Want to switch to Linux, but concerned about hardware functionality
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I appreciate all the comments and help. I got the Lenovo laptop with Windows 7 (hate it) just to be sure I can get my bills paid and other essentials done while learning Linux on my new/updated desktop machine. I'm leaning towards 64-bit Linux Mint 17.3 KDE because I want the File Manager and Desktop configuration options. When I try Live CDs, that's the biggest stumbling block for me: the HUGE text and icons, etc, and difficulty navigating because I can't change the File Manager interface to something that is logical to me and comfortable and efficient for me to use.
Hi Anna...
Cool, let us know how you like it, the system and Mint.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaggieToo9
I may install my retail XP as a dual boot just to access any peripherals that Linux won't use properly (thanks for that great idea). I understand if I do this, I should install XP first, right? I won't be using it for anything except peripheral access. To the internet connection unplugger: I use <cmd: ipconfig /release> to release my IP address whenever I'm not using the internet in XP. That's a little easier for me than disconnecting my router or modem.
I would highly encourage you to contact Lenovo first before installing Windows XP!!
Windows XP is well over 10 years old and drivers (including SATA drivers during installation) are going to be critical, let alone issues with UEFI/Secure Boot, if your system has that. Chances are Lenovo doesn't have XP drivers for a brand new system but if you contact them, be sure to have them direct you to the exact page where the XP drivers for your exact model are located!
If you really need XP on this system, it might be much better installing it in a VM.
Regards...
Last edited by ardvark71; 03-24-2016 at 06:26 PM.
Reason: Correction/Changed wording.
Good luck with your Linux adventure, MaggieToo9.
It sounds like you know what you are doing, be sure to ask about anything you find baffling, it may not be as tough as it seems.
When I started fooling around with my first Linux distribution c. 2000 the graphics were about 4 times the size of the screen, but I was able to poke around and see what was there. I discovered the issue was that drivers for my video chipset were a new thing and I bought a distribution that stated they were included. From then on I was impressed with how much I could do with Linux and I learned a lesson about hardware support. Linux is a bit less about how deep your pockets are and more about maybe needing to learn the right way to set something up than Windows.
XP can still be installed... But it is not easy... It may not have all the drivers needed... Where as all the Linux installs that I have done have had all the drivers I needed... And there are other issues installing XP... I still have XP on one of my computers... One of the issues was: I had to install SP3 from a disk before it would install properly...
Distribution: Debian 8 Cinnamon/Xfce/gnome classic Debian live usb
Posts: 508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MaggieToo9
I got the Lenovo laptop with Windows 7 (hate it) just to be sure I can get my bills paid and other essentials done while learning Linux on my new/updated desktop machine.
Linux OSs are much more secure than Windows. Linux doesn't have antivirus software - it doesn't need it. If you want to install a program, you do it through a repository maintained by your linux OS. With Windows, you install stuff from websites you know nothing about.
I don't do online banking, but Amazon and ebay purchases on Debian with Iceweasel/Firefox browser is never a problem.
Quote:
When I try Live CDs, that's the biggest stumbling block for me: the HUGE text and icons, etc, and difficulty navigating because I can't change the File Manager interface to something that is logical to me and comfortable and efficient for me to use
There may be a driver issue depending on what GPU you're using.
However, Linux Mint doesn't appear to offer a 'live' version on their homepage https://linuxmint.com.
So if you're using Linux Mint via a multi-boot USB program (e.g. Unetbootin, Yumi etc) then it is possible that you have a 'compact' version which has limited customisations you can make.
The best way to find out if there will be any problems is to do a full install.
However, if the 'live' version has no problems with your specific hardware - then it has served its purpose.
Quote:
I may install my retail XP as a dual boot just to access any peripherals that Linux won't use properly (thanks for that great idea). I understand if I do this, I should install XP first, right?
It is possible XP will need control of the MBR (master boot record) or it won't install correctly (I'm not sure). To be safe you can install XP first.
It doesn't matter anyway because once you install a linux OS, GRUB will be able to take control of the MBR and you will end up with a 'GRUB menu' offering you a multiboot option between XP and a linux OS.
If you're not able to transfer the Win7 hard disk from your Lenovo laptop into your desktop case, then hopefully all the drivers for your peripherals will still be available for download after you've installed Windows XP.
You'll just have to try it to find out.
Quote:
To the internet connection unplugger: I use <cmd: ipconfig /release> to release my IP address whenever I'm not using the internet in XP. That's a little easier for me than disconnecting my router or modem.
I used to switch off my router when using Win7. However, there was no change in behaviour of the OS.
It was only when I physically removed the ethernet cable that I saw a difference (e.g. no unknown background processes running and eventually telling me I had a questionable copy of the OS! How rude is that?).
My Lenovo Laptop is not new, it is an off-lease machine that is older, so the drivers may be there. I got it from USMicro, arguably the best refurbisher, and everything about it looks and acts brand new - they do a great job!
That said, I would rather have XP as a VM, but I don't know how to create/use a VM and I'm afraid I'd make a mess.
any computer you buy that is not a name box will most likely work out that saying your right check out the hard ware linux supports more hardware than windows. But it is best to buy a ISA computer. Industry Standard Architecture .
I find it rather disconcerting that people will buy anything that is not ISA. Such as Dell HP Sony etc etc. Then get stuck with a lame duck of bios and a box of bugs.Buy from your local computer store I am sure they have a bare bones builder that will set you up
for what ever your needs are at a fraction of a cost.
Good luck. Dude you do not need a Dell.
Wasn't thinking of a DELL. My plan is to build it myself, like I did my last one (except for help locking in the CPU), but I'm hopefully getting some help to vet my parts before I order them to ensure they're Linux-friendly and play nice together. --Anna
My Lenovo Laptop is not new, it is an off-lease machine that is older, so the drivers may be there. I got it from USMicro, arguably the best refurbisher, and everything about it looks and acts brand new - they do a great job!
That said, I would rather have XP as a VM, but I don't know how to create/use a VM and I'm afraid I'd make a mess.
It's a slight learning curve, but well worth it. I use Virtualbox and have several VM's installed in it - it's great to be able to start them up at the click of a button while still running my main Mint system, and exchange data between them.
If you're afraid you'll make a mess, just be sure to backup your system (I do it at a partition level using a bootable USB stick with Macrium Reflect) before you launch in, and then you can revert to a previous stable configuration if things go awry.
This is an important point and I didn't completely catch it until now.
Thank you for the link to the code for setting the DPI on an MX mouse. I plan to use M705 because it was recommended to me for Linux (said Solaar had drivers for unifying receivers) - don't know if its the best one, but I like simple where possible - no gamer.
Wish the code was downloadable - lots of room for typos with that much code. Don't know how to compile code yet either. It won't work with my mouse anyway, but it's a starting point. --Anna
My plan is to build it myself, like I did my last one (except for help locking in the CPU), but I'm hopefully getting some help to vet my parts before I order them to ensure they're Linux-friendly and play nice together.
Please feel free to ask about individual parts if you can't find information about them in Google. You can also tale a look at LQ's hardware compatibility list here, in addition to the other links I provided earlier.
Regards...
Last edited by ardvark71; 03-26-2016 at 03:38 PM.
Reason: Added information.
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