new usb keyboard on Slackware 12

apex.predator · 03-17-2008, 03:42 PM

I'm using 2.6.21.5-smp, and I'm changing from a wired keyboard to a new wired USB keyboard. I've plugged in the new keyboard and booted into Slackware, but it isn't working. I knew there would be more to it than that.

xorgsetup says it probes the video hardware and mouse, but how can I modify the keyboard setup? There is no commentary about USB keyboards in my xorg.conf.

Edit: My USB mouse has worked with no problem, but I checked BIOS anyway. The OnChip USB Controller is enabled.

apex.predator · 03-17-2008, 05:56 PM

Nevermind, thanks anyway. A converter is easier.

Franklin · 03-17-2008, 06:47 PM

Check out /etc/rc.d/rc.modules (a symlink to rc.modules-2.6.21.5-smp)

Uncomment the relevant lines. The small section below is from the similar file in -current, but the idea is the same (it may be identical - don't have a 12.0 box in front of me):

Code:

### USB device support:
# (Note that once you've loaded USB hub support most USB devices will
# trigger the kernel to load their modules automatically)
# USB "Human Interface Device" driver; handles most USB mice, joysticks,
# gamepads, steering wheels, keyboards, trackballs and digitizers.
#/sbin/modprobe usbhid
# Simple HIDBP USB mouse driver, if hid doesn't work:
#/sbin/modprobe usbmouse
# Simple HIDBP USB keyboard driver, if hid doesn't work:
#/sbin/modprobe usbkbd

by uncomment I mean to remove the "#" from the beginning of the "/sbin/modprobe usbhid" line for example.

apex.predator · 03-17-2008, 09:15 PM

Franklin, thanks for the tip. I uncommented both usbhid and usbkbd, but neither module was found. I'm uncertain what that means, but it's fine. Rather than spend any more boots on this, a converter will be the simplest fix. I just hadn't thought of that before my first post, but I will remember rc.modules in the future.

Thank you again.

Edit: The keyboard is recognized when I use the USB port on the front of the computer, rather than the rear. That's where I usually plug the camera.