Linux for Notebook

[b34uz]

I wanna install into my compaq presario 1200 , it run win ME now, any suggest what linux distribution should i install?

[proactive]

Linux on laptops can be a hassele if you (like me) isn't too experienced with configuring Linux. I like everything to function right out of the box. What I found out when I tried to install Linux on my fairly new laptop, was that some of the distros had problems with my hardware.

I had 3 distos at hand, Suse, Redhat and Mandrake. Started out with Suse, couldn't find my network card. Tried Redhat, didn't configure the screen correctly. Mandrake, I had som hassle with my mouse. The Suse & Redhat problems I couldn't figure out, but Mandrake I got working.

The point is you can't really know these things in advance, although there are websites (try http://www.linux-laptop.net/) where users share their experiences installing Linux. You might run into other problems than they did but I think that your Presario is somewhat more "standard" than my Fujitsu-Siemens.

BTW, I prefer either Mandrake or Suse - I think I will try Suse again next time I install. They got this neat network install, so you don't need to download any CDs. But you will need a broadband connection though. (You can of course buy the CDs).

[the_JinX]

here we go again..

how familliar are you with linux..

Option1: I know Linux like I know my way around the house.
Answer.. Install Slackware or some BSD

Option2: I know a little linux
Answer.. Install Slackware and ask your questions after searching the forum first..

Option3: I know no linux..
Answer.. Install Redhat, Suse or Mandrake

[shadow_dancer]

helloo ,

i agree with " the_JinX ". u decide first and here's some links to help u install linux on your presario 1200.

http://home8.inet.tele.dk/zinck/presario.html ---- Presario 1200-XL109
http://www.rodsbooks.com/presario/ --- Presario 1200-XL106
http://www.hillsystems.com/linux-xl125.html --- Presario 1200-XL125
http://home.edmc.net/~swamp/compaq.html --- Presario 1200-XL304


good luck

[Maverick811]

Originally posted here by b34uz
I wanna install into my compaq presario 1200 , it run win ME now, any suggest what linux distribution should i install?

I can help you with personal experience here. Your Presario notebook 1200 series is the same series as mine, more than likely meaning that they have similar hardware. After I purchased mine, I wiped ME from it and installed W2K Pro on one partition and began to install Red Hat 7.2 on another partition. I never could get my display settings correct, it seemed no matter what I tried. At that time, RH was the only distro that I had, so I never tried anything else, and I knew a lot less about Linux than I do now. I figure I could go back and get it to work these days.. I'll probably use Mandrake this time though, I seem to have better luck with it and hardware so I'll see....

I would try RH or Mandrake - my experience with RH could have probably been fixed - if you decide to go with RH, be expecting to hassle with your video (unless of course later releases of RH recognize the video in that laptop)...

EDIT: I was looking through shadow_dancers links, they look good - that should be of great help to you... Be sure to check those over...

[Wazz]

I just installed Redhat 8 on my lappie and it went off without a hitch. I was even able to configure my Wireless card with no problems and it picked up all the hardware, even drivers that Windows did not pick up that I had to go to manufacturer for! I would go with RH 8 or 9 to start with. Good luck.

[smog]

I found it easy to install linux on an old dell 333 mhz laptop. I installed Red Hat and Mandrake with no errors. Myself I'm not too experienced with linux, so luck was on my side. I've read that it's easier to install linux on older systems rather than on new ones, but then again I'm probably wrong. I also managed to install freebsd on it without any problems. Just had issues configuring X, but that's it.

[the_JinX]

smog, you're half right imho.

Linux installs easier on standardized hardware..

Usualy it comes down to this.. If it's to new, or to exotic it will be harder to get to work..

[EaseZE]

Here is a good site to help you out.
http://www.linux-laptop.net/

[alro]

Go with liunx red hat 7.2 it is easy to use and a great opearting system. I would go 7.2 because it is the most stable they have made all the ones after that have not been as stable or not to stable at all. You can always find drivers for your hardware if you are having problems with it working they do make drivers for linux. So i would go with Red Hat 7.2.