Re: [qubes-users] Re: EE-PROM of an Lenovo X230

[ggg397]

 While I have read of others who just plowed though with whatever ch431a 
they had, and gotten it to work.  I am inclined to look at getting a PI.   
I am looking at Newegg, I am guessing I can get the least expensive 
Raspberry Pi.  I have a few weeks before my Social Security is paid.   Most 
of my extra money is now tied up in Corona-ing up my pantry and for other 
prevention measures.  

Any suggestions of what - which Raspberry Pi to avoid?

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[qubes-users] Re: EE-PROM of an Lenovo X230

[ggg397]

Thank you for your reply.  I will read through the documentation again, and 
perhaps give it a trial some morning, before I begin to Sundown.   

I have another laptop, which in theory would run QUBES, (Mid 1009 17 MBP) 
but my first efforts in trying to get QUBES working on it just revealed 
difficulties.   This is part of why I am trying to get the Lenovo X230 to a 
place where I can put QUBES on it.  

Yes, I actually tried to get QUBES working on it in the with the standard 
BIOS, and while it installed, it complained -   I think the Virtualization 
was not working or something.  I now read, I did the install incorrectly.  
I should have turned something off before Installing, and turn it back on 
later.   One difficulty at a time.  

Which ever Linux I choose, I feel the real security of using the Lenovo 
X-230, depends on having Core Boot/ Et Cetra.   

So I am committed to going on.   Thank you for your replies, I would be 
perplexed on some things without your answers.   My being poor does not 
help.  This would be so much easier if I had an at home high speed 
connection.   I may post back in a day or four.

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[qubes-users] Re: EE-PROM of an Lenovo X230

[ggg397]

I am looking as to which Linux to install on computer that does the 
programming.  I am guessing you would recommend Debian, latest version.  
Also which Linux to leave on Lenovo X230 before I start to add Core Boot.  

When you say. "Voltages, garbage."  Are you saying to forget all about 
measuring voltages and such?  I would guess that the reason the notes say 
to check what voltage my Lenovo x230 RAM will handle is because the BIOS 
install will control the voltage after install.  The notes did not make 
that clear.   

I do not have at home online internet, making the requirement to be plugged 
into internet cable to be an inconvenience.  Any easy way around that 
requirement?

Thanks for advice.   

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[qubes-users] EE-PROM of an Lenovo X230

[ggg397]

As I am on Social Security and can not afford to purchase the Insurgo 
Privacy Beast, I was trying to emulate what the Insurgo on my own.  

I bought a refurb Lenovo X-230 with I5 processor and 4 GB RAM, 340 GB 
Spinning hard drive.  I have upgraded the RAM to 16 GB, (MICRON 
CT2K102464BF186D 16GB KIT 8GBX2 PC3-14900 1866, which is marked as Crucial 
- Germany)  Laptop sees the RAM, Boots, I have not run extensive memory 
tests.

And the same WiFi adapter as Insurgo Privacy Beast uses:   (Atheros AR9832 
AR5BHB116. Model: AR9832 AR5BHB116. 1 x Atheros AR9832 AR5BHB116 Wireless 
Card. Standard Wireless: 801.11 a/b/g/n. Russia,Brazil,Chile,New 
Zealand,Mexico,South Africa,Asia)

I am now looking for a plan to EE-PROM (flash core boot) onto it.  I bought 
a PROM  Organizer SOIC8 SOP8 Flash Chip IC Test Clips Socket Adpter 
Programmer BIOS + CH341A 24 25 Series EEPROM Flash BIOS USB Programmer 
Module (Double Cl 


I now read I will need a Pomona Clip:Test Clip SOIC8 Pomona 5250.

Which will have to wait until next month to afford.  However, I see the 
instructions of what of I am about to attempt to be very detailed, and I am 
looking for about of guidance from someone who has recently done this 
thing.  

What looks to be one of my sources of a check list is:  
https://www.chucknemeth.com/flash-lenovo-x230-coreboot/

Then what I can find on git hub.   I had hoped to install both Core Boot 
and Heads, and I am not sure if that is so easy for someone like me.  

I have not read all that yet, but wanted to be clear on the possible 
upgrades, fixes to documentation that should have occurred.  I am supposing 
that I will need to be careful choose the correct script for a core I5.  

Truthfully this EE-PROM of Core Boot is more than I wanted to learn how to 
do.  All this makes me appreciate how much Insurgo does to get their 
version working.  

Anyway, I thought I would see if anyone has any recent experience with this 
that might be different than all the documentation that is already 
available.   Thanks for any replies.


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[qubes-users] Re: Tor not connecting over DSL

[ggg397]

Simple Tor, whether running in Windows or Linux, requires the proper 
setting of Time.   

Perhaps, if it is easy for you.  Put something like Tails Linux on a Flash 
Drive, then test, trouble shoot inside Tails.   Or perhaps even Ubuntu, in 
that they have an active Forum for getting advice.   

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[qubes-users] Re: broadcom bcm43142 not working

[ggg397]

 I am about the last person who should reply to this, as I also have a Mid 
2009 MBP and have not gotten the Broadcom working with some versions of 
Linux, like Debian, Pure OS.   However, I can point you in the right 
direction.  

First of all, I am not sure what the Host OS is for your Qubes?   

Broadcom Wireless  is not supported out of the box for Debian or Free 
Software Linux OS's, because it uses a module that is what some call a 
Blob, proprietary code.   

There has been an ongoing discussion about getting a Broadcom to work with 
the Pure OS, (Pure OS based on the latest Debian) on the Forum board for 
Librem.  https://forums.puri.sm/t/pureos-on-macbook/8405/88

Please be aware that there are a number of different Broadcom Wireless 
devices to add to the confusion.  Tails Linux (that is, for some the 
Security version of Linux some choose, offers the advice that the Broadcom 
Wireless Processors can not be spoofed (giving them a MAC address different 
than their own MAC address) so they allow others to identify you.  

I was posting on the Puppy Linux Forum, and mostly Puppy can be booted on 
my MBP, with the Wireless just working.Puppy Forum people are nice.   
The developer of Fat Dog, a version of Puppy linux said some interesting 
things about how to solve this problem:

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=118015

Also his distro of Fat Dog, if one downloads it and puts it on a USB Flash 
Drive to run the Live version, has a note about how to install 
Broadcom wireless in the distro, guessing the Broadcom is already working 
in his Distro.I have not read it.  Much of my problem with Wireless 
Drivers is that one must be online (Ethernet Connection to Internet) to get 
the Wireless commands to function correctly, and I do not have at home 
Internet.  I am trapped by public WiFi.  

I would guess if the Host OS of Linux is based upon RPM, then you need some 
different commands, Repositories to get it to work.   I have no experience 
with RPM based Linux

BTW:  If you go to the Puppy Linux Forum-  well actually the Puppy Linux of 
the original developer of Puppy, Barry Kauler's website, you could download 
his latest version of Easy OS which is meant to be a privacy-security 
distro of Puppy Linux, using Boxes for Security.   Might tweak your 
curiosity.   Some on the Puppy Linux Forum believe that the safest way to 
run Puppy is to run it on a Multi-Boot DVD.  Meaning one can prevent anyone 
from modifying your OS, as it is stored on a DVD, which you can update when 
you choose.   Re-Booting to a freshly loaded version of the OS each time 
you boot up.

I would not have not said anything at all, except, well, I have been 
frustrated by this same problem before, and I know where the Links are to 
work on some part of this.   

After find a way to install the right Module (what I called a driver) may 
not be the only problem with getting it to work with Qubes.  But it is a 
start.   Best wishes.  

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[qubes-users] Re: Building an X-230 into a Qubes machine.

[ggg397]

I have just identified Amazon 
recommends:  
https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-Socket-Adpter-Programmer-CH341A/dp/B07R5LPTYM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?keywords=programmer%2C+ch431a&qid=1583326902&s=hi&sr=1-2-fkmr0

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[qubes-users] Building an X-230 into a Qubes machine.

[ggg397]

As I could not afford a Privacy Beast, I bought a refurbished X-230 Core 
I5, 4 GB RAM to convert on my own.  Soon I will get the 16 GB of RAM to put 
into it.  I am looking to buy a ch-431a to program it from Amazon.  I know 
the guys at Insurgo list on they use from China, but right now, I am not 
much interested in ordering one delivered from China.   Not sure when it 
would be delivered, and whether I want it into my house.  

Once again, is there anything special about PROM an I5 versus an I7?

Any one out there have any recommendations on exactly which one of these 
Amazon products to choose?



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[qubes-users] Relative comparison of Qubes OS, and its multiple VM's versus Boxes.

[ggg397]

Boxes being the Sandboxing software available in Linux.  It is my hunch, 
that the VM's are taking advantage of some hardware feature that insulates 
them that might be a security hole for Boxes.  I dunno?

Also, as I have not gotten a computer to run Qubes OS, I notice that the 
App VM seem to be loading a full featured version of a Linux OS.  I am 
guessing that in reality you guys are using a smallish Limited version of a 
Linux Distro.   

I was expecting to see some advice about how to uninstall the module that 
runs the camera, and the microphone.   I know I rarely use them, so it 
would seem like a good idea.   OR I guess, it is left to the individual 
with the individual distro.  

I was looking for a list of;  If you want to be secure,   "Never do 
this."Another check list, like a pilot uses before taking off, that is 
what the proper procedure is for some of the types of things one might 
routinely do with Qubes OS.  

About my hardware deficiency, wait for another month for me to be able to 
upgrade RAM, and maybe buy a Programming device.   So please be patient 
with questions that would be obvious if I was running Qubes OS already.

Thanks for replies.

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[qubes-users] SSD and safety.

[ggg397]

Some months back I was going to send a computer in repair.  I discovered 
there is no program to clear an SSD.   

Some years ago I was reading about how an SSD did wear leveling, and 
recovered from errors.  The article claimed that often the SSD came with 
more memory than was listed.  If, in the course of normal operations if 
found a bad section, it would somehow mark that area for "Do Not See or 
Use" and use the extra, secret memory space to do the work that was for the 
disabled section.

I am guessing it is just that in normal operations for Qubes OS, such 
trivia does not matter.  Don't let the evil power groups get their hands on 
the SSD.   Then the potential loss of data is pretty small.   Unless the 
SSD firmware can be tricked out in some way.

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[qubes-users] Safety of using external USB mouse?

[ggg397]

I have noticed it is not recommended that we use an external USB Keyboard 
because it might have been - well not safe.   

I am not sure about using an USB Mouse, and whether that answer is for 
Qubes OS only, or just that the USB mouse never has firmware?

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[qubes-users] Re: Looking at replacing WiFi on a Lenovo X230

[ggg397]

Shucks,  I was surprised to find this is partially answered when I searched.

https://command-tab.com/2006/02/26/thinkpad-1802-error-fix/

I dunno if it works.  I will leave this up in case someone else is thinking 
of converting an IBM computer, and changing the WiFi card.

>
>

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[qubes-users] Looking at replacing WiFi on a Lenovo X230

[ggg397]

I notice that on Ifixit:

The X230 has a WiFi whitelist, so a Lenovo card on the whitelist must be 
used. If you do not do this, the laptop will fail with an 1802 POST error.

If you are not happy with the current wireless card, you will need to find 
a Lenovo variant of these cards:

   - Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 - FRU 60Y3195
   - Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 - FRU 60Y3233
   - Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 - FRU 04W3769 and 60Y3253
   - ThinkPad b/g/n Wireless (1x1 BGN) - FRU 60Y3247 and 60Y3249

I notice that the Insurgo Privacy Beast changes the WiFi to:

WiFi controller: Atheros AR5BHB116 a/b/g/n 300Mbps MINI PCI-E

Is this because the ROM in the Insurgo has been reprogrammed?

Can I change the WiFi .without using the Prom?

Thanks for any replies?


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Re: [qubes-users] Re: Upgrade to 16 GB RAM for an X230

[ggg397]

Fascinating things you guys post.  Thanks.  I feel better than ever in 
trying to create a computer to get away from big corporate enabling of mass 
surveillance, and surveillance capitalism.  


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Re: [qubes-users] Re: Upgrade to 16 GB RAM for an X230

[ggg397]

Thanks to all who replied.   I have the X230 in hand now.   It was promised 
to be in A condition, (for $228.00, taxes included and at my door)   Looks 
brand new.

Thanks for the advice on the Clip, I suspect I will end up repeating the 
process on the same laptop.  Nothing goes well for me the first time. 
Just as verification:   You have flashed one with an I5 processor.  I was 
thinking of replacing the processor in a Chromebook, Mr Chromebox advised 
his version of Core Boot would not work if I did, but I might get away with 
changing the SSD.  My brother used to make a living repairing PC boards, 
and felt with the right tools it would not be a problem.   I am guessing 
that the processor in X230 is not soldered in.  More likely it is still 
cheaper to buy a new X230 than to buy both RAM and an I7 processor.  

I do not know the advantage of the Atheros Wireless chip over the one which 
came in device.   I know that the folks who rebuild the Thinkpad X230 to 
meet the Qubes certification test, change it.  So I blindly go along 
thinking they had a good reason.  

If I looked a bit, it might be freeware software versus a blob.  It might 
be the Atheros chip is faster, more reliable. or the original install chip 
does not do dual band.

On another forum I see someone who said that the BIOS would show if the RAM 
was in Dual Channel Mode, which might not be the same as Interleaved.  Or 
one could use CPU-Z, freeware application is for Windows or Android.   
(hmm, can Windows start with Core Boot?) Long ago someone defined 
Interleaved memory to me as if the memory is interleaved once, it 
effectively doubles the speed of the CPU.   However that was the old core 
doughnut memory.   I would be glad if someone could clarify.

Thanks for the replies.  I now know the direction I should go.  If I have 
the money.





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[qubes-users] Re: Upgrade to 16 GB RAM for an X230

[ggg397]

I have posted on the other sites.   Perhaps the best answer I will get is 
when I contact Crucial itself, during the week.  I also wanted to ask info 
from those who are doing the same thing.  

Any comment about which device you used to put Core Boot onto laptop?  I 
see of the programming devices which I have to wait for it to come from 
China.

One of the sources for changing the wireless adapters is also from China.

I see some offers to sell batteries which have more cells.  Not sure if 
these batteries will fit.  Anyone have experiences with this.   

Shame I did not have the money to buy the core I7 from the beginning, I 
know those things can be replaced in some desktop MOBO's.  Can it be done 
with this laptop?  

Any other suggestions of fixes, upgrades, or tests to make?


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[qubes-users] Upgrade to 16 GB RAM for an X230

[ggg397]

I am sure this question has been dealt with before, answers change a bit 
over time.  

I have an X230 2325, Core I5.

If I run the app from Lenovo as to parts to use, I see a lot of options as 
to which memory to use.   Also there is the matter of manufacturer.

Years back I had a Netbook.  When I upgraded the RAM in that, I needed to 
buy a special (more expensive) gaming RAM to get it to shut down.  

As best as I can see I should probably buy Crucial, in the basic spec shown 
on the Lenovo website.   

After I install it, how can I verify that the memory is operating 
interleaved?


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