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    Best linux for w500

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by R.H.D, Aug 21, 2009.

  1. R.H.D

    R.H.D Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got a w500 and i dont know which linux support w500 the best, I mainly use my computer for schoolwork.
    Im very new to linux so im looking for something thats easy to use and runs stable.

    So if anyone has any advice or experience using linux with the w500 ill be very thankfull.
     
  2. archer7

    archer7 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ubuntu is easy on newcomers. Fedora works too. Right now, linux does not support switchable graphics, so before you install linux, set the BIOS to use only one card.
     
  3. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    Make a few live cds of various distros and see which one you like best. The obvious first recommendations for a new user would be distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, or Mandrava.
     
  4. R.H.D

    R.H.D Notebook Enthusiast

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    The most important part is that its compatible and runs well on a w500
     
  5. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Yes... that is why LiveCDs have been recommended. You'll be able to painlessly test which distros are most compatible with the W500.
     
  6. zephyrus17

    zephyrus17 Notebook Deity

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    Honestly, nowadays, Linux is so well supported that it's not a matter of choosing which Linux suits your PC, but which Linux suits YOU.
     
  7. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    You willing to guarantee that they'll all work fine? ;)
     
  8. zephyrus17

    zephyrus17 Notebook Deity

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    Well, yeah. Some may take some more tweaking than others, especially for distros like Arch linux. Days and days just for tweaking. But once you get it, it'll be completely perfect.

    Some distros like Ubuntu, works absolutely out of the box in my T61p. Since the OP's laptop is also a Lenovo, it would be fine.
     
  9. NullPointerException

    NullPointerException Notebook Enthusiast

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    Gentoo of course, you can make it do whatever you want. It will force you too spend hours upon hours cherishing your computer (seriously).
     
  10. zephyrus17

    zephyrus17 Notebook Deity

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    Hehehe.. At least Arch has the benefits of having the AUR and pacman to install binaries. Other than that, I don't see a difference between Gentoo and Arch
     
  11. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well if you want to play that game why not go to Linux from Scratch?(don't do it OP unless you want to spend all your time with the computer) :p :D
     
  12. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Yes, we want you to spend time using your computer, not spending hours trying to get it to work. Gentoo and the like are for users familiar with Linux.
     
  13. yuio

    yuio NBR Assistive Tec. Tec.

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    My T500 took 10mins to install Ubuntu and ALL the drivers(out of the box ;))

    I recommend Ubuntu.
     
  14. zephyrus17

    zephyrus17 Notebook Deity

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    Yeah.. Ubuntu is a good springboard into other Linux distros.
     
  15. R.H.D

    R.H.D Notebook Enthusiast

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    I ended deciding on ubuntu and win 7 as a dual boot confirguration, i tried Arch linux though but since ive never tried configuring linux through a terminal before i gave up 30mins after i started :p
     
  16. zephyrus17

    zephyrus17 Notebook Deity

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    Hehehe ambitious, eh? Don't worry. After a bit of experience with Linux, you'll be loving Arch.

    Oh, when you were installing, did you refer to the Arch Linux Beginner's Guide?