I have been trying to install Linux on my HP nx9600 laptop. I started off by using a Ubuntu live cd and it worked fine, but I wanted to be able to save my information. (Wanted to do some programming) Anyway, I installed Ubuntu and it seemed fine. I'd be running, using the Internet, or watching videos, and after a while the computer would randomly shut off. I checked online. Found out about the hard drive load cycle count but that didn't help.

So I thought maybe it had something to do with Ubuntu. I checked out Fedora and tried using the install DVD. It wouldn't even work, so I looked online and got the Gnome live cd. I got it installed, but when it gets to unloading the linux kernel, poof, shuts down.

I don't know whats up. Maybe it has something to do with my laptop or some kind of hardware failure, but if there is something else wrong I really need help. I'm new to Linux, could be something I'm doing wrong.

Any help would be grateful. Thanks.

Windows XP works fine, so either Windows doesn't care about bad hardware, or it's something else. This is driving me crazy. I want to use Linux!
I'm sick of Windows.

Computer specs:
Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT
1024mb DDR II RAM
ATI Radeon x600 mobility PCIE w/ 128mb RAM
Has built in wireless but wasn't using it for Linux.

Ok...... so I was messing around again, and I messed with the commands. When Fedora started I looked at the commands. There was a quiet at the end. Not sure what that does..... but getting rid of it, allowed me to get into Gnome, and it's all working right now....... using Fedora right now! Finally. Just hope it continues to work...... otherwise I'll be posting again.....

Well, I was downloading updates, and went to the store
sure enough when I got back my computer was shut off.

I thought well.... maybe it updated and instead of restarting
shutdown. No. Not at all.

The problem is still around. Checked the system log.
Found nothing.

It at least stayed on longer then in Ubuntu......

Could it have something to do with using the ATI driver?

I think I have figured it out!

Seems to be my laptop is over heating....

Go figure. I now have it properly venting.
I really need to buy some fans and replace these.

Did you have any problems installing the ATI video driver??

Nope no problems installing the driver.

Fedora's still been working fine.