new version of the Internet Tablet OS is released.

Unfortunately, Skype’s video doesn’t work on my MacBook Pro presumably due to ATI’s shithouse proprietary driver. Even with the newest 8.42.3 driver (which was supposed to be some massive improvement) they are still crap.

Note to ATI: I’m never, ever buying ANYTHING that contains one of your GPU’s. Ever.

Last weekend, we went paintballing at Hot Shots in Anakie to celebrate the fact that someone is crazy enough to want to marry him hehe

Playing in Anakie was great because of the bush setting, and I would recommend looking the Hot Shots guys up if you wanted to do paintballing. As you can see from the photo, Matt got the pretty pink overalls, including a target painted on the back.

Incredible game, Geelong annihilating Port Adelaide by 119 points. I believe it’s the largest winning margin in the history of the AFL/VFL.

It was probably the best game I have ever seen these boys play. Let’s make it back-to-back next season.

GO CATS!

After a close (too close..) win over Collingwood, Geelong have advanced into the Grand Final. As you can see, I managed to score some tickets from the random ballot for Geelong members.

I took a trip down to the Cattery (Geelong) and it’s really exciting to see the all the blue and white everywhere. Plenty of people wearing their guernseys, scarves and jackets around town. I’m glad to see now that the ‘lid’ is off, and everyone is getting into the spirit of things.

Through the Chinese whispers, I managed to hear that Kingy’s got a place in the AFL side, after his good performance in Geelong’s VFL premiership yesterday. I think he’s really put in hard after his injury, and although Blake has been very good, I think it’s Kingy’s time.

Go the Catters!

I splashed out a bit, and bought myself a new toy. It’s the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, running Linux.

I’m still getting used to it, but it seems quite good so far. More to come..

http://picasaweb.google.com/andybotting/NZTrip

Andy, Jay, Laurelle, Ewan and Stretch in Queenstown. The Remarkables behind.

First stop was some lunch at Fergburger. Some very nice gormet-style burgers, and later checking into our hostel accommodation and visiting some local establishments for some refreshments.

Catching up with Sam at the pub.

I even managed to catch the end of the Geelong v Richmond game. Well done to Blakey for kicking his first 2 goals in AFL, and smashing Richmond to extend their winning streak to 13 games.

We then took the Gondola up the mountain and hit some luge. Total carnage.

The Exteme Team, preparing for some Luge action.

Skiing at Coronet Peak was also carnage, as I am probably the weakest Skier out of the bunch. Let me tell you, I ate some serious snow.

Andy at Sam’s place, with some sexy Ski pants.

We just got back from the Shotover Jet Boat ride. Very high speed jet boat through a little river. Very extreme.

Stay tuned for updates, and more photos.