Linux install
 

I've got an IBM laptop that I'd like to have a linux install, what's the best linux distro for a laptop install?

There is no best distro for laptops. There's only a best distro for you personally. You might as well ask what accent you should speak with. Everyone has an opinion but only one is right for you.

Try starting here:

http://distrowatch.com/

Welcome to the forums rexb!

First, "which distro should I choose?" is probably the most frequently-asked question on the forums. :) I suggest using the Search feature to find some existing discussions on this very topic. You can also visit http://distrowatch.com to see which distros are the most popular and compare their features.

Second, what can you tell us about your hardware? Without knowing your hardware specs, it is impossible to make a concrete suggestion.

My first distro was Ubuntu. It is the most popular desktop/laptop distro and has an excellent community at http://ubuntuforums.org

You shouldn't have any problems, as IBM hardware is very standard. Since IBM don't manufacture PCs any more, I presume this is one of the old Thinkpads? I've got an X31 that I bought second-hand with Ubuntu. Ubuntu and Fedora were a little slow, althought quite usable, and it now runs happily with Salix. I'd go with Xubuntu: the ease of use of Ubuntu, combined with the lightness of the Xfce desktop.

It depends on your hardware, although something like Ubuntu or linux mint will be your best chance of getting support out of the box.

If you can post your hardware it you'll get a more detailed response.

Best,

Kris

hey

suggesting u fedora or centos(latest versions)

pick one and install, if problems
it will be solved easily compared to other's OS