Hi there Linux users, i really really need help.My Net book (Dell Mini 10)
had windows 7 on it but i felt adventurous and decided to try Linux and i liked it a lot. The only problem is that... When i installed it i wiped my hard drives and all my drivers with it ha Dumb i know! But i really would like to know if i can fix this.Also i don't understand how to install any applications on Linux as well.

Thank you,
Allenvh66

Hi Allen, I would recommend reinstalling Windows using the system restore CD from Dell and then learning a bit more about Linux before you make another mistake.

Most Linux flavors or "distributions" can be used in "Live" mode with no change to your computer. This is a great way to test them before you commit to an install.

The Dell Mini 10 uses the Intel GMA500 Poulsbo graphics card. I think you will find this card is not well supported by most Linux distributions. My suggestion is the special Dell-branded version of Ubuntu 8.04 that Dell sells preinstalled on the Mini series.

Once you have decided on a Linux distribution and tested it thoroughly in Live mode, then you are ready to install. Make sure you read the instructions for your distribution carefully so you understand how the installer works. You can choose partitioning options to have Windows and Linux side by side ("dual boot") or you can completely replace Windows and have Linux only.

You can usually restore a Dell to factory condition by hitting Ctrl-F11 at boot time (as soon as you see the Dell logo) to start the recovery process. It will wipe out your linux installation however. The above assumes that your linux installation didn't nuke the Dell recovery partition. If the entire hard drive was wiped, not just your windows 7 partition, them Ctrl-F11 won't work.

Dells don't ship with system restore cds anymore but you can usually buy them from Dell after purchase. Dells now all come with a recovery partition instead. In the case of a Dell Mini 10, there is no optical drive so you would need to buy an external usb cd drive to use a system restore cd anyway, assuming you could get one from Dell.

The procedures for installing applications on linux varies from one linux distro to another. Post which distro you are using and what you want to install.

Well hmmm i have the dell drivers and utilties cd and the webcam software ... and i really like linux, its really nice and i like how you can customize it. i am just curious as to how to install programs becaus if can run the cd then it should work. Correct? Well thank you both for replying so quick and throwing in your suggestions.

Thanks Again,
Allenvh66

Also What you guys have said i will use as a fail safe plan.

For installing software in Linux Mint and other Ubuntu or Debian based system, you have a number of options. This runs over the basics:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installingsoftware

Mint is based on Ubuntu - I'm not sure that they use Ubuntu's new Software Center. I think not, but they have their own similar service.

From the command line you also have a couple of tools, apt-get or aptitude.
http://wiki.linuxhelp.net/index.php/Apt-get_Guide

http://www.ghacks.net/2008/12/22/ins...with-aptitude/

Hi Allen, I like your attitude... proud of you for going Linux-only!

One question first: Can you check for sure if you have the plain Dell Mini 10, or does it have something after like Mini 10v or 1012?

There are a lot of Linux distributions or "distros" (Ubuntu, SUSE, Fedora, etc.) and how you install software is a little different in each (apt, yast, yum, etc.). But most distros have a graphical "package installer" (Ubuntu's is called "Software Center") that makes it really easy for new users to install free open source applications. Without the specifics of which distro you've chosen or which applications you want, I can only say hypothetically.

ps Here is a great website for Dell Mini owners. Check out the forums for answers to a lot of your "how to install" questions: http://www.mydellmini.com/forum/

Hello linux Newbie Helpers, I really need assistance my netboox (Dell Mini 10) is not working cuz i have no drivers on my computer and it needs to have them so does any one know how to solve this issue while keeping linux on my computer.

Thanks Alot,
Allenvh66

Thank you reed for your input on the topic i checked out the site good info. Snowpine thank you very much ... it seems that linux is more user orriented if you have a clue about computers. Homestly i wish i tried linux earlier ha. But yes i am absolutly possitive that it is the Dell Mini 10 (1010) no (V). and i was just cruising around the linux os today and yesterday and i did find the software center but the add/remove programs app is not subjected to my data it says? i dont understand.

Thanks

Alos another question is can you only install the programs thru the software center?

sorry but how about this question... quoted from the dell mini 10 forums "what Linux Version Would work Best on the Mini 10?"

There are lots of ways to install software in Ubuntu: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installingsoftware

My Dell Mini 9 is surprisingly different from your Mini 10, so I'm afraid I can't give specific solutions... good luck and always happy to answer any general Ubuntu questions!

Well you haven't told us what your problem is exactly or how it occurred, you're going to need to be more specific if you need help.

Were you installing linux or was it installed, if it wasn't installed what was? What were you doing when you noticed the problem? Where were your 'drivers' located at? etc

Sorry ha well... windows xp was on it, then windows 7, then i tried to install linux becasue it looked really good and would suit me. as i installed it after trying it out, i whiped my hard drive and all the drivers upon instalation. i noticed itwhen i went in t the menu option to see my drivers and there arent any.

I assume that this is related to your other thread here: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...d.php?t=788234
I will report for these to be merged---please keep it all in one thread. thanks

As for the question: The typical Linux installer installs all drivers--either as part of the initial install--or in later setup. to know what driver is missing, we would need to know exactly what is not working--eg mouse, keyboard, video, sound, network card---etc.