Hello,
Just finished downloading "mandriva-linux-2007-spring-free-dvd.i586" iso via official Mandriva torrent ( 32 bit version ). I have few doubts as follows :

1. This version supports Intel Centrino 1.5 powered laptop ?

2. The ISO contains 2 files. ( i586 dir & release not txt file )
- If I burn the ISO as it is, will this autorun and will show me install screen?
- I doubt because "autorun.inf" and other boot files are located in side "i586" dir.


I am in puzzle. Pls some1 help...

Thanx in advance,
Regards,
Amey.

Burn the DVD using the "burn from iso" option in your burning SW. It should then boot up when you re-start (assuming your BIOS is set to boot from CD/DVD)

Well 2007.0 supports this 2.4G Centrino laptop pretty well, but I think it will be your peripherals such as WiFi what will determine how easy it is to get up and running. Which laptop is it?

IBM ThinkPad R50e-1834-EQ1

Centrino 1.5 , 256 MB ( 333 Mhz ), 40 gb , 855 GME chipset , 2200 Intel wireless adapter, Intel Pro 100 ethernet etc .

Yep! I'll go by the same way. But just technically I am in doubt, If those boot.ini & rest files are inside "i586" directory, how come will they boot Mandriva DVD ? Hmm ....Usually those files are located in the main page of DVD/CD . Thats why I doubt.

[ As those boot files are inside a folder, will they do it's job ? I am not sure ... ]

The Wireless chipset's the same as mine and they only needed drivers downloading from Intel - it was very easy. Everything else should be fine, I'm sure you'll have few, if any, issues.

Don't fret about the iso image, once it's burned to the DVD you'll see that a directory structure will magically appear and all the files you need will be there. As pix said, just make sure you use the burn from iso option, it will most definitely boot for you and give you the option of live install or install to disk.

Edit: There's no live install. I downloaded it today. Bit of a shame that really.

Finally burnt the ISO & it's bootable !

Hurrey !!!!!!!!


How ever If you insert the DVD in to DVD Rom, It never shows typical Mandriva install screen if you are already running an OS on your PC. But it's bootable and shows install options if you set DVD rom as a first boot device.

Regards,
Amey.

Amey,

Linux is not an installable program in the sense that you do not install it under Windows as you might the Adobe Acrobat Reader or the Firefox WEB browser. It is an operating system designed to execute programs you choose to run. For this reason there is no autorun to execute an installer, but the disk is (as you discovered) bootable when you set the computer to boot from CD (or DVD) first.

Please understand that Linux is not Windows. You can not install a Windows program under Linux or a Linux program under Windows. They are both operating systems, but they are the results of differing design philosophies. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

I have used Mandriva Linux since about 1998, and it has been my production OS since about 2000. When I started with Linux, I dual booted it with Windows so I could start the computer with one or the other. As I recall, Linux initially felt awkward and a bit uncomfortable (because it was unfamiliar). Today, it is Windows that feels awkward and a bit restrictive because I can not get it to do what I want as easily as I can in Linux. My point here is that if you give yourself some time to learn and become familiar with your new OS, you may have a similar experience.

When I installed Mandriva 2007.1 (Spring) I decided to remove my Windows partition, and install it (Windows) in a virtual machine so I could run it from within Linux an no longer have to reboot to get to it. My only real use for Windows now is to help me provide technical support to customers who use it (I have a small computer support business here).

I hope you enjoy your exploration of the Linux Operating System, and I think you will find Mandriva to be a good choice for a first distribution. It was for me, and still is. I frequent this and a few other forums to help new users when I can (my way of repaying those who helped me when I was new to Linux). If you need help in your explorations, you will find the people who frequent this forum to be supportive. I can also be reached via my ICQ account (in my signature).