Hi, I have a Dell Inspiron 8600, and I wanted to try out linux, so I first tried out Knoppix CD distro, and it detected most components, didn't detect my wireless (ndiswrapper should fix that) and my suspend and speedstep did not work. So I was somewhat satisfied, and decided on Mandrake for full install, but there were 2 problems, first and most annoying one is that when Mandrake starts up after installation, there is an ungodly BEEP from my speakers, that does not end... It is so loud, it just makes you want to grab a hammer and put an end to the whole thing. I tried reinstalling, but it didn't help. Another problem was that for some reason when I test the GUI setup, it doesn't show anything on the screen... Seems like it doesn't quite work, but I don't know, I didnt get a chance to try out startx command because of the beep.... Anyway, I don't know why it has problems with sound of video, since Knoppix had no problems with either, but my question is how to fix both issues.

A step by step guide would be really good, because I never really used Linux before, apart from using GCC for my classes in the lab.

Thanks,
RMSe17

For the graphical install, you should add "vga=773" as boot parameter. This generally works on all laptops.

For the sound problem, I can't tell really. I have a lot of trouble with sound on Linux myself.
The only distro that worked "out of the box" was Suse 9.1 on my Acer Aspire laptop.

Knoppix detects audio with no problem though... very strange..

Which version of Mandrake? Also, you can not expect that if one distribution finds your hardware OK, all others will. It simply does not work that way. Also, if you wish, you can install Knoppix from the live CD. Just open a terminal window, and do:

knx-hdinstall

This will start the knoppix installer

Mandrake 10.0 Official

Yes, I know I can do that with Knoppix, but I kinda wanted Mandrake for full install, because it has such a wide range of programs

Just being curious.
What does Mandrake have, that others don't have (or can get)?

More multimedia programs and programming tools, probably a bunch of other stuff as well, since there are 4 CD's cs 1 for Knoppix. I am sure it is possible to get them, but if they are already provided, I guess it's a matter of what is easier.