Operating Systems > Linux and UNIX

question: is linux right for a laptop?

(1/2) > >>

cokemaster_nz:
hi,
been considering installing linux as a dualboot system for quite sometime.
Before i take the plunge i wanted to check whether linux will work.
I'm planning on installing Mandrake on my acer travelmate laptop.
I have used linux (winlinux 2000) before - with limited success (drivers) but was impressed with the preformance.
I know where i can find drivers for my modem (winmodem :-( ) but the main question is: does linux support USB eithernet adapters and/or camera's. The reason is that i need to be able to connect to the school network otherwise i have to use a dualboot and use windows (WITHOUT IE) + office for school (due to comp. reasons)
If anyone could help me... that would be great - i'm sick of being worried about the latest security flaws in windows and the problems about privacy.
But many thanks in advance -_-

cokemaster

Calum:
do set up a dual boot and see how you go in the meantime,
secondly try searching Google using the word 'linux' and the model number of a piece of your hardware that you suspect may not work, you will likely come across some people who have had problems (if indeed there is a problem) and some other people who have a workaround or solution.

Laptops are tricky though, compared with desktop hardware which is nearly all supported, plus i am not sure how linux fares with USB nowadays as i have a version a couple of years old.

Remember that the kernel AND any applications you are using must all support USB for it to work (a problem i had with my USB CDRW).

Further comment anyone?

cokemaster_nz:
thanks guys,
i'm ordering the cd and i'll see how it goes - even if it doesn't support my network card... it sure beats ms windows + office any day.
As for the winmodem - i'll find a driver searching
i'll probably only use windows for school purposes only now
Thanks once again... for helping me be free of windows

cokemaster

Calum:
re: school, you may not even need to do that! as i say it's more likely than not that linux will work fine, but it just pays to expect the worst, that's all!

asdf:
I have Debian on a Dell Inspiron 4000. If you want a REALLY GOOD resource for linux on laptops, go to www.linux-laptop.net. Look for your model - somebody probably already installed Linux on it and wrote a HOWTO.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page