Num Lock always OFF?

carlosinfl · 07-01-2004, 03:27 AM

I have this issue with fedora core 2 - when I boot up everyday - I am always annoyingly reminded that my num lock key is turned off.

My BIOS is set to boot with this on but Linux does not seem to register that info - how do I make this auto?

Andrew Benton · 07-01-2004, 03:47 AM

If you have a C compiler you can make a small application called setnumlock that can turn numlock on for you. Download this ftp://ftp.silug.org/pub/ltsp/setnumlock.tar.gz and untar it then cd into it, compile and install it, change the permissions so ordinary users can use it and then get gnome to run it every time you log in

Code:

tar xzf setnumlock.tar.gz
cd setnumlock
make
su
password
make install
chmod 755 /usr/bin/setnumlock
exit
gnome-session-properties

Click the Startup Programs tab then click Add+, enter setnumlock into the box and click OK

carlosinfl · 07-01-2004, 03:56 AM

Ok -

sorry but I am very new so forgive my ignorance but anytime I see the word compile - it freaks me out...I can hardly untar something.

Next, I am using KDE, not GNOME - so how will that work?

Can you explain what I need to do after these steps?

download the file setnumlock.tar.gz...to /home/carlwill

open konsole and type

Code:

tar xzf setnumlock.tar.gz

Then I CD to the new folder

Code:

make
su
password
make install
chmod 755 /usr/bin/setnumlock
exit

How do I compile this? I don't understad

And how do I make KDE work with this?

Thanks for this great info...

KlaymenDK · 07-01-2004, 04:03 AM

Yeah I got the same problem. Luckily Mandrake runs a "numlock" item during boot that allows me to specify this as "on" -- maybe you should have a look among your RPMs to see if "numlock" is included in your distro as well. I hope so.

carlosinfl · 07-01-2004, 04:31 AM

how do I check for RPM's?

Andrew Benton · 07-01-2004, 06:02 AM

I think kde can set numlock on for you. I don't use kde but I think I read something about it here http://www.linuxgazette.com/node/view/395

carlosinfl · 07-24-2004, 04:35 PM

Andrew - that worked great for KDE - anything for Gnome?

isbrucker · 08-22-2004, 01:57 AM

Andrew:

Your directions were flawless. I'm new to Linux (though I did run a UNIX box in the 90's) and was also mortified at the word "compile".

So I followed your steps, and it worked. First time. Even added it to my AUTOEXEC, I mean STARTUP, I mean... what's that MSCONFIG-esque utility called in Gnome...?

Thanks, Again

Eric Isbrucker

Now if I could only figure out how to print to the laser on the XP machine.

valencequark · 08-23-2004, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by carlwill
Ok -

sorry but I am very new so forgive my ignorance but anytime I see the word compile - it freaks me out...I can hardly untar something.

Next, I am using KDE, not GNOME - so how will that work?

Can you explain what I need to do after these steps?

download the file setnumlock.tar.gz...to /home/carlwill

open konsole and type

Code:

tar xzf setnumlock.tar.gz

Then I CD to the new folder

Code:

make su password make install chmod 755 /usr/bin/setnumlock exit

How do I compile this? I don't understad

And how do I make KDE work with this?

Thanks for this great info...

the make command compiles it.

it seems that you may be missing a step in your code section, generally you have to configure before you compile , ie by typing ./configure

cheers,
--vq

Andrew Benton · 08-23-2004, 09:49 AM

It's a very small piece of code, there is no configure script as there's no need for one.

brainfry · 08-27-2004, 03:22 PM

Andrew, just read your crystal clear instructions, followed them in FC1 with Gnome and they worked perfectly.

As daft as it may sound, it's sometimes the *little things* like no num lock that bug people.

Nice one mate.

xbriank · 08-31-2004, 09:14 PM

how can I get this to work from startup

polik · 09-01-2004, 10:54 AM

You can set the numlock off(/on) adding a line to /etc/sysconfig/keyboard, i.e. write

KBD_NUMLOCK="no"

if you want the numlock off.
It applies after the boot (grub/lilo), but before the login request.

(This implies that you know how to add a line to a file...)

BeatRyder · 10-11-2004, 12:42 PM

W00t that worked like a charm for me

Next question is to figure ouy how to make it work on boot

zoomastr · 12-10-2004, 07:00 PM

THANKS Pollk
adding a line to /etc/sysconfig/keyboard
KBD_NUMLOCK="yes"
worked for me

On my laptop I had SETNUMLOCK in my etc/bashrc and I think it would work on an attached keyboard if I didn't want to use the keybord on the laptop.. you don't want numlock on on a laptop

zoomastr