Complete newbie to Linux. I have a spare older laptop I wanted to learn something about configuring networking on Linux systems. Some google research seem to indicate the listed type/version should work for me.

After 13.04 failed to install "pae not available", with more googling I found I needed 12.04. 12.04 fails early during install with what appears to be a kernel dump (see text that seems to relate to drivers in the dump).

I know that's almost no info, but it's not like I can get a screen shot.

The last OS on this machine was Windows 7 - 32.

Should I be looking to install a different type distribution or version, for my simple needs ? Suggestions ? Thanks.

JimInFL

See this link.

-->http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1959675

You need a non pae kernel.

http://antix.freeforums.org/post23736.html#p23736

By M11. He is talking about Mepis Linux

Or just go with Ubuntu I guess with non pae kernel like camorri said.

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I wasn't clear above. I did mention that after some searching, I determined that I needed the non-pae kernel - that's how I arrived at ver 12.04 - the last non-pae.

It does not stop me before the install with the 'no pae supprt' related message (like 13.04 does). It actually begins to install (or at least I assume that what it's doing) but then fails/dumps as I described.

I don't know if it makes any difference but - if I boot from the DVD and choose 'Try it' (just run from the DVD rather than install) it seems to start and run fine. It just won't install.

Do I need to do any disk preparation or anything like that first ? As I said - this system had/has Windows 7/32 on it.

Just in case of malware leftovers on the mbr and hardrive

http://gparted-forum.surf4.info/viewtopic.php?id=16601