On Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:13:32 +0100, Lobster
wrote:

I've just bought an ASUS EEE PC900
(at http://eeepc.asus.com/global/900.htm for the uninitiated) which
represents my very first foray into Linux territory and I'm struggling a
bit. I want to set it up for Voip, and don't know where to start in
terms of looking for a client to install. I feel a bit like my old mum
must have felt when she first started using a computer!

This new machine is by definition pretty low-spec, and runs "GNU Linux"
AFAICS - is there any particular client recommended, in terms of
compatibility and ease of setup / use?

I'm pretty new to Voip anyway, but used to run X-lite with Sipgate
service on my previous Windows laptop without problems.

Can't help feeling I'm going to have to install XP on the machine -
anyone prove me wrong? ;-)

IME, X-Lite on a EEEPC is a total basket case. After literally days
trying everything I could find, and more mods/installs than I could
keep track of, I gave up. Life is too short.

Zoiper works exactly as it should from the word go and I have stuck
with that.

Salvador Freemanson wrote:
There is also Twinkle, which should self-install using the EEEPC's
Synaptic programme

I've been using Twinkle quite happily on Linux for a year or two. Copes
quite happily with Sipgate, Finarea clones and various other accounts. I
couldn't get Ekiga to work for some reason (that I can't remember, possibly
to do with being behind NAT), but Twinkle is fine.

Theo

Lobster wrote:

I've just bought an ASUS EEE PC900
(at http://eeepc.asus.com/global/900.htm for the uninitiated) which
represents my very first foray into Linux territory and I'm struggling a
bit. I want to set it up for Voip, and don't know where to start in
terms of looking for a client to install. I feel a bit like my old mum
must have felt when she first started using a computer!

This new machine is by definition pretty low-spec, and runs "GNU Linux"
AFAICS - is there any particular client recommended, in terms of
compatibility and ease of setup / use?

I'm pretty new to Voip anyway, but used to run X-lite with Sipgate
service on my previous Windows laptop without problems.

Can't help feeling I'm going to have to install XP on the machine -
anyone prove me wrong? ;-)

David

Kphone can be installed via Synaptic and works for outgoing calls. I'm not
getting any indication (screen or tone) for incoming calls but that could
be a router port forwarding problem. In my case, I don't need to receive
calls on the eee.

When I first installed kphone, it was unusable due to incoming audio
breaking up. Somewhere along the line, a software update fixed things. I
think it was one of the eee-specific ones, perhaps Skype or web-radio.
Looks like the problem was in the audio drivers rather than in kphone:
other sip clients may have the same problem.

I have kphone set to use OSS and read/write to /dev/dsp1 with a USB handset.
Use /dev/dsp for the internal sound chip. The breakup problem affected
both. If you encounter it (with kphone, x-lite or whatever), install all
the audio-related updates.

If you're using the standard eee desktop (as I am), I don't know of any way
to install new apps to start from it. I start kphone with ctrl-alt-t for a
console terminal and type "kphone".

Regarding installing XP - I wouldn't do it since Linux is far more powerful
and flexible though there is a steep learning curve (if much less than it
used to be) before you can take advantage of it. If you have more than one
Linux machine, look at ssh, sshfs and krdc when on the move. You soon won't
be able to live without them.

Good luck.

Steve
--
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Steve Hayes wrote:

Regarding installing XP - I wouldn't do it since Linux is far more powerful
and flexible though there is a steep learning curve (if much less than it
used to be) before you can take advantage of it. If you have more than one
Linux machine, look at ssh, sshfs and krdc when on the move. You soon won't
be able to live without them.

Mm, every time I mention swapping to XP I get this response! Not
surprised, and TBH if this was my toy I'd probably bite the bullet and
keep Linux, however I bought it for SWMBO, who can speak XP reasonably
well, but has no interest in computers per se other than what she can
get out of them and would not be inclined to learn a new OS.

The ability to do the same things on the portable PC, in the same way as
on the home desktop, does have a big pull.

David

On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:46:48 +0100, Lobster
wrote:

Steve Hayes wrote:

Regarding installing XP - I wouldn't do it since Linux is far more powerful
and flexible though there is a steep learning curve (if much less than it
used to be) before you can take advantage of it. If you have more than one
Linux machine, look at ssh, sshfs and krdc when on the move. You soon won't
be able to live without them.

Mm, every time I mention swapping to XP I get this response! Not
surprised, and TBH if this was my toy I'd probably bite the bullet and
keep Linux, however I bought it for SWMBO, who can speak XP reasonably
well, but has no interest in computers per se other than what she can
get out of them and would not be inclined to learn a new OS.

The ability to do the same things on the portable PC, in the same way as
on the home desktop, does have a big pull.

David
I can see what you mean about uniformity of desktops but there are
disadvantages to XP, the most prominent has to be that it is likely to
be sluggish when compared to Linux.
I wouldn't stick with the Xandros disto though. I'd install the latest
version of Ubuntu. If you've not seen that then you won't be able to
fully appreciate what linux can offer you.
It is easy to install Ubuntu but do find a 'how to' for the Eee. The
main difference, as compared to a standard install, is that you don't
want to have a swap file. You will need to supply a username and
password during installation. If, later, you wish to omit the login
screen you can do that but do make note of your login details as,
unlike windows, Linux won't allow installs of anything without your
permission.
Once you have Ubuntu installed it is very easy to install lots of
applications. Just go to the first menu on the left, scroll to the
bottom, then find the type of application you are looking for. You are
best to choose from the approved list as these are assured to work
without any problems. Having said all that there are many
applications, such as 'Open Office' - compatible with MS 'Word',
Firefox etc. already installed.
For email I'd recommend installing Mozilla 'Thunderbird' though there
is an email client already installed.
For the standard needs of browsing, emailing, word processing, picture
managing, instant messaging (install 'aMSN') and web browsing, amongst
other things, there is really no need at all to use windows - Ubuntu
has all you'll need.
The only problem I have with Ubuntu is the poor support for interface
with mobile phones. However that is really a failing of manufacturers
such as Nokia who should, IMO, have a Linux version of PC Suite.
http://www.ubuntu.com/

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Mark wrote:
On Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:13:32 +0100, Lobster
wrote:

I've just bought an ASUS EEE PC900
(at http://eeepc.asus.com/global/900.htm for the uninitiated) which
represents my very first foray into Linux territory and I'm struggling a
bit. I want to set it up for Voip, and don't know where to start in
terms of looking for a client to install. I feel a bit like my old mum
must have felt when she first started using a computer!

This new machine is by definition pretty low-spec, and runs "GNU Linux"
AFAICS - is there any particular client recommended, in terms of
compatibility and ease of setup / use?

I'm pretty new to Voip anyway, but used to run X-lite with Sipgate
service on my previous Windows laptop without problems.

Can't help feeling I'm going to have to install XP on the machine -
anyone prove me wrong? ;-)

IME, X-Lite on a EEEPC is a total basket case. After literally days
trying everything I could find, and more mods/installs than I could
keep track of, I gave up. Life is too short.

Zoiper works exactly as it should from the word go and I have stuck
with that.

Well, have gone with Zoiper if only because it seemed to pull the most
votes here!

I'm really struggling to get my head round this Linux thingy though, and
suspect that my knowledge/expertise on it is so low I just can't find
the info I need.

I've downloaded the .tar installation file, clicked on it, and it seemed
to install and run itself, whereupon I entered my personal settings (for
Sipgate). I was then able to make a phone call (more of that below).
However, when I closed down Zoiper, it seemed to vanish completely -
whered'it go? I eventually opened the .tar file again (to re-install
it?) which I did (I think) and found my settings already in place.
What's going on?

Secondly, when I was talking over Zoiper, the sound quality was dreadful
- breaking up very badly in both directions. On a second laptop
side-by-side running XP x-lite, calling the same number, the sound was
fine. How do I solve that one?

Thanks
David

On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:25:51 +0100, Lobster
wrote:


[snip]


I've downloaded the .tar installation file, clicked on it, and it seemed
to install and run itself, whereupon I entered my personal settings (for
Sipgate). I was then able to make a phone call (more of that below).
However, when I closed down Zoiper, it seemed to vanish completely -
whered'it go? I eventually opened the .tar file again (to re-install
it?) which I did (I think) and found my settings already in place.
What's going on?

I run it from a command window, opened with CTRL-ALT-T.
In my case it's been copied to /opt/zoiper, so I just type ./zoiper
from that directory which has the executable file in it.

If it's on the disk you can locate it by typing this into the command
window:

cd / ; find | grep zoiper

Secondly, when I was talking over Zoiper, the sound quality was dreadful
- breaking up very badly in both directions. On a second laptop
side-by-side running XP x-lite, calling the same number, the sound was
fine. How do I solve that one?

Are you:

- using a headset instead of the EEEPC's in-built speaker & mike?
- setting the mike/speaker levels correctly?

HTH,

Mark

In article ,
Mark wrote:
On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:25:51 +0100, Lobster
wrote:


[snip]


I've downloaded the .tar installation file, clicked on it, and it seemed
to install and run itself, whereupon I entered my personal settings (for
Sipgate). I was then able to make a phone call (more of that below).
However, when I closed down Zoiper, it seemed to vanish completely -
whered'it go? I eventually opened the .tar file again (to re-install
it?) which I did (I think) and found my settings already in place.
What's going on?

I run it from a command window, opened with CTRL-ALT-T.
In my case it's been copied to /opt/zoiper, so I just type ./zoiper
from that directory which has the executable file in it.

If it's on the disk you can locate it by typing this into the command
window:

cd / ; find | grep zoiper

From the "there's more than one way to do it" department:

locate zoiper
or
find / -name zoiper

Gordon

cybuerke wrote:


A comprehensive list of what's available he
http://www.voipnow.org/2008/06/the-d...nux-users.html

On the "client" side this list isn't comprehensive. Obvious omissions
being zoiper and kiax.

--
Mark Evans
St. Peter's CofE Aided School
Phone: +44 1392 204764 X241
Fax: +44 1392 204763

On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:31:01 +0100, Mark
wrote:

On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:25:51 +0100, Lobster
wrote:


[snip]


I've downloaded the .tar installation file, clicked on it, and it seemed
to install and run itself, whereupon I entered my personal settings (for
Sipgate). I was then able to make a phone call (more of that below).
However, when I closed down Zoiper, it seemed to vanish completely -
whered'it go? I eventually opened the .tar file again (to re-install
it?) which I did (I think) and found my settings already in place.
What's going on?

I run it from a command window, opened with CTRL-ALT-T.
In my case it's been copied to /opt/zoiper, so I just type ./zoiper
from that directory which has the executable file in it.

If it's on the disk you can locate it by typing this into the command
window:
Alternatively, create a 'shortcut' link to your desktop using this
command:-
http://linux.about.com/od/commands/l/blcmdl1_ln.htm


Secondly, when I was talking over Zoiper, the sound quality was dreadful
- breaking up very badly in both directions. On a second laptop
side-by-side running XP x-lite, calling the same number, the sound was
fine. How do I solve that one?
I am not familiar with this software but I would imagine that
somewhere there will be some buffer settings. Find those and increase
the time. I found a similar thing when setting up SJphone and that is
how I solved the problem.


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