Linux / Ubuntu question

[atomcrusher]

I have a 5 year old Dell Precision M90 laptop, 2 GB RAM, 2.1GB core-2 processor, which is currently running Windows 7 ... 32 bit

I do most of my work on my desktop, and very seldom use the laptop.

So I am considering trying to move away from Windoze, and run a Linux OS (e.g. Ubuntu) on it. I have never even seen a Linux unit running, and am totally in the dark when it comes to non-MS op systems. I would want to convert to learn more about non-Windows OS's, and programs that will run on Linux

Can any BB linux expert advise me on:

1. Will the laptop even be able to 'handle' Linux as an OS?

2. Is it likely I will be able to find all the necessary drivers I would need (e.g. display driver ... under OS Win 7 this is currently nVidia 2500, other drivers needed? etc.).
I
am also very keen to convert to an many non-MS program installations as possible, i.e. Open Office, etc.

3. How would I go about getting hold of a Linux OS - is it only available via download? If so, how big is the download?

If the consensus is "No - a Linux-based OS won't even run on your old steam-driven laptop" then I will just retire the laptop ...

Ta in advance ...

 

[w1z4rd]

1. Will the laptop even be able to 'handle' Linux as an OS?

Yes

2. Is it likely I will be able to find all the necessary drivers I would need (e.g. display driver ... under OS Win 7 this is currently nVidia 2500, other drivers needed? etc.).
I

You probably wont have to install any drivers. Linux comes with more support for more hardware by default than any other operating system.

am also very keen to convert to an many non-MS program installations as possible, i.e. Open Office, etc.

Now known as Libre Office

3. How would I go about getting hold of a Linux OS - is it only available via download? If so, how big is the download?

www.ubuntu.com its around 690mb

If the consensus is "No - a Linux-based OS won't even run on your old steam-driven laptop" then I will just retire the laptop ...

Ta in advance ...

Naah, it should run fine.

First time users I would highly recommend Ubuntu. There is better support for it.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

1. Yes, LINUX gives old hardware a second life

2. Most drivers are built into the distro, if not, it will install them for you (Ubuntu Distro)

3. Download size is a CD so 700mb.

I will leave the KDE vs GNOME vs XFCE advise to others

 

[bin3]

1. You can run linux on a 8 bit processor with 64k RAM or less if you really want to: So no, I wouldn't worry about the capabilities of your laptop.

2. Drivers are always a bit trickier, but the advantage of older machines is that usually most of the drivers are already included in the kernel.

3. Most distributions come out in CD and DVD versions: If at all possible, rather download the DVD so you have most of the software available. I personally use the mirror service from IS to download my distributions: ftp.is.co.za --> look for mirror or linux directories.

As to which one to try, I think that is a thread by itself: I've personally moved to Linux Mint, which I find very enjoyable at the moment (
http://www.linuxmint.com/ )

 

[MyWorld]

Distros to try on that laptop will be Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Both will handle that laptop beautifully.

 

[atomcrusher]

Thanks for the advice so far ...

I see that the Ubuntu download site offers 64 & 32 bit versions, so, more questions I am afraid ..

1) How do I determine which one will be suitable for my laptop? It would not run Win7 64-bit (I tried), which is why I installed Win7 32-bit. Could I go Ubuntu 64-bit?

2) Is there a local SA site / mirror I can download from (I'm on a Telkom blended account)

3) Assuming I want a clean install, and want to delete every bit of Mr Gates from my laptop, what should I do first? e.g. Reformat my laptop HDD? Or at least uninstall all the programs & applications currently running on the laptop?

Prior apologies ... but I suspect I will have more and more questions as I get your inputs!

 

[ponder]

I have a 5 year old Dell Precision M90 laptop, 2 GB RAM, 2.1GB core-2 processor, which is currently running Windows 7 ... 32 bit

You will be fine. That laptop has a 32-bit CPU if I'm not mistaken so get a 32-bit version of whatever linux distro you decide on. Just verify your actual CPU model and if it's 64-bit get the 64-bit version of Ubuntu or whatever.

Michael Dell (as in Dell computers) also had a M90 and ran Ubuntu on it. http://cybernetnews.com/michael-dells-ubuntu-laptopa-little-overkill/

Ubuntu 11.10 will be released in 6 days time so you might wan't to wait a week to get the latest release.

Sources for Ubuntu are the internet, local freedom toaster, linux users groups or next months Linux Format magazine might have it on the DVD that comes with the magazine. Alternatively let us know where you are and someone close by might be willing to burn you a cd.

 

[bin3]

1. The Core2 is a 64bit processor, so should be fine to use 64 bit. One trick here is that you want AMD64 whenever questions are asked -- Intel64 bit means something totally different in linux. [I'm not sure about the Dell, to be honest, but my good friend google says that Core2 is 64 bit]

2. Yes: See my previous post re. Internet Solutions : Log in as anonymous to ftp.is.co.za and search for your fav. distribution.

3. Nada: Drop the new CD in, reboot, partition and format your drive as required. Mr Bill won't be involved anymore.

 

[ponder]

1. The Core2 is a 64bit processor, so should be fine to use 64 bit.

Some people will call any dual core cpu a core 2. If it's a Core Duo it could be 32-bit. He should verify the CPU model though and check.

 

[Happy Camper]

If you play games then save the windows partition and dual boot both ubuntu and windows (just for games).

 

[atomcrusher]

Some people will call any dual core cpu a core 2. If it's a Core Duo it could be 32-bit. He should verify the CPU model though and check.

I have checked - it's a 32-bit

 

[atomcrusher]

If you play games then save the windows partition and dual boot both ubuntu and windows (just for games).

Nope - no games for me (I'm 60 years old so a tad past that ...). I can't even play with myself ..

I guess, after all the responses above, I should go with the Unbuntu 32-bit version. But that leads to another question ... i.e.

My Dell Precision M90, currently running Win7 32-bit, has a problem with the display driver. I constantly have the laptop screen pixelating (horizontal lines), and then a message pops up which states:

Display driver stopped responding and has recovered. Display driver NVIDIA Compatible with Vista Kernel Mode Driver version 179.67 stopped working and has successfully recovered

This happens often, and eventually I get the MS BSOD. I had tried re-installing the driver but no luck. This has now become the straw that breaks the camels back, and so I want to 'go Linux'

My idea is to totally re-format the Dell HDD, and start with a clean slate. And then install Linux (which I will download first on my PC, and burn the ISO to disc, or have a USB install version).

The question ... I would then have a reformatted and totally empty laptop HDD drive, and the Ubuntu ISO file either on a disc or on a USB stick.

Could I then just run the disc / insert the USB with the Ubuntu image, and re-start my now 'virgin' laptop, and then it would install a Linux OS?

 

[Lupus]

You just boot off the disc or cd, select install ubuntu, you will get to a part where you can sort out hard drive partitions.

Sent from my U20i using MyBroadband Android App

 

[Ockie]

Nope - no games for me (I'm 60 years old so a tad past that ...). I can't even play with myself ..

BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

/collapses on floor

/gets up and cleans juice from screen

OMG that just like totally made my day! Funniest thing I have read or heard this entire WEEK! Thank you that was just so funny! hehehehehe

PS: Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and comes with all your codecs etc for media installed...so if you dont wanna fiddle with installing repos etc to get it working...go with Linux Mint. That is what I am using and it really is a question of installing and you have a complete out of the box working OS without having to install all kinds of things to watch doze pronz on your hard drive.

Oh no that was funny

/wipes away tears.

 

[w1z4rd]

Or install vlc player on ubuntu.... it comes with most of the codecs anyways No need to install an OS that has less support than Ubuntu.

 

[Ockie]

Could I then just run the disc / insert the USB with the Ubuntu image, and re-start my now 'virgin' laptop, and then it would install a Linux OS?

Just be careful in understanding the idea behind a image file. You cant simply burn the image file to disc as it is. Your laptop wont recognise this CD as a bootable device. CD burning software will have a option for "Burn Image" or something. You must use this. If you create a data disc that the .iso file was just dumped onto..then it wont work.

A friend of mine did this and could not understand why it would not work. He wasted about 5 discs before asking me for help.

Just to save you some grief.

 

[Ockie]

Or install vlc player on ubuntu.... it comes with most of the codecs anyways No need to install an OS that has less support than Ubuntu.

Voetsek! Ill blacklist that modem of yours!




PS: VLC comes pre-installed on Linux Mint.

 

[w1z4rd]

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick

 

[w1z4rd]

Voetsek! Ill blacklist that modem of yours!




PS: VLC comes pre-installed on Linux Mint.

Have you seen Amarok yet? Not a video player, but such a cool media player.

apt-get install kubuntu-desktop (jk, you dont need this step, but it does install a nice desktop)
apt-get install amarok (uses kde, so might pull loads of extra stuff)

 

[Ockie]

Have you seen Amarok yet? Not a video player, but such a cool media player.

apt-get install kubuntu-desktop
apt-get install amarok

I used to use it when I first switched over to Linux. Someone here I think recommended it. VLC's equalizer kicks any media players ass though. It gives a deep bass that no other media player have been able to duplicate in my ey..erm ears I mean hehe.