old skool computer hardware problems...

[phr34k]

I just got my hands on an old 233Mhz Pentium computer with an ISA soundcard and PCI videocard, 6Gb HDD and no USB or PS/2 ports. I have one of those old keboards that has a connector similar to PS/2 but much larger. I don't know how to get it to work in X. It works fine during installation, but when I get X up and running, I can't do anything. Is there something I can do??? Without a keyboard, anyone is pretty much up the creek... CollegeLinux is the distro on that computer. (for anyone who doen't know CollegeLinux, its slackware based, but easier to install.)

Thanx in advance!

edited by Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379: watch the language!

[ph34r]

What keyboard did you select during the X config?

BTW - Slack is easy to install...

[XiaoKJ]

I think those large PS/2 connectors are called AT or something.

If you get a logitech keyboard that is minimal and comes in a box, you may find the PS/2 to AT converter.

oh, in X just use the onscreen keyboard in GNOME and you can at least work.

[Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379]

It's an AT keyboard.

If you just accepted the defaults, it should have worked-- mind posting the contents of your XF86Config-4 file so we can read it here?

[phr34k]

Thanks for the responses, and yes its an AT keyboard. As for posting my configs, I would gladly do that, but it default loads X so i'm kinda stuck. I can't really do anything, as I don't have a mouse either.. I'm new to the whole no keyboard/mouse thing, so I'd appreciate some help as far as thats concerned ;) :D

[banzaikai]

Ahh, the good ol' days...

If you want/need to use a ps2 keyboard, you'll need to get a mini 6-pin DIN female to 5-pin DIN male adaptor (DIN is "Deutsche Industrie Norm", which means "German Industry Standard").

If the mobo has no ps2 mouse port (some mobos have a small header to attach a bracket - can you post your exact mobo model so we can look it up?). If not, good luck finding a serial mouse, though you may still be able to track down a DB9 female to mini 6-pin female mouse adaptor. You'll need to know what type of mechanism the ps2 mouse uses (MS, Logitech, or Mouse Systems).

Another thought occurred to me: Disable the "Typematic" settings in the BIOS (or set to default). Maybe the adjustments this makes to the keyboard controller chip is messing with things.

What type of video card are you using? It may be a matter of disabling hardware acceleration or somesuch (I had some screwy issues with an S3-based card, one of which was a messed-up mouse).

Waiting for that XF86Config file...

banzai "adaptors 'R' us" kai

[Pafnoutios]

I'm confused as to whether you have an AT keyboard already connected to it, or not.
If he got Linux installed without a mouse attached, he must have a keyboard attached. It sounds like it just doesn't work in X. But X loads at bootup. Would Ctrl-Alt-F1 work when X won't listen to the keyboard, or do those console switching bindings need X's recognition?
Is this your only computer, or do you have more on a home network. If you have more, you should be able to ssh into this box to get/copy/edit any/all of your configuration files.
I've seen PS/2 ports on old 486's, and think they were around on 386's. What kind of computer with a 233 MHz Pentium doesn't have PS/2 connectors?
I think I saw a 9-pin serial mouse in CompUSA a few months ago, you might be able to find one at a computer store if you look. If not, maybe you can find the adaptors you need.
If you have an open PCI slot, you should be able to install a USB controller card, you can then use USB mouse and keyboard.

[phr34k]

hey all, thanx a million for all the input. You guys were right about it being a BIOS setting, something about enabling PS/2 something something...

anyways, it works now.. I just have to get a mouse now :D oh yeah, and install a NIC card..

Once again, thanx for everything!!