I Don't Even Know How To Try Linux. Help!

mosam · 03-15-2014, 09:59 AM

You can use a virtual machine

Norbert Dentressangle · 03-15-2014, 10:25 AM

Yeah, but now I feel crappy for not putting up a better fight. Point taken, freind and no offence taken.

I'm going to try a different strategy when I'm in a more positive, "can do" mood, which does not involve putting all my eggs in one basket.

roy_lt_69 · 03-16-2014, 07:15 PM

By the way did you try booting from USB stick?
It will be way faster than CD/DVD.

Also try googling your make and model computer to see if anyone else installed Linux on your computer model.

As for the graphics driver, you could always try using it in vesa mode to get started.
Sony has a tendency to use tweaked/propriety designs that make it difficult to get Linux to work optimally.

So post the specs for your computer if you need more help or use google.

Norbert Dentressangle · 03-27-2014, 11:27 PM

I'm having windows installed on it, because we haven't any more time to waste but this has thrown up evidence of a deeper problem, possibly with the mainboard on the Sony. So that will either be addressed or we'll be looking towards purchasing a new machine. If/ when we can get it working under Windows, I can make a fresh attempt at installing Linux. Until then, there isn't anything we can do with it but thanks for the advice. I'll look into it further when the Sony arrives back.

Germany_chris · 03-28-2014, 03:28 AM

If he bought it used 7-8 years ago it may not boot from USB..

The computer is awful old for just any Linux distro. After you get it up and running google around for linux distro's for old computers.

Norbert Dentressangle · 03-28-2014, 10:55 AM

Hi Germany_Chris. This Sony Vaio isn't actually THAT old. We bought it about a year ago and by then it was only about a year old. Nothing like 7-8. Even my repair chap has said it's a fairly up to date machine, so it's surprising that it's failed so quickly. It was running Windows 7 Home Premium when we bought it. It should have a bit of life left in it yet but being second hand, we just don't know if it may have been subjected to abuse or might even have been a second from the start.

Germany_chris · 03-28-2014, 03:07 PM

My main portable is from '08 my portable Mac is from '09 so I'm no stranger to older machines. I'd imagine you've already done the standard google searching but if I recall correctly Sony was having issues a couple years back, maybe you have a problem child. Maybe it's one of those computers that refuses to play well with Linux, I personally love problem children but I have the time to dedicate to it and multiple other computers to use while futzing so. I wish you the best of luck

jefro · 03-28-2014, 04:24 PM

Could go to SuseStudio for a web based linux. No install needed to play with it.

joe_2000 · 03-28-2014, 04:37 PM

I have running a Dell Laptop from 2005 running Linux Mint - I use it for streaming videos with DRM plugins that I do not want to install on my main system.
It runs reasonably well. As suggested before you may want to post your hardware specs...

If you are running into issues such as failure to shutdown etc. please describe the behavior in more detail (error messages etc.). This will help people to help you.