Slimserver 6.5 - linkstation - freelink

[stevos]

I have had a look at the instructions for installing freelink and they don't seem to bad.

Could someone give me step by step instructions on installing slimserver6.5 on a freelink system.

Cheers
Steve.

[aubuti]

Dang, I knew I should have written it down when I was doing it! Anyway, I'll try to find the time to write up and post the steps I used for a PowerPC LinkStation.

In the meantime, you could go ahead and reflash your LS to FreeLink, and install slimserver 6.3.1. Upgrading is usually easier if you're sure you have a previous version working first. Then going to 6.5 will just be repeating those steps, plus the additional steps for MySQL.

It would also be a good idea to go ahead and install other packages you'll need after reflashing. The most notable example is Samba, which you'll need if you ever want to add tracks to your library. Samba is pre-installed on the LS factory firmware, and it is preserved when you use OpenLink, but FreeLink wipes it out completely.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the linkstationwiki.net site and forum will have all the info you need for getting FreeLink and other utilities installed. Then you can use the instructions in the Slim Devices wiki (with link to Marc Field's site) for installing slimserver 6.3.1. Oh, and when you flash to FreeLink, believe what they say about the DHCP setting on your router. I think DHCP has to be enabled, but double check the docs and forum at linkstationwiki.net.

[stevos]

That would be great. I may also need help with openlink, but here's hoping.

[aubuti]

Is that a typo, or did you really mean to say openlink? You don't need to go through openlink to install freelink, and I would advise against doing it. OpenLink and FreeLink serve the same basic function, which is to "open" the LinkStation so that the user can install software on it.

[stevos]

Yeah just got confused.

[aubuti]

Okay, glad to hear it. Like I said earlier, you don't need to wait for the 6.5 instructions to get started. I'd suggest going ahead with reflashing to FreeLink (assuming you're comfortable with the instructions, which seems to be the case). And don't hesitate to post at the linkstationwiki.net forum if you have questions. They're a good group, and really know this stuff.

After you get it reflashed, install the various development tools and slimserver 6.3.x.

[stevos]

That was what i was going to ask, which dev tools do you need?

[aubuti]

First, it looks like there might be some obsolete information kicking around LSW about reflashing itself. I am pretty sure the one you want is the one at http://linkstationwiki.net/index.php...29_LinkStation

Second, *don't* follow the link that says "Development Tools" in the projects section on the left side of the linkstationwiki.net (hereafter LSW) home page. Those are for OpenLink'd devices.

There's a good list of key packages to install at http://linkstationwiki.net/index.php...ebian_packages. The GNU C++ compiler should be installed with the initial FreeLink reflash, but if it isn't, you can follow the links from this page.

FreeLink should also automatically install ssh (secure shell). If it doesn't, get it from http://linkstationwiki.net/index.php...nd_Dropbear%29

Then some others you'll want to install are listed on the Category Debian page at http://linkstationwiki.net/index.php...ategory:Debian. From this page you'll want Samba, MySQL, and Webmin. Webmin will be your substitute for the web-based management interface that came with the stock LS firmware. Use it to configure Samba.

The key thing that I don't remember is whether FreeLink installs Perl automatically. Perl is essential for any version of slimserver. If your LS doesn't have Perl at this stage, follow the instructions on Marc Field's page at http://fieldnetworks.com/slim/linkstation3.html

Recommendation: don't try to do all of this at once, and don't start doing it at 11pm. Good luck.

[stevos]

cheers, about to start a two week holiday from work, shall give it a go then.

[stevos]

You were saying something about DHCP setting on the router, where can details of this be found.

I have flashed freelink but can only access the linkstaion when it is connected directly to my laptop, however this doesn't seem to allow the linkstation to connect to the internet.

Cheers
Steve.