Advice Needed - I want to abandon W10 on Z83-4 and move to Ubuntu for my Squeezebox Server

[maigret]

I have a Z83-4 with 4Gb RAM and 32Gb Memory (plus SSD & SD hanging off it). Current BIOS is CHT0A 1.6 (Not CAT0A as mentioned in a number of posts). I am fed up with W10 updates and all that goes with it.

I already have a comprehensive Squeezebox (Logitech) infrastructure across my house to provide for my music needs and I love it.

I want to use the Z83-4 as a headless Squeezebox server which boots directly into Ubuntu. I am happy to lose all W10 related stuff on this device. I built such a server on a Z8350 device some years ago so I know it is possible. So what advice can anyone provide ...

a) To blank the Z83-4 and install the current version of Ubuntu. Does this involve updating the bios and if so which version do I need?

b) Are all the Z83-4 drivers available under Ubuntu?

c) Is there anything else I need to know before I embark on this task?

Thanks in advance.
Paul

 

[ArcticWolf]

I have a Z83-4 with 4Gb RAM and 32Gb Memory (plus SSD & SD hanging off it). Current BIOS is CHT0A 1.6 (Not CAT0A as mentioned in a number of posts). I am fed up with W10 updates and all that goes with it.

I already have a comprehensive Squeezebox (Logitech) infrastructure across my house to provide for my music needs and I love it.

I want to use the Z83-4 as a headless Squeezebox server which boots directly into Ubuntu. I am happy to lose all W10 related stuff on this device. I built such a server on a Z8350 device some years ago so I know it is possible. So what advice can anyone provide ...

a) To blank the Z83-4 and install the current version of Ubuntu. Does this involve updating the bios and if so which version do I need?

b) Are all the Z83-4 drivers available under Ubuntu?

c) Is there anything else I need to know before I embark on this task?

Thanks in advance.
Paul

Presumably you've looked at the actual Z83-4U (Ubuntu) sub section of the forum as well ??? (Here - https://theminixforum.com/index.php?forums/neo-z83-4u.121/ ).

It would certainly be a very good place to start. If you're already comfortable using Linux based systems, you'll probably find the answers to all of your initial questions are already there, as well as the answers to many more .

Start at the beginning...

Official MINIX Ubuntu images for the Z83-4U - https://theminixforum.com/index.php?forums/neo-z83-4u-official-ubuntu-os-images.161/

Full official installation guide, and additionally other user provided guides & info - https://theminixforum.com/index.php?forums/neo-z83-4u-guides-faqs.162/

That should get you on your way. Enjoy the new system .

 

[pusb87]

Presumably you've looked at the actual Z83-4U (Ubuntu) sub section of the forum as well ???

in depth i would imagine judging by his username

sorry i cant help any further as no experience of ubuntu (other than trying once and giving up !)

 

[maigret]

Thanks ArcticWolf, most helpful.

My full reply is being blocked by the forum software - I have no idea why? Have emailed John to ask for assistance.

In the meantime Q's run as follows

1. Will install of Ubuntu require an updated BIOS from my current CHT0A 1.6?
I note earlier advice about only updating if BIOS is of form CAT0A?

2. Is Z83-4U same hardware as Z83-4 with Ubuntu installed, or are there differences?

3. Will USB 3.0 port work under Ubuntu?

Paul

 

[Villa]

My full reply is being blocked by the forum software - I have no idea why?

Please explain!

 

[Villa]

1. Will install of Ubuntu require an updated BIOS from my current CHT0A 1.6?
I note earlier advice about only updating if BIOS is of form CAT0A?

No help whatsoever, but I'm not sure why the different BIOS versions exist?!

I'll check both my Z84-4 and Z83-4U to see where they're at with BIOS.

2. Is Z83-4U same hardware as Z83-4 with Ubuntu installed?

Yes. The only difference as far as I know for the Z83 series is that the earlier models had a slightly lower spec CPU.

Your best man for the job would be @linuxium but doesn't look like he's been around since November last year!

 

[maigret]

Please explain!

My full response to ArcticFox elicited this message from the forum when I attempted to post it. GOK why! Paul

Oops! We ran into some problems.
Your content can not be submitted. This is likely because your content is spam-like or contains inappropriate elements. Please change your content or try again later. If you still have problems, please contact an administrator.

 

[maigret]

No help whatsoever, but I'm not sure why the different BIOS versions exist?!

I'll check both my Z84-4 and Z83-4U to see where they're at with BIOS.


Yes. The only difference as far as I know for the Z83 series is that the earlier models had a slightly lower spec CPU.

Your best man for the job would be @linuxium but doesn't look like he's been around since November last year!

I'd be grateful if you let me know about the BIOS resident on your two machines.

 

[Villa]

My full response to ArcticFox elicited this message from the forum when I attempted to post it. GOK why! Paul

Oops! We ran into some problems.
Your content can not be submitted. This is likely because your content is spam-like or contains inappropriate elements. Please change your content or try again later. If you still have problems, please contact an administrator.

All I can suggest is you try posting the same to me in a PM.

I'm intrigued to know what could be detected as spam-like or contains inappropriate elements.