Linux on a Dell m1530..

Which distro would be best to put on this laptop, that will have the least amount of headaches installing and getting all the drivers to work?

I have downloaded Fedora 10, Ubuntu, and openSuSE, as reading the forums here they seem to be the most popular.

The laptop will be connecting to a Wireless-N network, so that will hopefully not be an issue.

I would like to use any x64 platform, since I have the hardware I might as well use it.

 

Basically, for a first time user, it's best you go for a distro with a large online community. The three you chose hit the spot just nice. I believe Ubuntu is the largest. You won't go wrong with Ubuntu. Support for Dells with Ubuntu is very strong. You can try Fedora or openSUSE too. It all just depends on personal preference.

 

I really don't have a preference. I just really want to move away from Windows, and learn something new.

Not that I hate Windows, but I just want something more powerful, faster, requires less resources (Vista x64 currently installed, so I am sure you can understand), and above all, free.

I am tired of paying for licenses for this and that under Windows every bloody year. It is getting ridiculous. While I know I will still have to pay for a few programs under Linux, I am sure it won't kill my pocket book like Windows software currently is.

As I already use quite a bit of open source software (GIMP, Firefox/Thunderbird, 7-Zip, Open Office, Diff Merge, Foobar2000), I am certain I will find alternatives to the non-open source software that I use.

The main thing is learning something new. I know it is not going to be the easiest thing to learn, but the curve is steep and rewarding...

 

Aye. I totally agree. I started with Ubuntu after watching a clip on cnet about it's liveCDs, and have been using Linux ever since. I think most new users of recent years started with Ubuntu. It's a good stepping stone. But so is Fedora and openSUSE

 

Give Knoppix a try. Very robust and usually the most compatible with newer hardware. Kanotix is also a favorite of mine. Lets not forget Linux Mint either. Along with the others mentioned in this thread already these are fine additions. www.distrowatch.com

 

I run Ubuntu on my m1530, had a bit of trouble getting wireless and webcam to work, but the forums helped me out with that

 

IMO, Fedora has more problems really, I recommend Mandriva, Linux Mint, or OpenSuSE.

 

Ubuntu, as mentioned, will be well supported. I'm confident you could easily get it running. Thomas also mentioned Linux Mint, which will be similar. :smile:

 

Try Arch. Its not the easiest one to install, but you will know A LOT about what is in and going on with your system. Plus, its fast and very customizable. Give it a shot, they have an excellent beginners wiki and install guide.

I ran it on my M1530 next to vista. Worked perfect.