Linux on an Acer

hey all... keep wondering about linux, ubuntu and now i've seen this other linux-based OS, Linspire...
my question is if it's worth it, if it's free and if it's compatible with XP, in case i want to link them via LANor something, just sharing files.. maybe some games?

and one more thing.. i gotta ask.. linspire or ubuntu? which one is easier, more stable and overall better?

thanks

ACER ASPIRE 1642ZNWLMI (1640Z family)
Pentium M 735 A Centrino 1.7 GHz
512 DDR2
80GB HDD
Intel 915 GPU 64 RAM (shared)

 

1 vote for Ubuntu
i dont think Linspire is easy to install software than Ubuntu,some of them are priced.In addition,Ubuntu community are developing so you may be helped a lot

 

I vote Linux Mint. Because I use Ubuntu and Linspire is not free. Mint includes media codecs and whatnot out of the box, so would be helpful to a new user.

for games, use WINE.

 

one more thing... is there any program like ePower Management or something? I want to take my proc down... I've seen in Ubuntu some kind of utility to take the speed down, but it didn't let me do it....

 

I'll move this to the Linux forum--I think you'll get more help there.

AFAIK, SpeedStep is hardwired into the processor/BIOS, you shouldn't have to adjust the speed unless you want to lock it at a lower multiplier while on battery. And there are utilities that will let you do that, I just can't think of one right now.

 

This is what I thought too. Actually, I'd like a definite answer from someone about SpeedStep, since I am not sure if vespoli and I are correct here. The reason I doubt that SpeedStep is hardwired is because Debian distros will throttle the processor - if you are on a notebook, at least.

 

The processors now a days will run dynamically as needed. This means that if you are viewing a webpage, they won't run full blast (some will even shut extra core s off). The ePower program, and similar programs lock the processor into lower power so that they save battery life. I wouldn't worry about having that program, it really isn't adding much to your battery life, I would even wager it isn't noticeable (all the settings you need are already in Ubuntu or Mint).

 

I am looking into getting an Aspire 5610-2328 or one of the AMD models. I have heard there is a Linux version that can be downloaded from Acer and was wondering if anyone knew what distro it is.

I am currently running SimplyMepis 6.0 Linux (SML) on my Dell Latitude c610 and it works fine with no problems other than it did not automatically see the internal modem (which I don't use). I am wanting to get the Aspire with Vista Home Premium so I can become familiar with it but will be adding dual boot to SimplyMepis 6.0 Linux (SML) and am wondering if anyone has any experience with SimplyMepis 6.0 Linux (SML) on an Acer Aspire?

BTW SimplyMepis 6.0 Linux (SML) is the only version of MEPIS that did not need me to use the console. Also it is the only distro that I have found to work as smoothly as Windows XP. In many ways I think it is even easier to use and of course it comes with lots and lots of software. I have not had to install any drivers and even found Quicken and some other personal favorites work well under Wine on SimplyMepis 6.0 Linux (SML).