boot/install linux on thinkpad?

samkupar · 11-02-2003, 07:24 AM

hi
i have an ibm thinkpad 380D 1.4GB 32 MB RAM. also the FDD head is broken with old BIOS (1997).how do i install or boot the laptop with a bootable CD like knoppix,as it says; 'not a system disc,insert a system disc'.
thanks in advance
regards
samkupar

Guru3 · 11-02-2003, 11:36 AM

First, have you checked your bios? It does say it can boot off a cd, right? If it doesn't, your in trouble. If it does, hurra! You probably just messed up burning then? (What software did you use?) Then, because of your limited, limited, hard-drive space, you probably want an older version of linux. Maybe RedHat 6 or 7? Cause I know RedHat 9 won't fit on it with out choosing the minimal option, and who just wants the ability to run programs, and no X?

samkupar · 11-02-2003, 12:07 PM

hi again
no the BIOS doesn't have an option to boot from cdrom,but can boot from network-4mpbs or 16mbps(maybe ir).so which linux shall be working with gui too?
thanks
samkupar

Guru3 · 11-02-2003, 01:13 PM

do you have built-in networking, or a pcmia card? do you have an existing operating system? i'd recomend redhat 6.2, but any os you try, this'll be hard unless there is a BIOS update (which you can't do b/c of the floppy drive.)
try to get a second hand floppy drive. Otherwise, this is gonna be really really hard.

samkupar · 11-02-2003, 07:27 PM

thanks a lot.i'll go for FDD and rh6.2.
the live cds which can be booted into at start like slackware etc.is there a standard way to install them?
regards
samkupar