Alienware 17 and linux

I am looking to install Ubuntu on my aw17. I am having a bit of an issue installing or upgrading past 12.04 I either get stuck on restart or when I try to boot into a live dvd/USB I get black screen. I am extremely frustrated as I have been researching and attempting this for a few days now. Any help is greatly appreciated. Please.

 

Are you using UEFI? If so, try doing it with UEFI turned off (Legacy boot).

 

I was able to get a dual boot linux and windows, make sure you are doing legacy boot and secure boot is also turned off.

IMO after all the loops and holes i had to go through i just felt that having a Linux VM was far more easier and simpler to maintain than a dual boot linux with windows 8.1. Don't take me for my word but thats what i felt.

 

the problem i have with linux installs is finding the right repos for your hardware. a vm makes it more manageable cos if you screw up you can just delete it and start over.

 

That's always the main issue. If you still want to perform the change I would recommend you to disable secure boot.

 

not really, i am pretty happy with the windows OS.

though if i were to go with a Linux distro which is the best: ubuntu? fedora?

 

Ubuntu is alright, I prefer the LTS releases. There's one coming out soon.

Mint linux is nice too.

 

I use ubuntu, it serves my purpose and has a pleasing look to it IMO

 

if people have a good list of repos for linux please post here

 

Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - runs great, a bit of works to get the audio and broadcom to work 100%, buts runs well 12.04 LTS works out of the box, and YES Definately LEgacy boot