dual boot with linux

Question

Now that my inspiron 1525 is working well with XP (thanks to Royan) I am considering trying out linux...

I have tried before and always failed to get it running properly, always driver problems.

Is there any experienced linux user here who could advise me as to which distro to use, hopefully one that is fully compatible with my inspiron 1525.

It would also be useful if it was also suitable for my other laptop, my Latitude C640... a nice old machine that I love and still use because audio recording is good on it, easier than on my inspiron.

Thanks in advance

Hugo

ieee488 · Accepted Answer

Linux isn't Windows.

Sometimes if you are lucky everything works, but generally that doesn't happen.

Especially problematic is wireless.

Also, the Fn keys and Quikset buttons.

Your C640 would be a good laptop to try Linux on. The two popular distros are Ubuntu and Fedora.

MicroTest · Accepted Answer

I have an Inspiron 1545 with Windows7 and LinuxMint10.I installed LinuxMint10 within Windows7 (so that I did not need a separate partition) and can be easily uninstalled with Windows Uninstall utility.LinuxMint10 runs perfectly and only one driver - for my wireless card - had to be installed.

=============================

For testing purposes create a bootable USB stick with LinuxMint10,11,12... on it and boot from it

www.pendrivelinux.com/yumi-multiboot-usb-creator

1525man · Answer

This suggestion sounds like the best for my 1525... but I don't think XP will allow installing linux within windows XP, so that is why I thought it was a dual boot option, so I will try the usb.... thank you

1525man · Answer

I have tried Ubuntu on my C640 before, I recall wireless was my problem... I will try that again thanks, now I have a bit more experience

MicroTest · Answer

>download 'virtual clone drive' www.slysoft.com/.../virtual-clonedrive.html After installing this tiny program you will have an additional(or up to 8) 'virtual' Cdrom drive in your explorer available(it has a 'sheep picture' as icon...) Double click your downloaded linuxmint ISO file - this will mount it to the virtual cdrom drive. Double clicking the cdrom drive shows you the content of the iso-file. Run the mint4win.exe Choose 'install inside windows' ============================================================= Note: It is always a good idea to backup your Windows operating system: www.todo-backup.com/.../free-backup-software.htm

ieee488 · Answer

I believe that it is possible to install Linux within Windows XP. At least for Ubuntu.

You might find that the Linux within Windows is a tad slower - you are using additional resources when doing this - than with a dual boot setup.

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dual boot with linux

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