two important issues

#1

I'm trying to move files to my usb flash drive but it keeps telling me no permission.

How do I create a folder on my usb drive via command line AND drag/drop via places > usb?

chad@Secured:~$ sudo mkdir /media/Backup
Password:
chad@Secured:~$ sudo chmod a+w /media/Backup
chad@Secured:~$ sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /media/Backup
mount: /dev/sdb1 already mounted or /media/Backup busy
mount: according to mtab, /dev/sdb1 is mounted on /media/Backups

#2

How do I upgrade my hardware drivers in Ubuntu 7, and yet how do I know IF I need to upgrade? I'm specifically referring to network, graphics. Sound is not working (5.1) via my SB Live 24 bit external, as dozens others are having this issue here

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=402650
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=419166

For one thing, my display is not as bright in linux as it is in Vista. Not sure why.

My networking always shows up as "restricted driver".

#3

Also, any way to do a complete Ubuntu system snapshot even if it is only a small partition created in Vista? For example, in Vista you can do the whole computer snapshot which I've done, took 2 DVD's. I'd like to do the same only on the Ubuntu partition. If possible, would I be able to restore that snapshot and entirely wiping out any current partitions on my laptop?

Specs:
Sony Vaio FE770G Laptop
Core 2 Duo 1.83GHz
2GB Memory
Creative Soundblaster Live! 24-bit External USB
Intel 945GM / 950 Chipset (graphics)
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection
15.4" Widescreen (1280x800)
Intellipoint Wireless Laser 6000 Mouse

 

What filesystem do you use on your USB drive? If it's NTFS: Linux cannot write to NTFS partitions unless you install ntfs-3g (take a look here: http://www.howtoforge.com/ubuntu_edgy_eft_ntfs_ntfs_3g
http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04_p6 )

Take a look at the tutorials in this section: http://www.howtoforge.com/taxonomy_menu/1/34
Something like Ghost4Linux, dd, or SystemImager should work for you.

 

Trying to install systemimager from this link (auto script) but it won't work
http://wiki.systemimager.org/index.php/Quick_Start_HOWTO#Download_the_required_packages

Code:

chad@Secured:~/systemimager$ ./install -v --download-only --tag stable --directory . systemconfigurator \ systemimager-client systemimager-common \ systemimager-i386boot-standard systemimager-i386initrd_template \ systemimager-server \ systemimager-bittorrent systemimager-flamethrower
Using pre-existing package list: ./stable.list
Downloading: http://dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/systemconfig/systemconfigurator-2.2.9-1.noarch.rpm...done!

ERROR: package " systemimager-client" does not exist in ./stable.list

I also installed ntfs-3g via Synaptic, then rebooted. I still get the same error "do not have permission" to write to usb.

 

If you're on Ubuntu, you should try and follow these instructions: http://wiki.systemimager.org/index.php/HOWTO_Install_from_sources_on_a_Debian_system

Did you modify /etc/fstab?

 

Thanks for the help.

Can someone please help me upgrade my drivers, or at least find out HOW I should know when new drivers are available?

I also want to know why my linux is not as bright/saturated (gamma?) as Vista. I want to make sure my setup is on 32bit, not 24bit. How can I figure this out?

chad@Secured:~$ lspci | grep VGA
00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/GMS/940GML Express Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 03)

I have a Sony Vaio laptop with 1280x800 widescreen

 

Ok, but here's the thing that concerns me. My intel wireless driver shows up as "restricted driver". What does that mean and how do I correct that?