Debian + ATI
 

hi guys

im about to get my new laptop
specs:

core 2 duo
ati x1400
1680x1050 screen
intel 3945 wireless

what should i do to get all my drivers installed and up and running
im plan/want to run XGL with KDE

i can go with ubuntu over debian . doesnt matter .

how would i install my wireless/graphics drivers?

my plan:
install base debian/ubuntu

1) compile custom kernel?
2) install wireless drivers?
3) install ati drivers?

install windows

is that the correct order to do it?

and any tips to install wireless/ati drivers and XGL w/ KDE

If you're planning to do a dual-boot machine, definitely install Windows first and Linux second :) you'll spare time and effort..

ATI has a nice graphical installer (for fglrx drivers, anyway) these days. Not saying it works (I myself got a "powersaving mode" always on after using the installer) but it's good looking.

Wireless drivers depend on the hardware..if you find native drivers, go ahead and follow the installation instructions that come with the pack. If you're totally unable to locate such drivers, tried writing your own and basically forced to commit a suicide, then get ndiswrapper and Windows drivers. Or maybe you'll want a second try before that.

Oh, and you only want to compile a custom kernel if something does not work and you'll not be able to breathe without it. Compiling a kernel is an easy go, yes, but it's no use unless the running stock kernel just won't satisfy your needs. With the machine power we nowadays have (and taking a brief look at your specs), it's needless to recompile a kernel just to get it smaller or something..especially if that's not a machine you're modelling nuclear weapons with, but your own personal computer. Just use the stock kernel, and updating it (and drivers) is less a pain.

im compiling my own kernel for

a) i've done it before
b) stock wont have dual core and 64bit

are their any good open source drivers for x1400? or should i use ati's?

i want to run XGL

would it be better to do a

Gentoo isntead of debian

as gentoo seems to have more support for XGL and ATI?

how mature are the x1400 graphics for ati?