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    L502x and Linux?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by nomygod, Jan 26, 2012.

  1. nomygod

    nomygod Notebook Geek

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    After seeing how fast Ubuntu is for things like Matlab, I was thinking about putting it on my l502x. Having already backed up everything, I am of the thought that this is as easy as partitioning, installing Ubuntu, making the file systems play nice with teach other, then moving my media onto the linux partition. I was thinking I could use linux for most things like music, documents, and programming, and use windows for gaming and windows-only programs.
    Any thoughts on this? Anyone done this before? Any tips for things like drivers, what works and what doesn't, and dual booting in general?
     
    nomygod, Jan 26, 2012
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  2. Kallzeh

    Kallzeh Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ubuntu is incredibly easy to install... just download the iso, and open the install file on it.. there is no need to partition your drive.

    Nearly all the hardware works, I think the only thing that doesn't is the GT540M graphics card (probably the same for GT525M).

    Ubuntu does all the work and I found that no settings need to be changed to make it work correctly. It just works.
     
    Kallzeh, Jan 26, 2012
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  3. nomygod

    nomygod Notebook Geek

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    Awesomeness. I am going to a meeting, so hopefully it will be installed by the time I get back. Thanks
     
    nomygod, Jan 26, 2012
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  4. silentivm

    silentivm Notebook Guru

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    I run Arch Linux on my L502x, and it works perfectly (and much smoother than Windows).

    For the nVidia Optimus graphics you will need Bumblebee (check the Linux section of this forum), otherwise the card will be always on and will cause a waste of power.
     
    silentivm, Jan 26, 2012
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  5. SemiExpert

    SemiExpert Notebook Consultant

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    As always, try a Live Disc first, preferably through a USB thumb drive with Unetbootin.
     
    SemiExpert, Jan 26, 2012
    #5