Linux MintPPC Forums • View topic - [SOLVED]Linux newbie on G4 Powerbook... HELP!!!!

orel · Joined:Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 pm Posts:13

After eight years, I just wiped my G4 and installed MintPPC. It seems okay, except for one, crippling problem. I can't read anything on the screen. The screen font is white, barely visible... How do I change that? I can't really use the computer that way.
It's impossible to know whether there are other problems until I solve that one.
I noticed that the fonts on the "known issues" pdf were fine. I think it's just the screen fonts.
Thanks for your help!
Or-El
orel@zamir.us
(writing this on my dad's iMac)

dutchmintppc · **Posted:** Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:54 pm

Hi orel,

Iam a novice too, but it might be the same issue as in this topic
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1205

It solved this problem here, iam using a Powerbook G4 too.

Afterwards you can really enjoy your Powerbook again

orel · Joined:Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 pm Posts:13

Sorry to sound stupid, but if I can barely see anything, where do I type this command... Remember, I've never used Linux in my life... Mac since 1987.

linuxopjemac · Joined:Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:45 pm Posts:2744

do you see anything at all and if so do you only have white text ?

orel · Joined:Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 pm Posts:13

My son managed to enlarge the font and turn it blue, so it's almost readable. I'd like to try that command, but where do I create the file "radeon.conf in /etc/modprobe.d with the content:
Code:
options radeon noaccel=1" or the other solution - modeset=1???

orel · Joined:Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 pm Posts:13

Ok. I found the folder mod probe.d and attempted to create a new file called radeon.conf. However, it gave me permission denied.
Furthermore, once I create that file, how do I open it? Like a text document? And then just type in the command?
Or do I want to do this in terminal? I've never used a terminal, but I'm adventurous!

linuxopjemac · Joined:Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:45 pm Posts:2744

You have a nVidia card in it right ? Or is it a Radeon card. Give me a link of your PowerBook in http://everymac.com please

I will help you tomorrow. I have to go to bed now. Tomorrow I have to work

orel · Joined:Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 pm Posts:13

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/p ... .5_15.html

orel · Joined:Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 pm Posts:13

Radeon

linuxopjemac · Joined:Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:45 pm Posts:2744

ok you have a Radeon card.
Do the following:
login as root:

Code:

su

give root password
then edit the radeon file:

Code:

nano /etc/modprobe.d/radeon.conf

you will enter an editor
add the following line:

Code:

options radeon modeset=1

then exit and save:
CTRL-X and "y" to save

Code:

reboot

enjoy