Linux user I need help

[jryprt]

I am ubuntu 7.04 from wubi installer works great for learning linux . I am trying to install js2mouse from here http://cedric.vincent.perso.free.fr/Projets/index.html
I have tried the guide on the website . I have the tar.gz on the desktop , how do i install it ?
I know very little about linux but trying to learn . Iam a Quad. with no finger movement so joystick 2 mouse helps me . I am stuck , I installed Build-essentials , And did what is said in How to install anything http://monkeyblog.org/ubuntu/installing/
I took a screenshot . What Iam I doing wrong.
Thank you
Jerry

[robeec]

i'm running ubuntu's FeistyFawn and it's the fastest, most secure o.s. i've ever worked on. i plugged a logitech trackball in the back of the tower and can implement most features except the one-handed click & drag but i'm not in any hurry because i can handle the regular mouse okay. i'm c5.

you may want to post @ ubuntu.com's "english forum"; there's plenty of ppl willing to help--you probably need a driver or some code written into the kernel. good luck; check out the forums. i got all my peripherals working save my cam. oh, and i can't put the dell 4600 to sleep or hibernate.
i love ubuntu--i dl-ed, burnt and installed the o.s. all by myself.
robby

[robeec]

i think you have to convert the tarball into a .deb file. wait, i'll look it up.

[robeec]

in a terminal, type: tar -cvf (followed by the file name you want to install)
create an archive: hit return

you may want to open up some repositories using synaptic. i believe you can add in the setting's menu and then do a search using the device's name & model.

[CapnGimp]

hang in there,I'm looking at it now, I might be able to help you, not sure
But I do know the steps can be c0rNfuZin'....

[Lazlo]

This is a source code tarball. You'll need to open a terminal for a command line and find the tarball file. Once you expand it with 'tar -zxvf js2mouse-040208.tar.gz', do 'cd docs' and read the README_1ST file, and follow it exactly. There is no './configure' in this distribution, just a generic makefile so just type 'make' as the readme indicates.

The rest of the instructions are pretty advanced for a new Linux user but if you follow them exactly you should be able to get it going. Of course there are several Linux pros on this site so keep posting questions if you hit problems and we'll get you there.

[jryprt]

Ok I asked on ubuntu forum & got this " cd js2mouse/js2mouse
make
sudo make install "
I did that it installed i think ? now i need to get the joystick to work as a mouse it is a Interact Raider Pro 4 buttons .Do i need drivers? The joystick calibrator see it , & I think it calibrator it.
Thanks Jerry

[CapnGimp]

most of the things I do in linux I do the hard way, from forum info
When you did the above commands, you should have gotten info in the terminal window concerning what was happening. I always read these line by line so I get an idea of what was installed and where also any errors and sometimes additional steps are printed here

I am not familiar with this but I am ASSUMING what you just installed WAS the driver package and anything else it needs
SOMEwhere should be a enabler for this THROUGH the software/driver you just installed. If you did not read the terminal window to see what happened, do what I do... install it AGAIN and read what it says

This is the way you learn how to do things...over and over until you get it right, lol
I realize this is difficult for you BECAUSE you need this joystick to work as your mouse. Let me install this package and see if the docs have give any clue how to activate it... BRB

[Lazlo]

Did you follow the README_1ST file in the tarball? Once you got the thing compiled and installed, the readme says:

1) How to launch 'js2mouse' :
- Log as 'root' (not necessary, see section III/ 1))
- Enter the following commands into a terminal :
js2mouse &
exit
At this point, js2mouse is running into the background The readme also mentions modifiying your X config, which would be /etc/X11/xorg.conf on your box. Make sure to copy this file to a backup before you modify it, in case you need to roll back.

[CapnGimp]

bear with me..
I was on the desktop when I brought up a terminal so I wasn't in the folder or any folder where this is going or might be(figurure you are a windows user and confused as to PATHS in linux)
therefore, the command to 'work' with the tarball goes into a temp folder under your home/desktop directory(your PATH)

hope this is helping

after I unpacked the tarbal with ZERO's command I ...
clicked PLACES on the taskbar then
HOME FOLDER then
js2 folder
thenDOCS and then clicked on the file README FIRST which I am pasting below...

I still haven't installed it, just unpacked and reading to help ya out...so it appears by the instructions below that all you have to do after it installs(NOT SURE if you did it MY way, it may still be 'just unp[acked'

____is to type" js2mouse" without the quotation marks in a root terminal____


Instructions for 'js2mouse' step by step :



I/ Installation :

- Download the latest sources (js2mouse-YYMMDD.tar.gz) : http://www.freshmeat.net/projects/js2mouse/
- Enter the following commands into a terminal :
tar -xvzf js2mouse-040208.tar.gz
cd js2mouse/js2mouse
make
su -c "make install" (enter root's password, if necessary)


II/ Quick explanations

1) How to launch 'js2mouse' :
- Log as 'root' (not necessary, see section III/ 1))
- Enter the following commands into a terminal :
js2mouse &
exit
At this point, js2mouse is running into the background

2) How to modify the XFree86 configuration :
- Log as 'root' (if necessary)
- Replace these lines :
Option "Protocol" "_YOUR_MOUSE_PROTOCOL_"
Option "Device" "/dev/_YOUR_MOUSE_DEVICE_"
by :
Option "Protocol" "_PROTO_" #_PROTO_ is 'PS/2' or 'IMPS/2' or 'EXPS/2'
Option "Device" "/dev/j2m_fifo"

Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5" #only if you use the 'IMPS/2' protocol

Option "Buttons" "7" #only if you use the 'EXPS/2' protocol
Option "ZAxisMapping" "6 7" #only if you use the 'EXPS/2' protocol

- Restart server X (on the fly : CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE)

3) How to modify the GPM configuration :
- It depends on your Linux distribution, so this is the most independant explanation that I can give... Adapt your own configuration files
- Log as 'root' (if necessary)
- Enter the following commands into a terminal :
gpm -k
gpm -m /dev/j2m_fifo -t ps2


III/ More details

1) Configurations for others programs :
- For the moment js2mouse emulate PS/2, IMPS/2, and EXPS/2 protocols, so adapt the configuration to this protocol...
- You do not need to run js2mouse with root privileges if you specify to use a 'virtual mouse character device' (the fifo) on a directory where you've write-permissions.

2) Js2mouse as a second pointer with XFree86 (Thanks to griz) :
- Add this section into the XFree86 configuration file :
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Mouse2"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "_PROTO_" #_PROTO_ is 'PS/2' or 'IMPS/2' or 'EXPS/2'
Option "Device" "/dev/j2m_fifo"

Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5" #only if you use the 'IMPS/2' protocol

Option "Buttons" "7" #only if you use the 'EXPS/2' protocol
Option "ZAxisMapping" "6 7" #only if you use the 'EXPS/2' protocol
EndSection
- Into the Section "ServerLayout", add :
InputDevice "Mouse2" "SendCoreEvents"
- Restart server X (on the fly : CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE)

3) Js2mouse as a second pointer with GPM :
- It depends on your Linux distribution, so this is the most independant explanation that I can give... Adapt your own configuration files
- Log as 'root' (if necessary)
- Enter the following commands into a terminal :
gpm -k
gpm -m /dev/_YOUR_REAL_MOUSE_DEV_ -t _ITS_PROTOCOL_ -M -t ps2 -m /dev/j2m_fifo

4) Remapping keys for 'js2mouse' :
- I write this functionnality 'on the fly', so this is a beta code !!!
- Edit /etc/j2m_map, format is :
JOYSTICK_EVENT = MOUSE_EVENT
/!\ it doesn't mind about separator, all symbols (even composed or none) are accepted...

JOYSTICK_EVENT are :
button_1
button_2
...
button_NUMBER_OF_BUTTON
axe_1
axe_2
...
axe_NUMBER_OF_AXES

MOUSE_EVENT are :
click_left
click_right
click_middle
click_extra1
click_extra2
wheel_up
wheel_down
move_horizontal
move_vertical

Default '/etc/j2m_map' (without -r argument):
button_1 = click_left
button_2 = click_right
button_3 = click_middle
button_4 = wheel_up
button_5 = wheel_down
button_6 = click_extra1
button_7 = click_extra2
axe_1 = move_horizontal
axe_2 = move_vertical

5) Js2mouse options :
Usage : js2mouse [OPTION]...
Convert joystick inputs into mouse inputs

-h show this help
-d <dev> use specified device default : /dev/input/js0
-f <fifo> use specified fifo default : /dev/j2m_fifo
-v <n> verbose level, 0 to 3 default : 3
-t <n> poll timeout in ms default : 20
-r active remapping keys default : disable
-p use specified mouse protocol default : ps2


I

V/ Js2Mouse into the Linux kernel :

1) Installation:

- Download the latest sources (js2mouse-YYMMDD.tar.gz) : http://www.freshmeat.net/projects/js2mouse/
- Enter the following commands into a terminal :
tar -xvzf js2mouse-YYMMDD.tar.gz
cd js2mouse/j2mdev
cp j2mdev-linux-2.6.1.patch /_WHERE_ARE_LINUX_SOURCES_/
cd /_WHERE_ARE_LINUX_SOURCES_/
patch -p0 <j2mdev-linux-2.6.1.patch
cd linux
make menuconfig
# say Y or M to [Device Driver]->[Input Device Support]->[Joystick->mouse converter interface]
# recompile the kernel or modules

2) Load the module :
- Log as 'root'.
- Load your joystick driver, for example :
modprobe gamecon gc=0,7
- Load j2mdev :
modprobe j2mdev
- Create (if necessary) related character device :
mknod /dev/input/j2m0 c 13 200
mknod /dev/input/j2m1 c 13 201
mknod /dev/input/j2m2 c 13 202
mknod /dev/input/j2m3 c 13 203


3) Parameters :
- At the loading time, you can specify the buttons map (2 to 5 arguments) :
btn=_left_,_right_,_middle_,_extra1_,_extra2_
- You can specify the axes map (2 arguments) :
abs=_horizontal_,_vertical_
- You can specify the refresh time between two reads :
refresh=_time_
- For example :
modprobe j2mdev refresh=10 btn=305,307,308
- To know which value represents your buttons/axes, take a look at kernel log :
dmesg
j2mdev: axes unknown=2
j2mdev: button unknown=306
j2mdev: button unknown=306
j2mdev: button unknown=310
j2mdev: button unknown=310

[CapnGimp]

oh yeah, if you are like me and make a lot of mistakes here you might loose a mouse altogether, just reboot with the live dvd and when it comes up get back on here and let us know what happened
ZERO will be able to help ya fix it, I doubt I will be much help but I'll be here to try...

[jryprt]

I did this , clicked PLACES on the taskbar then
HOME FOLDER then
js2 folder
thenDOCS and then clicked on the file README FIRST
I have read it WOW , I did

____is to type" js2mouse" without the quotation marks in a root terminal____
got this

jerry@ip68-99-21-16:~$ js2mouse
Error when creating mouse fifo : Permission denied
jerry@ip68-99-21-16:~$


Thanks Jerry

what is ZERO'S

[CapnGimp]

ZERO is the guy helping you the most his user name that is
if you got permission denied maybe you aren't logged into a ROOT terminal type su and then if it asks for your password you were just using a terminal with your user account remember root and su (superuser) are equivalent to ADMINISTRATOR on windows after you are sure you are root or su try it again

when I'm logged in as root here it looks like this
root@OTISubuntu:/home/john#

[Lazlo]

You need to run js2mouse as root:

su -c 'js2mouse'

In your paste below you're running it as user 'jerry'.

Note also that you'll need to modify your X configuration file to use the new device as described in section II-2.

It's unfortunate that Ubuntu doesn't appear to have a pre-built package for this driver, you're having to do the it "hard" way, source compiling, config file modifications, etc. You are learning about behind-the-scenes Linux though!

[CapnGimp]

trouble...
it doesn't make
error is no target give me a few to see what is wrong short-I do not think it is installed yet...

[jryprt]

Ok, I ran su & got jerry@ip68-99-21-16:~$ su
Password:
su: Authentication failure
Sorry.
jerry@ip68-99-21-16:~$

how do i get to root
Thanks ZERO I am sorry for asking what ZERO'S is
Thanks Jerry

[CapnGimp]

phone been bugging me
when you type su it ASKS for your password type it in and you will be su or root, basically one and the same
the authentication failure means you didn't give the correct password

[Lazlo]

Try

sudo 'js2mouse'

instead. Ubuntu scrambles the root password by default, sudo allows you to run commands as root entering your regular user password.

[CapnGimp]

I'm still thinking it is not installed hang on a sec

[jryprt]

CapnGimp - i used the password i set up at first.
ZERO - i did sudo 'js2mouse' & got

jerry@ip68-99-21-16:~$
jerry@ip68-99-21-16:~$ sudo 'js2mouse'
Password:
Number of axes : 5
Number of buttons : 6
Driver version : 131328
Joystick name : STD Interact Gaming Device
now what?
Thanks Jerry

[CapnGimp]

IF I can get it to MAKE on my system, I have a joystick sitting here lol... I AM trying, honest, but between the phone, the cat and my teeny tiny bit O knowledge, it's slow going lol
It looks like you DO have it installed though, next is setting it up hang on for Zero I just IMed him to let him know I am clueless here

[jryprt]

here is a screenshot

[CapnGimp]

you have it loaded.
Now there are a few files to modify to make it work.
In the DOCS folder where the README1st.txt file was, there are samples of those 'need modifying" files from his system.
I am definitely clueless here I can't even get it to install for my system aaaargh!
on the plus side, I now have all disturbances taken care of and a fresh pot of decaf to drink. Now I can get on it.

i see ya got an avatar pic up cool
see, you are getting somewhere :D

[CapnGimp]

I posted in the forum over there and asked for help here... maybe we'll hear from someone sooner or later

[alan]

I finally managed to get Ubuntu 7.04 installed to go with my eComStation and rarely used XP, but I admit I have no clue what to do with it (I can browse the web with Firefox, but I don't even know how to install SeaMonkey, or anything else.) I'm of limited knowledge, and used to command lines and file managers. I have "Ubuntu Linux for Dummies" and am starting to read it. "OS/2 for Dummies" helped me to at least have a clue, so I'm hopeful about this book.

[CapnGimp]

I still can't get it to install. It is about 4 yrs old so I'm looking at a few NEWER apps that do the same thing. Maybe they will work automatically w/o file mods. gimme a few.
Alan, click on the HELP icon on the taskbar. Looks life a lifesaver. It has an EXTENSIVE help system installed. The SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION 'Package Manager" is what ya use to install software, point and click basically. There is more to enableing reposotories but the HELP files will answer all your questions.
Sabayon Linux is the BEST version out there. All kinds of stuff to enable you to load windoze programs built in, including games. The default window manager is Compiz Fusion, like Beryl, I use on Ubuntu.

[jryprt]

You guys are GREAT . I have to spend some with the boss (wife)
I will be back later. or sat. sun mon. ................
Thanks Jerry

[robeec]

you can open your home folder, r-click whatever folder name you used during installation, scroll down to properties and click on the permission's tab to change permissions right? make sure you hit apply.

[CapnGimp]

it SAYS it does not require being a root user to work. However, to INSTALL, you have to be root/su to place the files in the right places due to the permissions you are talking about.
After the package is installed, you need to modify the xorg.conf file to add the joystick properties for the 'mouse'
and I'm not certain but you MAY have to install a module in the kernel so it will always be available without having to activate it after login.
If you unpack the tarball robeec, and go to the docs folder, there are a handful of files that are easy to read and you will see what is rquired.
This has been around since 2003 and obviously works well with joysticks AND gamepads. I just am not familiar with the methods needed to install it.
I have been looking at various things off and on today and MAYBE I can get it installed and try to make it work with my joystick. If I get it, I'll post the steps that worked for me.
I get sidetracked easily, haven't read much here lately and folks are in and out here today so I have to do other things. Getting late so I may try later.

[Lazlo]

You got the driver working, great. Now you need to follow the part of the instructions marked in green in CapnGimp's post above. The file you need to edit is /etc/X11/xorg.conf, but make a backup first: I used the nano text editor but you can use any one you prefer:

sudo 'cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak'
sudo 'nano -w /etc/X11/xorg.conf'

Add these lines toward the top of the file (carefully, it's very touchy on syntax, make sure you're not adding it inside an existing Section):

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Mouse2"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "IMPS/2"
Option "Device" "/dev/j2m_fifo"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection

Then find the existing section marked ServerLayout and add the following line inside that section:

InputDevice "Mouse2" "SendCoreEvents"

Save the file Ctrl-X, Y (if you're using nano). Then restart X with Ctrl-Atl-Backspace. Hopefully that will do it. You may need to restart the driver with sudo 'js2mouse' with each restart, but if this all gets it working, we can get it to start automatically for you each time you reboot.

Hope this all works. If X fails to restart, it should drop you to a command line prompt. Just restore the original xorg.conf file with:

sudo 'cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak /etc/X11/xorg.conf'

[robeec]

thanks capn.
i got a quickcam which worked under DapperDrake but won't under FeistyFawn, even though i installed camarama through synaptic. anybody have a quickcam using ff?

[jryprt]

Sorry I did not get back sooner Mother in law when to the hospital. When things settle down I will be back for your knowledge, I need it
Thanks Jerry