ThinkWiki - User contributions [en]

Integrated Fingerprint Reader

2008-05-08T03:17:53Z

Bwpearre: /* Open Source */

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===Integrated Fingerprint Reader===
IBM released a second generation of T42 models in Autumn 2004 featuring Intel Pentium M 765 processors and an integrated fingerprint reader.

The fingerprint reader is produced by a company called UPEK, which specializes in the manufacture of fingerprint readers. It is integrated as an USB device, and does all the matching in hardware, making it rather easy to use. Furthermore, IBM states that there's an interface with the [[Embedded Security Subsystem]]. UPEK now sells the fingerprint reader as a USB peripheral bundled with the same underlying software for accessing password-protected online accounts and Windows: [http://www.upek.com/solutions/eikon Eikon Digital Privacy Manager]

However: The fingerprint reader is an INSECURE device and gives a false sense of security! There has been quite a bit of research by a hacker named Starbug, a member of the Chaos Computer Club, Berlin, Germany. He outlined in two very good talks how to forge each and every available fingerprint sensor available at the cost of a few euros, using materials from your local hardware store, a digicam and a laser printer! Here's some links:
* [http://www.ccc.de/updates/2007/umsonst-im-supermarkt?language=en Fingerprint recognition in supermarkets]
* [ftp://ftp.ccc.de/pub/video/Fingerabdruck_Hack/fingerabdruck.mpg?language=en Video tutorial for forging fingerprints]

==Open Source==

There is a new GPL driver at http://thinkfinger.sourceforge.net; see the [[How to enable the fingerprint reader with ThinkFinger]] for detailed instructions. This is the recommended option as it integrates more seamlessly with PAM and doesn't produce a tacky graphical prompt.

{{HINT|If you've followed the instructions and "tf-tool --verify" works, but nothing else does, make sure that the "uinput" module is loaded.}}

==Binary Only==
A closed source driver from the vendor has been released. It interfaces to the hardware as a user-space USB driver through {{path|/proc/bus/usb|}} and provides a BioAPI 1.10 device, which can then be interfaced to pam for authentication by user programs. The driver can be downloaded from http://www.upek.com/support/dl_linux_bsp.asp; see the [[How to enable the fingerprint reader|corresponding HOWTO]] for detailed instructions. It however tends to be less stable than the above opensource driver.

==Related Links==
* [http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?page=1643&head=36 Review from TrustedReviews of the fingerprint scanner]
* [http://biomark.org.ru/en/ A (Russian) project that provides support for a (different model) of fingerprint scanner] (also a USB device, though)
* [http://www.upek.com/support/pdf/UPEK_flyer_TCS3_TCD4.pdf TouchStrip TCS3/TCD4 spec sheet]
* [http://www.qrivy.net/~michael/blua/ A branch of the BioAPI reference implementation]

==Models featuring this Technology==
*ThinkPad {{R52}}, {{R60}}
*ThinkPad {{T42}}, {{T42p}}, {{T43}}, {{T43p}}, {{T60}}, {{T60p}}, {{T61}}, {{T61p}}
*ThinkPad {{X41}}, {{X41T}}, {{X60}}, {{X60s}}, {{X61s}}, {{X61_Tablet}}
*ThinkPad {{Z60m}}, {{Z60t}}, {{Z61m}}, {{Z61p}}, {{Z61t}}

[[Category:Glossary]]

AD1984

2008-05-08T03:12:20Z

Bwpearre: keyboard noise?

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=== AD1984 ===
This is a ''Analog Devices'' High-Definition Audio controller

=== Features ===
* Chipset: AD1984
* Interface: HD Audio
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=== Linux ALSA driver ===
* This device is supported by the alsa driver since 1.0.15 (including R61/T61/X61 bugfix)
* This device is supported by the kernel since 2.6.23 (which includes alsa 1.0.15 !)

==== For previous versions ====

However, Takashi Iwai has added support to this device in Alsa development version [http://hg.alsa-project.org/alsa-kernel/log?rev=AD1984]... Still have to wait to get it included in the Linux Kernel... Note: It is rather trivial to get this working in a standard kernel right now, It is only 3 patches on top of the stock 1.0.14 code:

* [http://hg.alsa-project.org/alsa-kernel/rev/958b39f3e8dd Fix Oops with AD1984 thinkpad model]
* [http://hg.alsa-project.org/alsa-kernel/rev/47ca87407c84 Fix AD1984 basic model]
* [http://hg.alsa-project.org/alsa-kernel/rev/ca37aeeeb0ea Fix Thinkpad X61/T61 outputs]

Alsa-Driver 1.0.14 added some support for this chip, but did not work on my T61; however, using the latest HG/Mercurial makes everything work. I created a Debian package for unstable/sid with the HG alsa that works for me, available at [http://people.debian.org/~jello/alsa-modules-2.6.21-2-686_1.0.15~hg2007070601-1+2.6.21-5_i386.deb]. --[[User:Jello|Jello]] 15:31, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

amd64 debian package here:
http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~jdas417/alsa-modules-2.6.22-1-amd64_1.0.14-1_jda+2.6.22-3_amd64.deb
--jashar

Works with Kernel 2.6.22 and Alsa 1.0.14a
--[[User:Schlodty|Schlodty]] 12:01, 21 July 2007 (UTC)

Did not get it to work on X61s with either of the above packages. Newer HG packages do support this chip, so alsa 1.0.15 should have full support for this chip. --[[User:hjh|hjh]] 9:09, 27 July 2007 (UTC)

Debian users (both Stable/Etch and Testing) can use the small [http://www.klabs.be/~fpiat/linux/debian/Lenny_on_Thinkpad_T61/#Sound script] I wrote to patch and build an alsa module package (with module-assistant). --[[User:Fpiat|Fpiat]] 11:45,04 August 2007 (UTC)

Works with a patched 2.6.22.1 kernel using the 2007/07/20 patch from ftp://ftp.alsa-project.org/pub/kernel-patches/ . Just make sure that you have the PCM channel unmuted and the speaker switch checked. --[[User:Mozz|Mozz]] 17:13, 7 August 2007 (UTC)

Above patches are in kernel mainline from Kernel 2.6.23-rc1 , it works on my T61 --[[User:Brain79|Brain79]] 22:01, 09 August 2007 (UTC)

Worked on my T61 running Debian Lenny, with a sid 2.6.23 kernel. (That is, I installed Lenny (and so have a Lenny version of ALSA - 1.0.14, and then upgraded the kernel to 2.6.23 from the sid repositories). [[User:Kyle Barbour|Kyle Barbour]] 09:46, 13 February 2008 (CET)

Not working with 2.6.24.2 and alsa 1.0.16 on T61 --Linea 23 March 2008

=== Trouble shooting ===
{{WARN|It's really necessary to leave the modem enabled in the BIOS or the hda_intel driver will reutrn azx_get_response timeouts which will lead to a non-working soundchip.
Got that information from a comment from: [http://crypto.riken.go.jp/archives/linux/kernel.org/kernel/people/akpm/patches/2.6/2.6.22-rc6/2.6.22-rc6-mm1/broken-out/git-alsa.patch here] --[[User:Gladiac|Gladiac]] 06:12, 24 July 2007 (UTC)}}
The reason modem must be enabled (at least on the x60,x61 series) is because the modem and sound share a bus. (got that from calling lenovo hardware support today) [[User:Aliencam|Aliencam]] 01:43, 28 January 2008 (CET)

{{HINT|Many people have complained of keyboard noise (and ambient noise) being picked up by the mic and played back through the speakers (you will notice that the keyboard sounds "loud" until you mute sound). FIX: turn down the mixer channel "Internal Mic Boost" from alsamixer's Playback menu. There is another "Internal Mic Boost" in alsamixer's Capture menu, but that does not seem to have the same effect.}}

=== This chip may be found in ===
* {{R61}}
* {{T61}}
* [[:Category:X61|X61]], [[:Category:X61s|X61s]], [[:Category:X61_Tablet|X61 Tablet]]

=== Datasheets ===
* [http://www.analog.com/en/prod/0,2877,AD1984,00.html Analog Devices page for the AD1984]

[[Category:Components]]

Iwl3945

2008-05-04T16:07:46Z

Bwpearre:

The '''iwl3945''' driver is part of the [[iwlwifi]] project to provide support for the [[Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter]]. The driver is included in recent kernels 2.6.24 and needs a binary firmware image without with nothing will work, but nothing will complain, either.

For the firmware:
* Debian Sid: the package is {{path|firmware-iwlwifi}}. You will need to append {{path|non-free}} to the {{path|deb http://foo sid ...}} line in your {{path|/etc/apt/sources.list}}.

== See also ==
* [[Ipw3945]]

[[Category:Iwlwifi]]

Iwl3945

2008-05-04T16:06:41Z

Bwpearre:

The '''iwl3945''' driver is part of the [[iwlwifi]] project to provide support for the [[Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter]]. The driver is included in recent kernels 2.6.24 and needs a binary firmware image without with nothing will work, but nothing will complain, either.

For the firmware:
* Debian Sid: the package is {{path|firmware-iwlwifi}}. You will need to append {{path|non-free}} to the {{path|deb http://foo sid}} line in your {{path|/etc/apt/sources.list}}.

== See also ==
* [[Ipw3945]]

[[Category:Iwlwifi]]

Iwl3945

2008-05-04T15:50:16Z

Bwpearre: I spent a day fighting with the wlan0, wondering why it didn't work...

The '''iwl3945''' driver is part of the [[iwlwifi]] project to provide support for the [[Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter]]. The driver is included in recent kernels 2.6.24 and needs a binary firmware image without with nothing will work, but nothing will complain, either.

For the firmware:
* Debian Sid: the package is {{path|firmware-iwlwifi}}

== See also ==
* [[Ipw3945]]

[[Category:Iwlwifi]]

Buyers Guide

2008-04-22T03:26:48Z

Bwpearre: /* Where to by Linux preinstalled thinkpad */

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This page is dedicated to hints about buying used or new ThinkPad models. You can find notes about typical weaknesses of used ThinkPads here and other things you should care about when choosing a ThinkPad and where to buy it.
||
<thinkwiki>5</thinkwiki>
|}
==Build it yourself and save money==
Lenovo offers more flexibility than any other major manufacturer of laptop computers, at least that I know of. Their "configure-to-order" (CTO) offerings let you build the computer you want, without paying for anything you don't want. The basic CTO includes the mainboard and CPU, but no RAM, disk, mini-PCI cards, software, or other add-ons. You can even get a laptop in a CTO configuration.

I built my {{X32}} notebook with 1GB RAM, 60GB 5400RPM hard drive, USB DVD-ROM CD-RW drive, and 802.11a/b/g mini-PCI for a grand total of US$1,206, including tax and shipping.

Start with the complete list of [https://www-03.ibm.com/lenovo/shop/personalpages/public/public/products/dsp_product_list.cfm products]. Look for items that end with "CTO" or "Custom." Choose the chassis you want. Then add whatever [http://www-132.ibm.com/content/home/store_IBMPublicUSA/en_US/Upgrades.html upgrades] you need that only Lenovo offers (such as WiFi). Fill in the rest of the components from other, less expensive vendors.

Update: you can't do this these days. They will not sell you a CTO barebone. At least you can't do it online. You might have to 'con' a sales agent.

Response to update: I did not need to con anyone. I just ordered the CTO chassis and the parts I needed from their website. I placed the order on August 18, 2005 and received all the shipments by August 26, 2005.

Comment from visitor: [https://www-03.ibm.com/lenovo/shop/personalpages/public/public/products/dsp_feature_product.cfm?display=main&cat_id=24 Try this page]. You can at least get a Z60 with the titanium cover in a more stripped down model than is otherwise available.

==Various deals==

Special prices: You can get a laptop from Lenovo for special price if you are a student, alumni, researcher
or something like that. You need to go to education -> computers for home -> students (or such), and
now click on "My Account" to create a new account. Perhaps there is another way, but you must end up with a student
account. Then you get around 5% off the web price.

You can also buy a Lenovo thinkpad pre-configured with Linux from [http://www.linuxcertified.com/linux-laptop-lctp60.html here]

The [https://www.directlenovo.com/public/ Lenovo USA sales web site] offers some attractive deals in its [http://www.directlenovo.com/public/public/search/dsp_product_features.cfm?category=9953&featured_display=Template surplus outlet].

IBM sells [http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1&categoryId=2576396 refurbished ThinkPads].

== Special deals for certain customer groups ==
IBM makes huge discounts to students and teachers:
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" style="text-align:left;"
! country !! shops & target groups
|-
| Austria ||
* [http://www.studentline.at/ Studentline.at] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
* [http://www.notebook4u.at/ notebook4u.at] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
* [http://www.abax.at/academic/ ABAX] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
* [http://www.bostelmann.com/ Computer Bostelmann] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| France ||
*[http://www.ibm.com/easyaccess/education IBM education homepage]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Germany ||
*[http://www.notebooksbilliger.de notebooksbilliger.de] (pupils, students)
*[http://www.lapstars.de lapstars.de] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
*[http://www.ok1.de ok1] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
*[http://campuspoint.de campuspoint] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
*[http://www.campusrabatt.de/index.php ADD Datensysteme: CampusRabatt] (students, university staff, pupils and teachers)
*[http://www.pro-com.org pro-com Datensysteme]:
**[http://www.pro-com.org/b2b pro-com b2b] (businesses)
**[http://www.nofost.de/ NOFOST] (students & university staff)
**[http://www.no4ed.de/ NOFOED] (pupils & teachers)
**[http://www.nofoch.de/ NOFOCH] (clinics and medical institutions and their staff)
**[http://www.pro-com.org/lf pro-com luf] (universities, schools & other educational and research institutes)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Switzerland ||
*[http://www.rabais-etudiant.ch/ Rabais-Etudiant] (students, teachers, schools)
*[http://www.studentenrabatt.ch/ Studentenrabatt] (students, teachers, schools)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| United States ||
* [http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/education/ Education] (K-12 and Higher Education)
* [http://www.dealmine.com/search_by_product.php?s=thinkpad Comparison shop] at DealMine.com to find Thinkpad and membership discounts [http://www.dealmine.com/deals_from/Union_Plus/23 AFL-CIO/AFT] matched up at various stores
* IBM Employee Purchase Program (EPP) for IBM employees and their family and friends: [http://www.ibm.com/shop/us/epp/ IBM store] / [http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/Lenovo:EnterStdAffinity?affinity=eppibm Lenovo store]
* Corporate Perks program for corporate employees (e.g., accessible through the Microsoft Alumni Network)
|}

== Buying FRUs ==

You can buy single components, called, FRU (Field Replacement Unit), directly from Lenovo.

* US orders: https://www-132.ibm.com/content/home/store_IBMPublicUSA/en_US/parts/parts_r.html
* Other countries: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-50278&sitestyle=lenovo

To find the right FRU, you can look up your model's part lists here:
* [http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=TPAD-FRU Service parts list index - ThinkPad General]

== Official list of linux certified computers ==

* A [http://www.lenovo.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-48NT8D.html list] of completed Linux certifications on [http://www.lenovo.com lenovo web site]

==Where to by Linux preinstalled thinkpad==

* Lenovo now preloads SuSE Linux on some reasonably current models! They don't really talk about it, but search their site for Linux and it is currently (2008-04-21) their first hit. Not sure if the link is generally useful nor permanent, but see [http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/special-offers.workflow:ShowPromo?LandingPage=/All/US/Landing_pages/Info/08/Linux Lenovo Preloaded Linux Models]

* [http://laclinux.com/en/Laptop Los Alamos Computers] Custom Linux Thinkpads - T Series, Z Series, X Series 23 Apr 2007

== Buying on eBay ==
{|
|
* Many sellers do not know exactly what they have. Get the full 7-digit machine type if at all possible. Compare it to the specifications in the *book.pdf series: twbook.pdf, tabook.pdf, tawbook.pdf, etc, to determine actual screen size, original CPU speed, original hard disk, etc.
* You can try getting the serial number as well to check the warranty status at IBMs support pages.
* Check completed auctions carefully to determine going prices for comparable machines.
* Be aware if any port covers are missing. If they are, see if any current auctions are running to check availability.
* If the unit doesn't come with a hard drive, know whether it has the caddy and cover. Make sure that the three passwords are NOT set or that you know the right passwords before you install your hard drive! If you don't: A password can be set into your hard disk automatically, making it a brick - useful for door stopping only!
* Anything with a PIII or later most likely came with a Windows Certificate of Authenticity. Find out whether the listed machine does. Even if you don't want it, it may help resale value when you '''sell''' the machine.
* Read the feedback of the seller on items he has sold, especially electronics, computers and laptops. If meangranny is suddenly selling T43's after three years of lace, stay away.
* If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There's a reason no one else is bidding on it.
||
<thinkwiki>5</thinkwiki>
|}
==Long-time Weaknesses of certain models==
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"
! Model !! Issues
|-
| {{390X}} || *models with 15" display are said to have weak display cables that tend to break.
|-
| {{600X}} || Battery problems.
|-
||{{A20p}}, {{390}}, {{390E}}, {{390X}} || *Base cover corners are prone to crack, root cause stiff display hinges
|-
||{{A31}} || Several reports of [[Problem with garbled screen]] independent on Operating System
|-
| {{A30}}, {{A30p}}, {{A31}}, {{A31p}} || *seem to have a mechanical design that can cause the motherboard to break. At least there are a significant number of reports of broken motherboards on these models.
|-
| {{T30}} || *had a problem with memory sockets detaching from the system board. IBM replaced these free of charge even after warranties expired.
|-
| {{T20}} || Many models have a problem of gradually dying. Attempting to turn on will only cause a blinking light, and many attempts must be made in order to start the machine. Eventually, the machine is no longer bootable.
|-
| {{X40}} || Your 1.8" hard drive will die after about a year. [[Talk:Harddisk_Drives]]
|-
| {{X61_Tablet}}|| The screen bezel unglues away the LCD screen, leaving an ugly gap. See the [http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=47509 forum discussion].
|-
| {{T43}} || A number of laptops from the T-line are very thin (everything since {{T40}}?), which was to some degree possible by using the newer [[UltraBay|UltraBay Slim]], which is used in almost all Thinkpads now, instead of the old [[UltraBay|UltraBay Plus]]. This limits the available alternatives for optical drives, as they are not compatible with the industrial standard slimline drives, which are to thick. Some {{T43}}s have Matshita UJ-822S drives, and Matshita is infamous for striving extra to enforce the DVD regional codes. Purchasing such a laptop would effectively mean being locked to one DVD region, unless you can buy a compatible replacement DVD drive. The {{T43}} family is also notorious for its [[problem with fan noise]] and has a [[problem with non-ThinkPad hard disks]]; its predecessor, the {{T42}} family, had none of these problems and offered better battery life.
|}