A laptop install

E_dog95 · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 12:44 am Post subject: A laptop install

I have perused some of the threads relating to this topic. I understand that laptop installs can present more hurdles than desktops.

I have a Dell X1. It's an ultra-compact notebook with an external USB cd drive. How is this going to affect my installation?

I haven't decided on a distro. I may go with whatever presents the least problems.

Eric

tlmiller · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 12:46 am Post subject:

The USB cd rom won't be a problem, I've installed many distros from external cd's. What are some of the other specs of the laptop, such as wireless chipset, video chipset, and such. This will give us more of an idea about how well it will probably work.

_________________
Debian Squeeze, Arch, Kubuntu mostly. Some Mandriva. Some Windows.
Desktops: shadowdragon, medusa
Laptops: bluedrake, banelord, sandwyrm, aardvark.

jada · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 12:53 am Post subject:

I think you talk about a Dell Latitude X1!

What distrobution, you like to Install Question

Check the settings are in the Laptop BIOS, first boot must be USB Wink

So far I see no problems to Install Linux on it. I recommend Archlinux if you like it always up to date Smile

or openSUSE 10.3 if you like it easier to set up Very Happy

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openSUSE 11.1 Desktop KDE 4.3.1 buildservice Factory
Linux Mint 7 Desktop Gnome

E_dog95 · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 2:07 am Post subject:

Thanks

The laptop has an Intel Pentium M @ 1.1 Ghz; the video chipset is the Intel Mobile 915GM; and the wireless chip is the Intel 2200BG.

Checking my boot order now...

Eric

E_dog95 · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 2:30 am Post subject:

I looked at OpenSuse and I'm going to order that by CD now. It comes with documentation for newbies like myself Cool

Thanks for now & I'll jump in here when I get the CD's.

Eric

JP · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 4:00 am Post subject:

jester · Sr. Member Joined: 19 Apr 2025 Posts: 1166

Your machine looks pretty well supported

Have a look at http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/dell.html and you'll find several pages re: linux on the latitude X1 toward the bottom

Good luck Smile

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Pet3M0ss · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 11:05 am Post subject:

I think you made a wise investment to get the set with documentation E_dog95. If anything, SuSE can have too much documentation to wade through.

OpenSuSE is quite polished and should serve you well. It has long focused on user friendliness.

Welcome in and don't hesitate to return here with ANY questions when you get you CD's. I still have my SuSE 9.0 set and book- mostly for the good memories.

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Slax

richard · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2025 1:47 pm Post subject:

Welcome E_dog95 I still have my SuSE 9.3 discs as well the manuals lurking around here as well. There are also quite a few of us here who have either ran openSUSE int he past or are currently running it.

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E_dog95 · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 5:19 pm Post subject:

Today I got the Novell package with openSUSE 10.3. There's a pretty good sized book with it. It's over 200 pages. I'm definitely going to learn something with this info alone. I'm starting another linux book as well, so I'm ready to roll.

Now about installing on this laptop of mine...

Eric

jada · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 5:23 pm Post subject:

masinick · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 5:33 pm Post subject:

I have a Dell Latitude D600, and based on your description of devices, I have several of the same devices in my unit. I have not had any issues at all in either installing or maintaining software on this laptop and I anticipate that you will have equally good results. OpenSUSE is a good starting point, and as many others have said, several people here either have it running themselves now or they have used it in the past.

Should you run into problems, either with the hardware or with the software installation, it looks like we ought to be able to help you out. Welcome to the USALUG, and good luck with the installation. We are all here to help and chat at your convenience! Smile

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Brian Masinick
Distros: SimplyMEPIS
sidux - no CAPS!, antiX, Debian

richard · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 8:22 pm Post subject:

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