Compaq Proliant 2500 and Redhat Linux 9

Tis been a rough go at getting Redhat linux 9 installed on a Compaq
Proliant 2500.

Couple of tips for solving installation problems, SMP issues, and X
Server video problems.

1. Installation, Memory Issues, and Kernel Panics.....

A widely known problem for linux and PPro machines exists due to
incorrect memory reporting.

Installation should be started using...
linux text mem=exactmap mem=640k@0 mem=128M@1M

Lilo or Grub config should include memory settings...
add - mem=exactmap mem=128M@0

This problem is pretty common and finding more information on the
issue should be easy.

2. SMP, Failed Processors, and Multi-Processor voodoo

If SMP is not working, the BIOS OS setting may need changing. I first
had the machine setup with Other as an OS, but the second processor
would not work under a linux smp kernel. Changing it to Netware 4.1
(SMP) fixed the problem.

3. Cirrus Logic, GD543x, and Video Garbage

X windows displayed garbage on different windows. Try adding the
following line to the XF86Config file under the device section for
your video card...

Option "NoAccel" "true"

I still have a garbage screen when logging out of X Windows, but I
have yet to find screen garbage issues when running X.

Hopefully this can improve the s/n ratio and help other Compaq 2500
users!

Andy Kallenbach