I stuggle with the urge to try out a new release, but don't want to break what I've got if it's not going to be an improvement, or if it's just plain not going to work for me, I want an easy out to my old system.

Is there anything that would prevent me from repartitioning the "cache" partition, shaving away 4G for a second, alternate "/" mount point? Through the advanced installation, I could then upgrade that alternate root partition, leaving the original intact.

I have a hard time believing that this is an original thought. Someone else has to be doing this already. Any comments? How's it working? Anyone?

_________________
R5Fxx

Home-Brewed Mythic Dragon Clone
200GB WD IDE /myth
2x250GB WD IDE (lvm) /myth/tv

Hi,
I feel the growing pains... and maybe in your situation caution is good. I have an Asrock mb K7S41 which is a pain where you don't want it. I have not tried the R4V5 on it but the R5A16 doesn't like the onboard ethernet nor the onboard intei8x0 audio. I am sure your board is different but by how much.?

The R5A16 is really an excellent piece of work, and if you can upgrade to it you won't look back. Just remember, it is Alpha software, even if it has been a stable package, (for me it is more stable than R4V5) .

What I would suggest, is to hang a 10 ~ 20 gig drive on it and install the R5A16. That way if it don't fly on the hardware you can move the cable back and be where you were. If everything works, network, sound, tv card then switch back and do a backup on your main drive, boot up R5A16, select upgrade and go for it Don't Forget the Backup!
If you were to error, do so on the side of caution just because of the Asrock board. Mine has no place to install a tv card with out killing some other feature. It is a physical placement of connectors, really dumb design and dumb on my part for purchasing it.

Good luck, what ever way you choose.
Mike

Thanks for the ideas.

I was proposing a "repurpose" of the /cache partition, as I've got 4 IDE devices in there already (200GB + 2x250CB + CDR) and didn't want to have a drive dangling while I monkeyed with an upgrade. That, and the box is tucked away in the back of a cabinet, out of sight (and earshot) -- so it's a bit inconvenient to dig it out to do physical maintenance.

Given the glowing praise I've seen for R5A16, though, it just might be worth it.

And, whatever I do, I've got to get it done before the fall shows come back... and well in advance of the next episode of BG.

_________________
R5Fxx

Home-Brewed Mythic Dragon Clone
200GB WD IDE /myth
2x250GB WD IDE (lvm) /myth/tv

Hi bshroyer,

I must admit that I am a bit impressed with the 700 gig of storage, and to think that I was excited when I bought a 300gig last week! What a viewing marathon you could have, 3 weeks around the clock tv

With three drives, I would suspect lvm is in the picture. I haven't played much with that yet (all based on need or curiousity) . With all mentioned, I would be even more careful and definetly do the test on a seperate hd. Then you would know confidently that the hardware / software is compatable.

Basicly if all goes according to plan, you should be able to have tv on your monitor ~hour or two at the most. If you have to fight it, then that is not a good sign. Tweak time is extra.

As a reference, I did a cold fresh install from cd to tv on a Dell 260 - PVR350 yesterday in just under ~1 1/2 hours (including some tweaks) That gave me tv on channel 3 & 4, video on channel 1(used channel editor), web setup, weather setup, news reader (knoppmyth of course), thunderbird, firefox and a few other things installed, a backup and plus a reboot.

You should be ready for sports by fall.....

Have fun
Mike