Computerman, LLC

02/01/2022

Computerman is in Pensacola and ready to fix your technology issues!

01/05/2017

Hey Everybody,

I'm back after a New Year's vacation. I'm also still contagious. Come see me Monday. It should be safe by then. Thanks!

10/03/2016

https://www.maketecheasier.com/configure-pxe-server-ubuntu/

This tutorial is good. If you use a newer version of the OS read my notes below:

Dear Hitesh Jethva,

Thank you for your article. It works great. I ran into some things because I downloaded 14.04.5 instead of 14.04.3.
Only because I remember how frustrating it was not to get something like this working when I first started with linux,
I thought it might help someone else to see how I flailed about before getting your excellent PXE server idea right.

Thank You Again,

Rusty

14.04.5 Differences:

sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart not work, no error given

sudo ifdown eth0 && sudo ifup eth0 worked, ifup did not

sudo service network-manager restart not work, no error given

sudo ifup eth0

Also working was the GUI off and on for the connection.

sudo wget http://releases.ubuntu.com/14.04/ubuntu-14.04.3-desktop-amd64.iso not work, error given

sudo wget http://releases.ubuntu.com/14.04/ubuntu-14.04.5-desktop-amd64.iso

sudo cp -r /media/casper/initrd.lz /media/casper/vmlinuz /var/lib/tftpboot/Ubuntu/ not work, error about not finding something

The problem was that the vmlinuz has been changed to vmlinuz.efi.
It also occurs and needs to be edited in the file:

/var/lib/tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default

change the kernel line so it looks the one below:

kernel Ubuntu/vmlinuz.efi

Not fixing that line in the default results in a getting the Try Ubuntu and Install Ubuntu submnenu.
It has the symptom of not doing anything except counting down the 10 seconds and then waiting for you to select again.
If you edit the boot line for Try Ubuntu and put in the vmlinuz.efi, but do not fix the /var/lib/tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default
file, it will attempt to boot and result in a locked (at least in my case) computer due to a kernel panic.

Note: I intentionally left the entry for Install Ubuntu as vmlinuz
and only changed the entry for Try Ubuntu to vmlinuz.efi.
I don't want anyone installing off of this server,
it is for diagnostics only. Kind of handy.

For best results copy these notes out and paste them in a full size document.

A PXE Server allows you to boot a Linux distro from a network and install it on hundreds of PCs at a time. Here's how you can configure a PXE server in Ubuntu

05/09/2016

Computerman got a new phone today. If you send me a text, I will add your number back the contacts. Thanks!

04/29/2016

Tonight's class is at 7:00 and admission is $10.00. We will be focusing on basic computer safety and getting your computer to shutup. Ever notice how it just drones on and on without saying anything useful? Tonight we are going cover how to turn off a slew of unnecessary prompts.

04/22/2016

The drive in the zero position contains an image of drive one. It also contains a backup of the data files in standard format easy for copying. Drive zero is disconnected from power. Safe, it waits until it is needed. If an issue arises with drive one or another backup is desired, all one must do is move the power cord down one slot and turn the power back on. The connector at position two moves to to drive one. The connector there moves to drive 0.

I just liked how clean and easy this one ends up being. This is inside a Dell Vostro 260. They have this setup in other models as well.

04/21/2016

Friday night class starts at 7:00. We will be covering many basic computer skills. Safe Internet usage, anti-virus and anti-spyware choices, and computer navigation will all be covered. Look forward to seeing you here!

04/19/2016

Tired of being asked to upgrade to Win10? I'll make it stop asking for $10.00. It takes ten minutes and ten dollars to get rid of ten prompts. How symmetrical is that?

And don't forget there is a class on Friday night $10.00 @ 7:00 P.M.

04/14/2016

Tomorrow night (Friday) at 7:00 I'll be giving a computer class. The class is $10.00. Beginners are welcome! The class will concentrate on how to use your computer without going crazy.

04/13/2016

Don't forget Friday night's class starts at 7:00. Seats are $10.00 each (cash or check preferred). How to use a computer and not break it or the bank will be the general topic. An open forum question and answer will follow the main class. We will cover Windows 7 and 10 primarily, with a discussion about whether you should upgrade.