I am an average xp/Vista user. I have managed to stumble my way through those systems and do ok running, breaking and fixing any issues. I have decided to try Linux, I have a full copy of Mandriva 2009 powerpack ( 32 bit ). First mistake was I did not install it so it was a dual boot system, to be honest the idea kinda freaked me out. I have Mandrive running very well on my sons acer laptop. However I have run into a problem with my Dell 1720, It seems to have a known issue with its broadcom 802.11 wireless card driver and linux OPs.
Does anyone have a suggestion that does not involve tossing the laptop off the patio? I am a very new user to linux, so the dumbed down version would be nice.
I am this close to re-installing Vista, This close I say.
I agree. I’ve found Ubuntu to have exceptional hardware support.
You can download it for free. Also, Ubuntu is a live CD meaning you can boot your computer from the CD and test out your hardware before you install it to your hard drive.
There are so many bastardized versions of Broadcom crap being used in laptops, it’s a total nightmare. Google 'mandriva ’ and check it out.
I had an HP where they used a USB version Broadcom hacked to the mobo, and it just wasn’t supported in the newer Linux kernel no matter what. I hunted down a compatible Linksys USB stick and popped it in when I booted to Ubuntu.
I have slowly moved ALL my Linux to Ubuntu variants, simply because it is the best supported distro there is . Google Ubuntu and any computer and someone’s done it, solved it, and posted a solution 99% of the time.
I’M about to install Linux Mint 6 on my AspireOne netbook and try it. I really don’t like the native OS and XP doesn’t run for shit on the AspireOne SSD model.