eRacks Open Source Systems Blog

NOTE: Do NOT install the ports tree during the installation. We’re going to install the latest ports tree (complete with security updates) later on.

*** Step 1: Install FBSD 6.3 or 7.0

1. Insert the CD
2. Choose the standard install
3. When the installation is finished, you’re done!

*** Step 2: Installing the Nvidia Drivers

NOTE: The open source ‘nv’ driver doesn’t work on the GeForce 8 series of cards, so don’t even bother trying.

1. Type the command ’sysconfig’ and install the ‘compat5x’ package via FTP. This is a pre-requisite for the nvidia driver package.

2. Download the FreeBSD x86 drivers from www.nvidia.com for the GeForce 8 series.

3. Untar, cd to the resulting directory and type the command ‘make install’

4. Type the command ‘nvidia-xconfig.’ You’ll get some errors about Gnome libraries not being installed, but it still manages to create a good xorg.conf anyway.

5. Open /etc/X11/xorg.conf and change the following:

In Section “Input Device:”
Change Option “Device” “/dev/sysmouse” to “/dev/psm0″
Change Option “Emulate3Buttons” “no” to “yes”

6. Test the xorg server by typing ’startx’ and verify that you get a working display

7. Close xorg and pat yourself on the back for a job well done

*** Step 3: Install the Ports Tree

1. Go to ftp.freebsd.org and download the latest 6.3 or 7.0 ports.tgz file (under /pub/releases/6.3 or /pub/releases/7.0 I believe, but I can’t remember exactly.)

2. Cd to /usr and extract ports.tgz

*** Step 4: Configuring the Soundcard

1. Edit the file /boot/loader.conf and add the line “snd_hda_load=”YES”

2. Reboot and grep dmesg for Realtek. If it shows up, try to play an MP3 to make sure sound is really working.

*** Step 5: Wireless Configuration

We no longer need to do anything. As of FreeBSD 7.0, the wpi driver works by default! Wireless will not work,
however, under 6.3