Access Gnome on Fedora 6 via VNC on reboot.

So I was hoping to use a spare PC as a test bed for some open source apps. I was looking to eliminate any questions as to where a configuration problem might lie and since I didn't have any schedule in mind, I figured I would install Fedora 6, as opposed to running a live CD or a VMWare image.
Without a KVM handy, and not wanting to pile another keyboard / mouse / monitor combo on my desk, I imagined I would run it headless and use VNC or an equivalent for control.

How to access a GNOME desktop on a PC running Fedora Core 6 via VNC without a user logging on locally.

1. Add a user "Joe".
2. Edit /etc/sysconfig/vncservers.

Add:
VNCSERVERS="1:joe"
VNCSERVERARGS[1]="-geometry 1024x768 -depth 24"
This will start an instance of vncserver using display 1, with joe as the user, at a 1024x768 resolution and a 24 bit color depth.

3. Run vncpasswd as Joe to set the vnc password.
4. As root, restart vnc by service vncserver restart.
5. As root, get vnc to start on boot by chkconfig vncserver on.
6. Edit /joe/.vnc/xstartup to include only:

unset SESSION_MANAGER
exec /usr/bin/gnome-session

Run vncviewer from another host, and connect to hostname:5901. You must use the port number 5900 + whatever display number you've indicated in the vncservers file above. You will be running a Gnome desktop as Joe. The user at the Fedora PC will be looking at a user login screen.

MCS-7825 won't copy OS 2000.4.3(a) image

See bug at: http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/Support/Bugtool/onebug.pl?bugid=CSCse49574

Apparently, Cisco doesn't know why it happens to some and not to others and there is no way to prevent running into it. When attempting to load OS 2000.4.3(a) on a supported MCS-7825-H2 or the like, everything will proceed until the image is copied o the disk(s). The copy will fail and you'll have to begin the process again.

You can simply keep retrying (it may take a dozen attempts) and ultimately it will work, or follow the steps on the link re: trashing the RAID array. If that doesn't work:

"If perform all of the above steps and this has not resolved the issue, I have also seen it resolved by performing a System Erase from the HP SmartStart CD menu options (when booted from), prior to installing. If you do not have a SmartStart CD, you may be able to perform a similar action in the BIOS menu (F9 on boot-up) to Erase NVRAM/Boot Disk in the Advanced Options sub-menu. "

Nice.

Cisco 1841 and HWIC-AP-G-A

Although the Cisco.com website indicates all K9 IOS versions support the HWIC-AP-G-A, you must still use the T-train versions. Last success was using c1841-adventerprisek9-mz.124-2.T2.bin, verses new and improved but not supportive version c1841-advipservicesk9-mz.124-12.bin.

During boot you'll see UNKNOWN CARD in slot X if not supported.

Cisco LWAP 1131 and 4404 WLAN Controller

If you follow the quick setup guide for the 4404, you are really basically on target. Enter some IP addresses for your interfaces, DHCP server, Radius, etc., verify you have the appropriate layer 2 or 3 connectivity to your APs, plug them in and you've got yourself a nice wireless network.

1. If you are using 1131 APs, you'll likely need to upgrade the 4404 code.
2. Set the time on the 4404 correctly!!!!

I've heard the time is important in training, saw documentation about it, and of course forget to check it everytime.

My experience is that you can stare at your configs all day and while nothing appears out of line, your APs won't find an AP-Manager and will happily keep rebooting forever.

Ugh.

Aastra / Altigen 390 phone services

If you accidentally delete services from your 390 phones you can flash / reinstall / update the phone from the following number: (469) 365-3203 and passcode 40000.