Ask OLPC a Question/lang-ja
From OLPC
- This is an on-going translation
Ask OLPC a Question is a set of pages dedicated to answering general questions that you have about the project. Please add your question by editing this page; as soon as possible it will be added to the OLPC FAQ.
This page is not a dumping ground for just any question or comment: every page in the wiki has a "discussion" tab at the top.
Please search for an answer to your questions using the search field in the column on the left side of the page (alternatively you can try a Custom Google), and add a targeted question or comment to the discussion associated with that page. We will delete questions that are already answered elsewhere in the wiki.
|
To get a laptop |
To get a laptop for yourself, your young relatives, your NGO, etc : see this section. |
|
To submit ideas |
See the OLPC Idea Pool. |
|
If you know the answer to a question |
Feel free to reply below. Sign your response (using the wiki convention of -- ~~~~) and put it in the Answered Question Section of this page. The community can discuss and revise your answer and subsequently integrate it into the main FAQ. |
|
To ask a new question |
First read this page and the archives to be sure it has not already be answered; then add it to the New Questions section. |
[edit] Archives
Older questions: ...
[edit] General
[edit] OLPC & UNPO Members
- N.B. UNPO => Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization
Many regions are not represented by an official government. Kosovo, Somaliland, Iraqi Kurdistan and many refugee camp as Dafur/Mali, Myanmar/Thailand border,... have no chance to get support from any government. (see UNPO) For normal the United Nations give some support, but the people have no work and the people are bored.
Especialy for these people education is very importent. It is also important to give them a voice to tell about their lives. The 100$ laptop and a internet link could improve the situation of this people very much.
The regions are too small to order one million laptops but all this regions together have more then 1 million children. Is there a special program for these children? There is no government to talk with, but the UN together with NGOs could do a lot.
Many people ask if it's possible to give some money for the OLPC project. If there is some money, this regions should be the first that receive sponsored laptops. One million children with the ability to send text and videos from daily life as a refugee could change the world. --Bz 09:28, 27 January 2007 (EST)
- There are plans to extend invitations to NGOs after the first phase—OLPC currently targets only national governments.
- Community sponsoring (ie: Buy 2 Get 1) is not being contemplated as an option in the near future—maybe later.--Xavi 10:21, 27 January 2007 (EST)
[edit] OLPC & United Nations
Will the new leadership at the United Nations affect the laptop.org program in general? --216.194.7.160 18:08, 26 December 2006 (EST)
- Probably not, given that neither dependends on the other. AFAIK, agreements have been signed with the U.N.'s Development Program.--Xavi 11:44, 27 December 2006 (EST)
[edit] What are the Pros and Cons of OLPC?
One could be that many children want to have a computer, now that many places are going solar for energy so many more will want a lap top like the OLPC laptop! --Hunter 08:50, 8 January 2007 (EST)
- This is also discussed on various question pages, including OLPC FAQ and Ask OLPC a Question. --Mokurai 17:45, 9 November 2006 (EST)
- There are a number of naysayers claiming that the OLPC project will never work for various alleged reasons. Most prominent among them are Bill Gates and John C. Dvorak. Dvorak's recent attack, posted on MSN Marketwatch is a misch-masch of straw men, ad hominem attacks, and ignorance, in my opinion. More than 400 comments have appeared on Slashdot. The Linux community is of the opinion that Gates is opposed to the laptop purely because it runs Linux and other Free Software, and that Dvorak, once a respected voice in the industry, is shilling for Gates. --Mokurai 06:59, 21 November 2006 (EST)
[edit] Public traded company?
I am wondering if olpc is a public traded company and if not are there any plans of this happining in the near future?
- US non-profit corporation, so no. You could start your own company to buy from or sell to the families of the children. (But not to sell the laptop.)--Mokurai 02:23, 13 October 2006 (EDT)
[edit] Background in pedagogy?
Do any of the OLPC designers have experience with teaching young children, especially ones in the third world?
- It is best to read through some of the site or use the Search button at the left before asking questions. Or are you questioning the management's competence in making the decision to assign technical design experts to do the design instead of pedagogues? Read the constructivist page to begin with and then check the backgrounds of the people who are running the OLPC project. You couldn't ask for more solid educational credentials.
Also those that may not know what pedagogy is it is:the activities of educating or instructing or teaching; activities that impart knowledge or skill; "he received no formal education"; "our instruction was carefully programmed"; "good teaching is seldom rewarded"Not every one is that smart a first glance that asks questions. --Hunter 09:48, 8 January 2007 (EST)
- The question was to try to find out to what extent unusual aspects of the system (sugar, social chat-oriented software) were validated by experience teaching young children. From what I have seen of the OLPC staff backgrounds, they're generally university people, surely a very different demographic.
- Seymour Papert has been involved in elementary school classroom software for decades. See his book Mindstorms. Alan Kay managed the design of computers suitable for children at Xerox PARC in the 1970s. His Alto computer and Smalltalk software were the original GUI system that became the model for the Apple Macintosh, the X windowing system for UNIX, and Microsoft Windows. There are other educational software developers and classroom teachers in OLPC.
- That reported validation indeed sounds exciting, but where are the reports?
[edit] Statistics
I would like more information about the Nations that are involved with the OLPC program as far as statistics and population information!
- You can find out information about statistics here. Also, some countries have an infobox with an abstract.
[edit] About the Colors
What is the difference (apart from the color) between the Orange and Green machines? .--Ahmad 11:36, 27 October 2006 (GMT+1)
- There are no Orange or Green machines. There are only prototype boards and components in various stages. Pictures with Orange and Green machines used plastic models or case prototypes. They are just there as pretty pictures to give a rough idea of what a finished unit MIGHT be.
- Green ones now exist: B1 Pictures. --66.30.117.127 16:53, 9 January 2007 (EST)
[edit] What does XO stand for ?
Nothing really. It is simply a shorthand reference to the shape of the icon which is used to represent a user of the mesh network. The icon represents a person with arms outstretched, jumping for joy. It looks like an O stacked above an X. Some people don't like it.
[edit] History
I am curious about the history of this project: when was it started, by whom, how it has evolved, etc.
- Some of this information is being collected on the History of OLPC page. You may also find some information on Wikipedia however the best way is to Google for information on Nicholas Negroponte and Seymour Papert.
[edit] Rwanda
I would like more infromation about Rwanda.
Rwanda has recently joined the OLPC program. You can find out more infromation about them at this link [1]
[edit] Social Issues
The full impact of the OLPC can only be determined with time. Nevertheless, you may have concerns about recipient governments, child safety, privacy, abuse. Check the Q&A about social issues.
[edit] Distribution, Roll-out, Marketing & Sales
[edit] Where or how can I get one?
Short answer: Either apply for an XO through the developer's program or get one through the Give 1, Get 1 program (no longer possible as of 2008).
Medium answer: Given the characteristics of the project, the OLPC is initially available only to national government agencies—e.g., Ministry of Education—allowing us to achieve the initial economy of scale and a sufficiently large impact to make it sustainable. There are plans and ideas on how to expand our market to include other smaller and/or distributed organizations that will cater to people, places and situations where government agencies are unavailable - in the future and most likely collaborating through and with other parties.
Trying to satisfy personal, individual or otherwise 'isolated' retail requests (many present in this section) will divert precious energy that would otherwise be more effective at larger scales and targets. This does not imply a lack of interest or sympathy towards these requests, many of which are at the heart of our mission, but rather a physical limit that has to do with trade-offs between wishful thinking and practical realities. By no means does this preclude or try to impede that private, NGO and other grass-root organizations or people lobby in their target countries to be included as recipients or to get involved—it just means that they'll have to be a little patient and not lose sight of their dreams and try to match it with our timings.
Keep alert, maybe in the near future there'll be news that will allow us to cater your special demand.
Future answer: YOU CAN, probably, almost. Quanta, the manufacturer of the OLPC laptop, may start selling $200 laptops in 2008 or so that resemble the OLPC laptop. See this.
[edit] Give 1 Get 1
See xogiving.org or XO Giving for further information on the "Give 1 Get 1" program.
Can we get the number of machines distributed in the USA by city/state? This information may facilitate getting together with other XO owners.
For the full story on retail sales, read: this article (another article) (another in spanish).
[edit] Will it be distributed in developed countries?
As mentioned in the countries section, the decision to distribute in any particular country (including the USA and other developed countries) does not depend on the OLPC but on the government's decision.
Note must be taken that developing countries are the initial and ultimate target countries for the OLPC, although it does not preclude other countries from participating.
[edit] Why not the USA?
See above. Or for further discussions on the subject see OLPC4USA and retail.
[edit] Can NGOs and charities get them?
The short answer: see the XO Giving page. Groups should refer to the Give Many page. Individuals should refer to the (retail) availability page.
The OLPC efforts are currently focused at national level, and although we would love to make it available without restrictions, this would disrupt and overload our launch process in order to deal with the vast number of NGOs that are interested in participating. After the initial launch, plans include the opening up to include them. See here.
[edit] Who will get one?
As much as we would like to see an OLPC in the hands of every child on the planet, practical issues and humanitarian criteria help decide the first people to get laptops:
- Children and teachers in developing countries whose governmental leaders have partnered with OLPC
You may also be wondering about training & volunteering, or donations and other financial issues.
Expanded FAQ on Distribution is here
[edit] Countries
[edit] Why some countries and not others?
The reason is quite simple: the OLPC has made an offer (an inexpensive laptop) to national governments (not individuals or NGOs). Countries interested in the offer then decide if the offer is of their liking or not. If it is, negotiations and/or talks can start with the OLPC, and it's only then that they appear on the OLPC radar, and given a color/status depicting the level of commitment or interest.
[edit] What if I don't like my country's color?
If your country is color-coded in a hue with which you don't agree, you should lobby that country's government to start talks with the OLPC.
[edit] How can a country get involved?
By starting talks with the OLPC at national or ministerial level—minister or similar high-ranking government officials—not at individual level. Individuals should lobby their government to participate. More info.
You can see the community's work for each of the countries in the Category:Countries.
Expanded FAQ on countries is here
[edit] Product Life-cycle
Besides quality assurance, there are issues about maintenance and/or the disposal at the end-of-life. Look here for those Q&A.
[edit] Hardware
Will it really have a crank for powering? What will the keyboard be like? What about size & weight? If you don't find the answer in the hardware specifications you can check other questions and answer about hardware.
How come it doesn't include a built-in hardrive?
[edit] Software
[edit] What software will be included?
Without being picky, we prefer the term activities (instead of applications). That taken care of, the software components initially planned to be included are: the operating system, a web-browser, a document viewer, a text editor, chat client, and some programming environments.
[edit] Are kids expected to program the laptop?
Are kids expected to write novels after they learn to read & write? No.
Can they write novels? Theoretically yes, but most will never go past writing for fun.
The same with the laptops and programming: just because they may learn how to do things with the computer doesn't turn them into programmers. They aren't required to learn programming any more than they need to know how to write a novel.
But they can if they want to, after all everything included is Open Source—so they can tinker with all of it. And that's the reason why several programming languages or environments are included, not for them to program them (in the software development sense) but to do things with the laptop. Currently included you find Etoys, Python, TamTam, Turtle Art, and some others to be determined. Java is not amongst them.
[edit] Will software for MS-DOS or MS-Windows work on it?
No. MS-DOS programs (not MS-Windows) may benefit from a second life through the use of third-party emulators, but don't count on it.
[edit] What will the interface look like?
The interface used is Sugar, and because it's been designed for kids (not adults) it's based on a whole different set of premises and metaphors. See the OLPC Human Interface Guidelines.
[edit] Can we try Sugar without a real laptop?
Yes. The simplest way is to use an emulator and try it in your own computer.
[edit] Will the software be localized?
Yes. A major objective of the OLPC is that communities and their children preserve their cultural heritage and have the tools to bring it to the digital world—another reason for Open Source software. It won't be easy to support so many different languages, but who said otherwise? The community (national and global) is welcome to participate in the effort.
Doubts about the Operating System and/or Linux? Will (my favorite application) be included? How will (my language/country) going to be supported? Check:
Expanded FAQ on Software is here
[edit] Uncategorized
[edit] RSS
Would it be possible to give LAPTOP NEWS RSS feed capability? I use a NewsGator RSS reader, and I like it very much. It saves me a lot of time, and the releases in each feed are always the most current when I log on. I try to check my feeds at least every 2 or 3 days. Thanks!
- PenguinTV is one of the activities already running on the laptop; you can run an emulator and download the latest image of the OLPC environment to try it out for yourself. Sj talk
[edit] New questions
[edit] Uncategorized Questions
See all uncategorized questions
Please try to find an appropriate category above for your question. If your question fits in several of the categories above, choose one. If you cannot find an appropriate category, you can Add a new uncategorized question.
You can use the edit links in the questions below to answer questions. Even better, however, would be to edit the whole list of questions so that you can move the "<noinclude>" tag after the question you answer. That hides it from this page, so it only shows in the uncategorized questions subpage.
[edit] T Mobile access
I recycled my shipping box before discovering that the pin number for Tmobile was on the shipping label. What should I do in this case to activate the "hotspot" access?
Thank you,
Patric Fitzpatrick
[edit] Confusion about the "frame"
When using the browser for example, I may want to click on something near the edge of the screen - oftentimes the frame will pop up and get in the way. How do I avoid this? 151.197.116.92 13:30, 30 December 2007 (EST)
- The frame will appear if the cursor is brought into the very corner of the scree. If you bring out the frame accidentally and it doesn't go away, you can click the "frame button" in the corner of the keyboard. If that doesn't work, go onto the "home view" then click back into the activity. Yablochko 9 May 2008 (CET)
[edit] Recorder error "Your Disk is Full."
I have encountered this disk full error within the Reocrder shortly after receiving my XO. I have tried erasing every entry within the Journal and it didn't work. I found suggestions on OLPC wiki to remove orphaned files in the datastore, but the listed path did not exist on my version of the XO OS. Does anyone have any other suggested resolution to this problem?
- We are working on a long-term remedy to this problem. In the short-term, your safest course is upgrading the activated laptop to re-flash its entire "disk image" including its operating system and Activities. --Walter 12:05, 31 December 2007 (EST)
[edit] Need help connecting to home wireless network
Received our OX on Dec 17th 2007 on the B1G1 program and gave it to our daughter as a Christmas gift. We have NEVER been able to access the internet with it. We have a wireless network in our home running on a D-Link router and several other laptops connect to it without issue. It never shows up on the network page as a circle to choose, but we can see other peoples' locked networks from that page, and several mesh networks. I have spent over 20 hours following ALL of the directions I've found throughout this website including in the FAQs and chats. The home network is not WPA, only WEP. It is not hidden, but I even tried the hint for hidden networks. We have a 650 build unit and cannot upgrade to 653 because we CANNOT access the internet with the unit! I am EXTREMELY frustrated and disappointed in this purchase. It is not the simple process you made it out to be. My daughter is very disappointed and it doesn't help to explain that some child in another country received a compter too, because she just figures they can't use theirs EITHER! We need HELP!
- Sorry you are having so much trouble. If you provide the information suggested here we may be able to diagnose the problem. --Walter 20:18, 1 January 2008 (EST)
Answers (some were already given when the question was first asked)
- The software build on your XO. 650 build.
- The access point/router brand, model, version, and firmware version (ideally). Router is a D-Link DI-524. I don't know where to find the version.
- The security configuration of your wireless home system. WEP enabled, not WPA, and I have the WEP key.
- The description of the problem. Stated above, the network does not show up on the mesh view, so we cannot select it.
Other useful information you should consider adding to your description:
- Do you see the wifi Access Point in the mesh view? No
- Have you previously successfully connected to this Access Point from an XO? No
- Can you connect to the Access Point from another non-XO laptop? Yes, several
- Is the Access Point displayed as protected (a lock badge appears), or as open in the mesh view? NA - doesn't show in mesh view.
- Is it consistent to the Access Point's configuration? I don't know what this means
- When you click on the Access Point circle does it: Never get the circle
[edit] wireless connection to linksys router with SSID
I have just recieved my new laptops for my kids and cannot find my homes wireless connection. i see my neighbors but not mine. i tried to follow a command to allow for this but cannot get it to work.
Can anyone give me more directions?My router is a wireless -g 801.11g - very common linksys router
Thanks, Tom
- Ditto—Sorry you are having so much trouble. If you provide the information suggested here we may be able to diagnose the problem. --Walter 20:19, 1 January 2008 (EST)
[edit] You Tube Videos
Why won't the videos on You Tube play normally?
you need to install adobe flash. Search it in this wiki
[edit] Booting from SD memory card
What is the procedure for getting the XO to boot from the SD memory card? I have read the documents about OpenFirmWare, booting from a USB device and related items. But I am still unable to make this function work. I wanted to have a vanilla OLPC build in NAND and a custom Fedora 7 build in the SD card. As a side note, would modifying the grub.conf in NAND help to facilitate this function?
- I asked the question but figured it out. This procedure is easier if done on another linux device. Also, this is not for the linux nooby.
- Get Developer key. Read this page http://wiki.laptop.org/go/OS_images_for_USB_disks. Use a USB developer image and install it on the sd card as described on that wiki page. I used the "Pre-existing Partition" method. Modify the /boot/olpc.fth to point to the sd card instead of the usb drive. Insert card and boot.
[edit] Getting my pictures from xo
I have pictures in my xo. I saved them in a USB. The pictures are in the USB and can be opened from the USB on the xo. But trying to do the same in another laptop (Windows os) shows a folder labeled .olpc.store. And there is no picture in that folder. And with Ubuntu there is nothing in the USB. How can I get my pictures on a laptop other that the xo itself?
- The same question has been asked here. Please use that thread for a continuation of this discussion.
[edit] Initial Battery Charging - How Long?
Initial Battery Charging: how long should the battery be charged for, on first charge? Good answer for initial docs or on paper shipped with the machines. Thanks
-- It doesn't matter. According to user reports the battery is shipped fully charged, and is not sensitive regarding charge cycles and such.
how do you connect to a jabber server/any you recommend?
-- In terminal, type: sugar-control-panel -h jabber
The system will display the current jabber server. A popular server is xochat.org. To change to that server, type: sugar-control-panel -s jabber xochat.org
[edit] chat
can you chat globally
-- Short answer: yes. -- Longer answer: who you can chat with depends on who is using the same jabber server as you. It's not unusual to see users in Europe and the UK on the open jabber server. Kids using XOs through their school system generally will use the school's jabber server, which will not be accessible to anyone outside the school.
You may have to set the jabber server for your XO to get chat to work at all. This is discussed elsewhere. -- Chris J
[edit] Give one Get one
I learned about OLPC and of the great things you are doing a few days ago. By the time I learned about the GIVE ONE GET ONE program, you had already discontinued it. It would be a shame not to repeat the program some time in the future when your next version is out or when some of the bugs have been worked out. I personally would like to purchase some for my church day care and after school center. My question is "when are you going to have the GIVE ONE GET ONE program again?
[edit] Can't c onnect to home wireless using Netgear router
Hi. I have read the log of questions. Seems like many people have had trouble like I am having. I cannot connect to home network. Using Build 653. Circle icon indicates that I have a connection (circle is white), but when I am not receiving data. I would appreciate help - getting really frustrated.
Thanks,Holly
- Please refer to the Wifi Connectivity page in the wiki for further help on this topic. --Walter 12:46, 9 January 2008 (EST)
[edit] Cannot connect to home wireless
We have several computers at home connected to internet through our wireless and through a cable modem. The wireless is password protected, however only XO cannot connect. I have tried all pull down menus after typing in the password - would still not work. Below please find the answers to the required questions:
The software build on your XO. 650 build. The access point/router brand, model, version, and firmware version (ideally). Apple A1143 The security configuration of your wireless home system. WPA2-Personal, AES - CCMP The description of the problem. Network can be found. When clicking on the network it requests network key, we enter the password and nothing happens.
Do you see the wifi Access Point in the mesh view? Yes Have you previously successfully connected to this Access Point from an XO? No Can you connect to the Access Point from another non-XO laptop? Yes, several Is the Access Point displayed as protected (a lock badge appears), or as open in the mesh view? a lock badge appears. Is it consistent to the Access Point's configuration? I don't know what this means When you click on the Access Point circle does it? It opens the window to enter the password. We enter the password and nothing heppens.
- Please refer to the Wifi Connectivity page in the wiki for further help on this topic. In particular, there is information about connecting to a WPA-configured network. --Walter 12:47, 9 January 2008 (EST)
[edit] photo download from camera
I don't seem to be able to find anything about downloading photos from an external camera. I think I read that the software will support RAW files. Can I download them via USB for viewing. Can I then upload them to an external memory device. I am shooting in DNG-a raw format.
- While there is Linux software that will process some RAW file formats, I don't know of any software custom-made for the XO that will do this, yet. Getting something like Rawstudio or dcraw working on the XO may require some experimentation. —Joe 09:59, 10 January 2008 (EST)
- I've had success installing gphoto2 and gthumb to import and view photos from a digital camera. In a terminal activity, switch to root ('su'), then 'yum install gphoto2' and 'yum install gthumb'. Then 'gthumb' opens an iphoto-like application. PDS
[edit] Booting Problem...
When booting, when the process gets to about 11:00 o'clock there is a blank screen and there a barely readable line about a CRC error. The booting continues with a blank screen. It seems as though everything booted correctly.
I have downloaded the system and reloaded the NAND drive. The problem did not disappear. During the reloading there appeared 4 red blocks during the reload. Any suggestions?
Any help would be appreciated.
Kevin Donahue donahue.2@osu.edu
Go OLPC!!!
- The problem is the reporting of an unimportant error is disrupting the display of the boot animation. We've tracked it down and expect to eliminate that message in future releases. For the time being, best to just ignore it. Thanks. --Walter 12:30, 13 January 2008 (EST)
[edit] Can't write in Amharic
Hello thee ... I upgraded mu B4 to build 655. Now i can't write in Amharic even if i selected 'AbyssinicaSIL'
- The upgrade procedure may have reset the laptop to its original language and keyboard settings (maybe English and US). Follow thge Ethiopian_Setup procedure to restore the settings.
- -- User:Bernie 1:49 17 Jan 2008 EST
Thank you, Bernie. But try as I may, can't get a singe letter in Amharic to be displayed. The cursor remains in the same position.
[edit] Recover process => Boot failed. Cause for RMA?
The answer: No, the system is working as designed. The recover process doesn't apply to unmodified G1G1 machines, and only works if the machine has been updated this way.
G1G1[D1] machine: powering on holding the "O" game key results in the messages:
Boot failed Powering off in 10 seconds
This happened with the system as delivered, and after successfully reflashing the NAND (to build 650). Other users seem to have no problem using the steps in the Support FAQ, # 10.4 "How can I restore my Give1Get1 XO to its factory configuration?" Or have other folks also encountered this error?
Everything else seems to work OK much like any other G1G1/650, based on my not very extensive testing of the core activities. My flash memory has 9 bad blocks, if that's at all relevant.
Since my warranty only lasts until Monday 01/21, I'd like to know ASAP if this failure indicates some deeper issue requiring an exchange. Thanks much for any advice. A quick yes/no would be fine; an explanation of the failure would be a bonus!
Quick update 2008/01/17:
Reflashing to build 653 didn't help. Is it even possible to change the "alternate disk image," or is this fixed at the factory?
Not so quick update 2008/01/18:
Apparently(?) booting from an alternate image (hold "O" gamepad key) is just boot from /boot-alt rather than /boot. My system doesn't have /boot-alt (in root or anywhere else), so it's no surprise that the procedure fails.
Anyone else see a /boot-alt on their system? (In the terminal activity, type: ls -alF / )
- 129.42.184.35 19:22, 18 January 2008 (EST) (Nick Tindall, nicktindall1@yahoo.com)
> There is not alternative image until you update for the first time.
Thanks a million, Walter. This was the key fact I was missing. (I don't have any other questions/problems.)
[edit] My Neighborhood
Hi All:
Our XO is connected to the Internet but not able to see other people in My Neighborhood. We can see Access Points and Mesh Networks but no people. Any suggestions?
Also, we are experiencing some freeze-ups and crashes while using the video or having multiple activities running.
Thanks,
Scott
- You won't see other XOs unless either they are physically on the same network as you or you point to the same Jabber server (See Sugar-control-panel for information about how to configure your Jabber server). Regarding crashes, if you launch more than 2-3 activites at once, you'll run out of memory. --Walter 18:03, 19 January 2008 (EST)
[edit] Cannot connect to Internet - refund procedure?
I asked for help connecting to the internet earlier this month. It is unclassified question #7 on this web page. A response was posted asking for more information. I immediately provided it, again on this web page. I have received no additional information and I STILL cannot connect to the internet. Connecting to the internet was the only reason I purchased this laptop. If I cannot get help connecting I would like information on how to return the laptop for a refund. The laptop is not doing what it was advertised to do and what I paid to receive. Judging by the others who have posted questions on this website, I am not alone.
- Please send an email to help AT laptop.org. Someone may be able to walk you through the process of getting connected... --Walter 02:03, 20 January 2008 (EST)
[edit] T-Mobile Connect...
I have previously set up my account with t-mobile (via the Get One etc.) At Starbucks I can connect to the wireless router, but I need a screen to log-in. How???
At my local Panera's I have no problem, I get a screen when I try to connect anywhere.
Thanks...
[edit] Where O Where is my XO
Another week and I still have the same question? Where O Where is my XO?
Last wekk I sent the message out below, I was delighted to hear from Michelle on a Thursday evening and she promised to help me get my laptop. She even gave me her personal 800 number.
I called Michelle on Monday and guest what; a telephone company recording came on and told me the line was disconnected.
So Tuesday morning I called the service line and the rep told me my order was in shlpping and waiting for Fedex to pick it up. Again I was excited, Things were moving along. I figured I would track the reference number on the Fedex tracking site.
As of Wednesday morning, there was no indication of the xo on the fedex tracking site. So called the OLPC service desk and waited the usual 45min and spoke to a rep who told me there was a problem with my order….fedex was not accepting the data…..same problem that I was informed of 2 weeks ago. The order was not in shipping and the rep could help me no further so I asked for her supervisor and got Traci (spelling?)
Traci confirmed the problem and said she would take it to her manager, Sheri (spelling?); I pushed to speak to Sheri, but she was not in. I vented. I asked Traci for a direct line and she gave me her 800 number which I called from another line. It did not work. Finally figured out that OLPC did not have the foresight to set these 800 numbers up for U.S. and Canada.
I also asked Traci for the phone number for OLPC public relations and legal. She said she did not have those numbers nor any other number that would lead to someone really getting this problem soved.
I used Skype to access the 800 number to Michelle and left her a message as well. After all she was the one that promised to get me my machine.
So I’m going to continue calling Traci and Michelle and sending this email out, until someone contacts me and really does get this problem fixed.
If you can’t get machines out the door in Canada and the U.S., why should anyone think that you can move millions of machines to developing countries.
QUALITY OF EXECUTION COUNTS!!
I would like to hear from someone who really can help or can provide me with access to senior managers who can make things happen!! I would also like to hear from others that are in the same boat.
I can be emailed at whereOwhereismyXO@rogers.com
LAST WEEKS NOTE TO OLPC Where or where is my XO with the subject ref #? As a first hour donor I have waited patiently. As a Canadian I have waited patiently. Then last week the good news came. Canadian orders were being shipped and the community sites showed scores of Canadians receiving their XO.
But not me. And I can’t get a straight answer out of the service desk as to when I’m going to get it. They answer it’s being processed. Escalated to a supervisor named Tracy who had no answers and said she would get her manager on, Sheri, the line. I got voicemail and no return call.
Isn’t there anyone at OLPC that can help?
[edit] using firefox on a flash drive.
portableapps.com has a linux version that runs in/on wine. where do i find out how to load/run wine so i can use the full version of firefox that i know and love?
- yum install wine should probably do it. You'll probably want to become root first. Note that wine is going to use a lot of memory, so this will be of limited utility. Good luck. --Walter 18:54, 3 March 2008 (EST)
[edit] Using an external USB modem with the XO
A friend recently sent a XO computer to my daughter. We live where we can't get a good wireless signal, but I do have a dial up internet connection through the phone line. My question is can an external USB modem be used with the XO and if so and one of the developers read this question could you please give me a link to a specific external USB modem that I can purchase as I can't afford to purchase a modem if I am not a 100% sure it is going to work. It seems to me that other people might encounter a similar problem and an external USB modem might be a good optional accessory to add when ordering a XO.
Thanks you for your time and information, JMT
- Check out the Wireless_Access_Point_Compatibility page to see if your access point is listed. If not, maybe you could report the details of the model, firmware version, etc. so we can diagnose the problem. Thanks. --Walter 17:28, 2 March 2008 (EST)
Thanks for replying. (I'm not familiar with this Wiki thing - hope this works) My "access point" is not listed on the page. It is Netgear WGR614 v5. I don't know what "firmware version" is. Sorry. Perhaps you can tell me how to get that information. I am using channel 11. Other info: The OLPC build # is still 650, since I haven't been able to connect to upgrade to new build. SSID is visible in neighborhood view, but when I click to connect, the circle blinks for a while and then stops. Doesn't connect - no white circle. I can connect to this wireless network with other computers but not with OLPC.
- Sorry for the confusion. The wiki [Edit] buttons are misaligned in the FAQ pages. I was actually trying to answer the question below your's. I don't know if anyone has done QA on modems. In theory, their is no reason why they shouldn't work. Try contacting support@laptop.org for further advice.
- Is there no access point near by: at a library or neighbor's house where you can get on line to do an olpc-update? --Walter 18:57, 3 March 2008 (EST)
[edit] Cannot connect to WIFI (open network)
The laptop will not connect to my Wifi home network. I disconnected all security so it is completely open, and it will still not connect. I took it to Schlotsky's and it would not connect there, either. However, it would connect to the next door coffee shop's network. I tried to download the new build and it seemed to be trying to download it but then reported a failure. I am starting to wonder if this thing is defective. Either that or it only likes certain kinds of Wifi networks. Or I am doing something wrong that I am completely unaware of. It doesn't seem like it should be this difficult. I have been banging my head against the wall for weeks. Help!
- Check out the Wireless_Access_Point_Compatibility page to see if your access point is listed. If not, maybe you could report the details of the model, firmware version, etc. so we can diagnose the problem. Thanks. --Walter 17:28, 2 March 2008 (EST)
[edit] how do i print from the xo
how do i prnt from the xo
- you can (1) copy your file to USB and print it from another machine; (2) yum install cups and set up a network printer; then use lpr from the terminal activity; or (3) install the driver for a usb printer of your choice and use lpr. (We've not integrated printing into the UI yet.) --22:25, 19 March 2008 (EDT)
[edit] password
is there a passwords setting so we can have a password when pc is turned on?
[edit] I'd like to use a dialup modem for internet access
I know it's obselete, but this is for my mother in law. She doesn't have broadband, but I could set her up to dial up if I had a way to configure a modem on the laptop. I have a usb to serial connector already, and a 56 K modem. (Please don't ask why I still have them). I can't find anything in the help or faqs on how to set up or configure a dial out connection though. Any help with this would be appreciated. Thanks Bob Grabbe bgrabbe@umich.edu
[edit] How I can get this laptop
Dear all, I live in Indonesia, and I wonder how can I fet this laptop for Children around my country?
[edit] play on the web
My son whats to play games on the web but he cant so how do you play games on the web
- You can use the Browse activity to go to the web and play games. Some games will require Flash to be installed. The laptop comes with Gnash by default. Some people prefer to install Adobe Flash. --Walter 16:59, 13 April 2008 (EDT)
[edit] Wont open any programs
My XO turns on fine but as soon a i try to open any programs the little flashing icon appears buut the program never opens. It just continues to flash until i either shut it off or the computer runs out of batteries?
How do I fix this?
[edit] Change the Default Storage Location
I want to make my SD card the deafult storage location in order to keep the (built-in) NAND storage space as free as possible. For example, when the Web Activity downloads or when I want to keep notes I wrote in the Write Activity, I want the file(s) to be put onto the SD card (if present; if not, to NAND).
I considered making a symmetric link at /home/olpc to point to /media/My SD Card but stopped short when I realized that this means that the SD card would have to be in its slot at all times. Is there a "recommended" way of changing the default storage location (if at all)? ▪ NeoAmsterdamTalkEdits 03:11, 16 April 2008 (EDT)
[edit] enabling popups in the browser
I can't delete emails on my email page at verizon.net, ostensibly because the popup confirmation window never appears. How can I enable/disable popups in the browser?
[edit] Installing activities
I was trying to install activities in my XO. My XO don't have Internet connections. So I download some activities (like gcompris,Gougu2,DrGeo ...)and saved them in the USB. I go to the Terminal and typed ( for eg. sugar-install-bundle /media/<my USB stick name here>/GComprise.activity.xo ) What I get is a > prompt. How can I install the activities?
Sorry I didn't read the wiki through. I get it now.
[edit] internet donation button
i mean with a internet donation button so some cents a day or points to change and free it is good and better than this authority methods because it is for children and i mean creativity is theirs and not education is with computer about for to help what they want and this points system is better and even windows xp and the internet to choose own interests too to so health programs but ideas and thoughts are better than this authority methods and with so points methods they can choose what they want and many humans in internet has so some cents changed to points over a day next day a month a year very independend and with no i want something back or about education so who makes that is correct and makes independend and not authority obesient i mean independend support of so humans not their above methods frank
[edit] Skype
Can i download the Skype software and use it mith my XO laptop? What version of Skype for Linux do I need? Thank you. Edna
