1. How To Install Linux On A Dell Laptop

Watch how to install Ubuntu from USB and learn the process of how to download the Ubuntu ISO file using a.

Hi, I just ordered a Dell XPS 15.4' laptop. I'm studying the Bachelor of IT and so, learning Linux is part of my study. Can someone tell me the instructions of installing Linux on my laptop? I never use Linux OS and heard that there are many distributed versions for Linux, though, Ubuntu and Fedora are arguably the best. I already downloaded both versions as iso image files. What distributed version would you like to suggest for a completely novice like me?

I surfed around some Linux websites and saw that I've to create partition to have a dual boot, can I get your advice for how much size I should create partition on my HDD for Linux? Can I expand that partitioned size later when I need? (media and playing games will likely be running in window, and that's the only reason I purchased XPS; Linux is mainly for education purpose only).

Sorry for my English and even a piece of your advice would be grateful. Thanks in advance. ) If you are using it for studies/school I would suggest Fedora.you will have the advantage(s) of a larger development community as well as a wider breadth of developkit tools. Ubuntu is really for those who just want a plug-and-play alternative to Windows and aren't going to hack away.granted there are exceptions (not trying to offend anyone). Yes if you have Windows pre-installed you will need to repartition your hard drive.I would do this sooner rather than later since you will benefit from the quick/needless defragmentation.

I would still disk defrag your harddrive to make sure all is well and good. Then the easiest I think is to download a Knoppix ISO and burn it to CD/DVD or USB. Boot into Knoppix by placing the CD/DVD or USB into the proper media slot and rebooting.hit F12 on reboot to enter the ONE TIME BOOT MENU and then select the drive you have the media inserted into. Once into Knoppix open a terminal and su to root (su -) you won't need a passwd. Run gparted which is a partition editor. You can then resize your Windows partition making FREE SPACE available for the upcoming Linux install. You can search for how to dual boot a Windows and Gnu/Linux environment on google easily, and tis might help you a little more.

The other advantage of doing it sooner rather than later is you won't have any custom configurations in place that would cause grief should things go awry and tey get wipped out. Google and forums are going to be your best resource. Google search above. I am running Mandriva 2008.1 Spring PWP Mandriva would have one of the best partition tools, which comes up during install.

It's a fully GUI driven tool. I was able to resize the Vista Ultimate partition without loss of data and add the '/'(root) partition plus my '/home' partition. I now have Mandriva + Vista Ultimate + Media Direct in the Gub boot menu.

Just a couple of issues, which I am still trying to resolve: The APLS Touchpad has issues during booting. When firing up the mouse is close to uncontrollable. This is not an Xorg.conf issue. Same with the wireless 'wlan0'. The temporary fix is.setup Kpowersave (for KDE) and set 'hybernate to ram' when lid is closed.

Then I just close the Lid and wait for it to go into power save. Once done, re-opening the lid and loggin in, will give me a perfect working touchpad, including wlan0.

Even scrolling works. GkrellM reports the proper GPU temperature and the THM temperature. Also reports proper CPU's usage, both CPU0 and CPU1. I haven't got the media card slot working yet, despite that Mandriva porperly sees and recognises it. Bluetooth works once configured. DVD playback via Kaffeine and once libdvdcss2 is installed. Volume up+down+Mute works out of the box on the panel, including the remote, but stop+Play+forward+backward does not.

Eject on the panel also works fine. Also during install the Video is the wrong ratio.4:3 instead of 16:10. Easily fixed in the GUI config. 'MCC' by choosing 1680:1050 in both, the Monitor and resolution. Haven't tried burning CD's/DVD's yet, but considering that Mandriva actually employs the Author of 'K3b'.

I want to install some distribution of Linux on my old Dell Inpiron E1705 ( 9400 ) laptop computer. I am not necessarily interested in a dual-boot setup. I am interested in compatibility with my hardware and relative ease of use. An associate recommended Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition.

The Dell website mentions Ubuntu mostly when I do a search for Linux, though. I have not used Linux in about five or six years. Here are the system specifications.

Dell Inspiron 9400 Genuine Intel(R) CPU T2500 @ 2.00GHz 2.00 GHz, 2.00 GB of RAM Physical Address Extension Graphics Card Information: Processor: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7800 I also have a DVD R/W drive. I use the internet and Wi-Fi regularly.

How To Install Linux On A Dell Laptop

What distribution and version of Linux will fit my needs? Mint is Ubuntu based and the same hardware is expected to work for both. It boils down to personal preference. Your notebook is capable of running the standard Ubuntu's default desktop environment, Unity, but just barely. Mint's Cinnamon won't perform much better but it may feel more fluid. I have installed recently a standard Ubuntu (32-bit) in a Compal HEL80 with approximately the same base hardware and it's fine.

The WiFi is a Intel 5100 though. Yours may not work OOTB. Besides the WiFi, just a couple of recommendations: - Select and install the nVidia proprietary driver (304.xx if I'm not mistaken) - A 7200rpm HDD is a noticeable improvement. Mint Cinnamon is too slow on old hardware.

I talk from experience. Mint XFCE is faster, but is missing features. Also, a lot of customization apps and themes are only built for Cinnamon. Lubuntu is your best bet. It has an awesome interface with excellent customization. It is also originally designed for speed on old systems. It can be run on a Pentium II with 128MB of RAM.

Lubuntu is also an official Ubuntu derivative, so you get the LTS (Long Term Support) builds, most recently 14.04, with full Ubuntu support. You won't have to post on the Linux Mint forums. I can guarantee that Lubuntu will work fine.

I have run Linux on a Dell Latitude D610 and D620 (both older than yours) perfectly fine. You can of course post your progress here and we will help you with drivers, etc. Honestly, the only things you will probably have to install separately are the Graphics Drivers and maybe the WiFi. If the WiFi doesn't work, be sure to get an Ethernet cable so that you can download and install it. I have been able to get every single WiFi chip I have encountered to work over the past few years. I have Lubuntu on a Intel Pentium M CPU with 1GB of RAM on a Dell Latitude D610 and I can play back 1080p with 5.1 surround sound now. I could not do that in Ubuntu nor Mint on the same computer.

It's full Ubuntu behind the scenes, so you can install all of the same software and use it in the same way. What ever you do, be sure to install with at least 2GB of swap. You might want to hibernate, or you might just need the swap. Last edited by PTHEAWESOME; July 15th, 2014 at 06:20 PM.