Acer Aspire one
 

Hi all, total linux novice here, (all a bit confusing right now) just inherited one with broken lcd, all sorted... now the questions begin, speaking as a user - not any programming...:Pengy:

how do i install software, can i download direct to the pc or do i have to use a mem stick?? in mind of installing a lexmark wifi printer at some point, i only have the netbook - no other laptops etc...
Rgds and tia
Carol

Hi, and welcome to LQ. :)

What distribution/version of Linux do you have installed on your system?

Most Linux distributions have what's called a "package manager", which is a more centralized way of downloading/installing software. Debian/Ubuntu/Linux Mint have "Synaptic" which is the graphical package manager, or you can use apt-get on the command line. Red Hat-like distros (such as Fedora, CentOS, etc.) will also have a graphical software manager/installer (I forget what it's called), and yum on the command line.

the above is good BUT not for the "Acer Aspire one" with "Limpus light" installed
Limpus light is the #1 worsted / bad distro that there is

basicaly with out any linux skills you do not install and new software
you are stuck with what is on it


now it is possible to hack the machine a turn on things that are not on
and install software BUT .. you will need to learn how to do that first

but that acer one might have a different distro installed
so with out knowing ... we can not be too much help

you might start looking here
http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/

Thanks, its the linpus linux, i still dont understand it though. i hear that it is possible to install win xp on the aspire. how i dont know, so i cant just install software, so how do i print any letters etc then?? the machine only needs a screem and thats all apart from that it works fine... i think?? can you load via a ext cd rom??
I will check out that aspire forum as well, can you get a stick preloaded with an alternative o/s?? or am i stuck with this o/s??
maybe i should sell the acer and get a normal laptop.. but i quite like the aspire, i hear of folk that use these as the main pc nowadays??
thanks for advice and info...
Carol

If you are planning to buy a printer, check the Linux HCL link on the right of this page for compatibility with Linux.

You should be able to install another operating system to a USB. Check the unetbootin or pendrivelinux sites.

XP/VISTA/LINUX on Aspite One
 

Acer provides limpus linux just for testing the keyboard, it has no other objective. You can install windows 7 or xp or any other linux distribution on that through a usb stick or cd or dvd.

Now, when you are about to install some OS on it ,I think you should give a try to Ubuntu (good for newibes) What you will get when you install Ubuntu:
1. Free softwares
2. No licensing needed, still legal
3. A very big support community
4. Good looks and ease of use
5. Lesser exposure to virus
6. Freedom
7. Fast boot and operating times.

For installing any linux you will need to have usb stick, Os iso file, unetbootin . Format the usb stick as fat / fat 32 and install the OS iso with the help of unetbootin.

Now if you are looking for installing windows 7 or windows xp, then feel free to ask, YOU CAN INSTALL XP ON NEW MACHINES.