The Killer E2200 Network Platform and Linux

There is a new type of Gigabit Ethernet port making its appearance on some high-end motherboards and dedicated gaming NICs. Perhaps you have seen it since it sometimes has the style of a red network port. It is called the Killer E2200 Intelligent Networking Platform, and it is incompatible with Linux kernels lower than 3.10.

I recently had the opportunity to test a motherboard containing the Killer E2205, but while networking worked fine with Windows 7, Linux support was kicked to the curb.

But all is not lost! The E2200 series is supported with Linux kernel 3.10 and higher.

Adventures in Resolving Missing EDID Monitor Data

EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is a technology that allows
a monitor to provide information about itself to a computer. The
operating system reads this information to find out what resolutions,
refresh rates, and so on the monitor supports so it can automatically
configure the display output.

This is a good idea when it works, but if the OS cannot read the EDID
information from the monitor for whatever reason, your spanking new high-end
monitor will be limited to a low resolution display of limited use.

I encountered this situation where the EDID information was missing. Here is
what I did to resolve the issue in Linux Mint 15 using Radeon graphics.

Update: If the monitor still gives trouble when using modelines generated by cvt or gtf, try using read-edid as described in this article.

Minitube – A Standalone YouTube Video Player

⌚ August 20, 2013
Linux is replete with useful but obscure programs. One such program is Minitube, which allows you to watch YouTube videos without navigating the YouTube web site.

Minitube presents videos–and videos only–in an easy-to-use interface that resembles a standard media player. The simple design is clean, and video playback is as good as the YouTube web site.

While the concept has been around for while, the execution is well done. After using Minitube on Linux Mint 15, I find it more enjoyable than the YouTube web site itself.

Quick Way to Restore Mad Catz Mouse Buttons Without Restarting X

The Cyborg/Mad Catz R.A.T.7 and M.M.O.7 mice have an unresponsive button issue when used with Linux. If /etc/X11/xorg.conf is not modified, the buttons on these mice will become unresponsive after a while. X must be restarted for the buttons to work again. This usually means logging out and then logging back in or pressing CTRL + ALT + Backspace or using any of the many other methods. However, restarting X closes all windows, which is usually annoying when in the middle of doing something important. This can be tricky to fix upon a new Linux installation or when the buttons lock up due to an incorrect section in xorg.conf.

One quick way to restore the buttons per session is to switch virtual terminals. In Linux Mint 15 with the Cinnamon desktop, press CTRL + ALT + F1, and, after seeing the login prompt (there is no need to log in), press CTRL + ALT + F8 to restore the graphics mode. The mouse buttons function again, and all windows are restored so you do not lose your progress.

Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution. xorg.conf must still be modified to correct the buttons permanently.

Installing Kernel 3.10.6 in Linux Mint 15

Installing a new kernel in Linux Mint 15 is the same easy process as installing a new kernel in Ubuntu. Kernel 3.10.6 installs in Linux Mint 15, and it works well without any problems (so far).

Kernel installation is mostly a safe operation in Linux, and it provides the benefit of having an updated engine running under the Linux hood often months before the new kernel is added to the repository.

Prebuilt kernels are available for Ubuntu and its derivatives, such as Linux Mint 15, so there is no need to spend lengthy time compiling your own kernel unless you wish to have specific features.

This shows how to install kernel 3.10.6-saucy in Linux Mint 15.

Changing Filename Extensions – Pattern Matching in Bash

Using bash’s built-in pattern matching ability, we can write a simple script that changes filename extensions. Suppose we have a directory containing over 5000 PNG images, but all image file extensions are mislabeled as .BMP. We want all files to have the .png extension.

Here is a basic script to rename all of the files.