good distro for me??

[dannylill]

hi all ive run linux on my desktop before, but ive just got my first laptop and was wondering what would be a good distro to run based on ease of install with the hardware i have?? all suggestions welcome, constructive or de constructive!!!!

[abf]

i say give PCLinuxOS 0.92-ati a try. it will get ati drivers and wireless working out of the box.

[dannylill]

i tried the live version of that, and it didnt work to well, the graphics were all corrupted.

[TekWarren]

i've tried a few different distro's of linux and I'm no where near an expert...I wouldn't even call myself a novice. I read about Ubuntu a while back and decided to start using it. Suprisingly I like it alot and am able to find the answers to most any question. I've been running it as a dual boot on my system for...I forget how long now but its been several months. I use it every day...at work even (system/network tech). I'm using it right now :thumbup: My supervisor who has alot more experience with linux and others who are more "hardcore" 'nix users will say things about ubuntu but for someone like me its easy to use and very friendly.

[seablade]

Actually I have been using Linux for years myself now, comin up on about 10 I think but I am not sure. And I still consider Ubuntu one of the better distros out there, it is my second favorite, my favorite being Gentoo, but I dont reccomend Gentoo for new users. As you get more experienced though I reccomend it for the learning, and the flexibility.

Seablade

[Ernest_P_Worrel]

I like to recommend Zenwalk to people cuz Ubuntu already gets thrown around on here. It's very good with using system resources well (using xfce) and you dont have to mess around with repositories to get mp3's and region free dvd's to run. Also it has Java preinstalled into firefox so if you dont know how to make symbolic links thats a definate plus.

[dannylill]

thanks for your suggestions guys, ubuntu live dont work either so where do i go from here???

[richard.unwin2]

Hi there,

When you say the distro or live CD didn't work for you, what seemed to be an issue? I'm running a few distros an various machines, including two lappys. Give us an idea of the issues you are having and I could try assist.

All the best regards

Rich

[dannylill]

hi richard right where do i begin,......

tried suse 10.0 official didnt work installed ok but wouldnt run, kept rebooting my lappy,

tried live pc linux os ati live cd, boots and runs but graphics all corrupted and messed up.

tried live ubuntu cd wont run hangs when its about to go into the graphical manager.

i do have an older version of suse pro 9.3 but havnt tried it yet i really wanna run dual boot i have used linux on my desktop and i prefer it to windows but still want the micoshite software for the common things.


your help is appreciated.

[abf]

seeing as both pclos and ubuntu crash on graphical, i asume they are not finding your graphics card right. my advice is to set it to "vesa" or "ati" or "radeon" (press ctrl+alt+backspace) and just tweak the xorg.conf. shouldn't be a very difficult thing to fix. for pclos..make sure you have the ATI and not the nvidia version.

[dannylill]

the thing is i was told that both these support the xpress 200 m thats in the lappy ill have a go if i get stuck ill post on here. thanks all

[dannylill]

hi guys well i got pclinux os ati version working cause im using it right now, thanks for all your asistance i love it, the only problem i have is all my fonts are real blocky. never mind

[beaviskob1]

ahhh gotto love pclinuxos! it works on most comps. as with all distros it may take tinkering! as in another thread "if linux was a car it would be a FORD". why it takes alot of work to get it running right. not ever going to be Chevy/MS popular or easy to make run!:thumbup:

[dannylill]

yeah i like it, ive got my graphics working spot on, my wireless etc all works i cant believe it bye bye windows, !!!!! the only bugbear is i cant get the APM or Battery meter to work but my laptops on the mains mostly so its not important unless anyone knows how to get it to work?????

[beaviskob1]

I believe all settings can be applied through pclinux control center if all proper modules have been loaded. I have a M6811 and have various power profiles etc. but due to ati drivers no joy with hibernate and suspend tho. Keep in mind I am using acpi and not apm also. If you can't get it going pm me and I'll try to help , I'm nt an expert but tinker alot.