[PLUG] How to back up files with no video

[Rich Shepard]

On Sat, 30 Aug 2014, John Jason Jordan wrote:

> Why didn't I think of that?

   Insufficiently caffinated?

> Wait a minute - the video on the laptop is 1920 x 1080 or something. Will
> the nouveau driver automatically display something that a Free Geek
> monitor can handle?

   Shrug.

> If not, adjusting xrandr might be a challenge operating blind.

   I don't know about your system, but you should get a usable display on an
external monitor, just as you would with an LCD projector that has a
different resolution than the built-in screen.

> Also, will it automatically display on the second screen?

   As Bob Dole responded when asked if he wore boxers or briefs: depends.
Some laptops sense a monitor on the external connector and send signals to
it. Most have a Fn and function key combination that cycles between built-in
screen, external monitor, and both. There's usually a decipherable icon on
the F key top to indicate which one.

> And I just checked and the laptop has HDMI out, but no VGA. Some time back
> I bought a USB to VGA converter, intending to try it at PSU, but never did
> so.

   Well, if Free Geek has a monitor that accepts both inputs you'll be OK.
Or, give your adapter a try. Keith keeps recommending keeping a second hard
drive on hand, and I'll recommend keeping a second monitor on hand. I've had
a couple fail in the past and having the spare made life easier. Your
vehicle has a spare tire, doesn't it? :-)

Good luck,

Rich