Setting up Linux in 7480

Question

BACK STORY: 7870Last year, I purchased a 7470 for use with Linux. The computer worked fine, but it had some kind of weird bug where no matter how little was running -- even just after boot, all cores would just hit the ceiling, slowing the computer to a standstill. I tried more than 5 Linux distros on the computer, and the problem occurred with all of them. After doing some research, I found out that other people were experiencing the same problem with that model. I had figure out a workaround. If I unplugged the power and ran it from battery, the cores would return back to normal operation. But I got sick if intermittently having to pull the power corn in and out, so I just gave up. I put Windows back on it and sold it on eBay. I also purchased another brand new dell for $2000, but I couldn't even get any distros of Linux to even boot on that. So I old it to my mum for cheap. I also purchased 3 other, cheaper, several year old Dell's last year from eBay to see if I could get an older Dell working. I had success, but each laptop came with its own problems that made me not want to use it.I'VE JUST PURCHASED A: 7480OK, so the reason I am here is because I have purchased a refurbished (by Dell) 7480. I am hoping that what ever was occurring with the 7470 will not be present with this model. I specifically purchased a Dell (again) because I know that Dell works closely with the Linux community and even swap out chips in design iterations. So kudos for that, Dell.Anyway, I'm FAR from being a Linux geek. I'm just a regular user (bit of a normy) that hates Windows (for privacy reasons). But I do definitely try to learn and understand. I've only been a full time Linux user for about 18 months. I still have a lot to learn. The reason I am here is to ask if there's anything i should do before I install Linux onto this laptop? So maybe this time it will work properly? My intention is to install Linux Mint -- because after trying many dostros, I've come to the conclusion that Linux Mint is the best well-rounded, functional, hassle free distro.Should I update BIOS or anything? If so, I have absolutely no idea how. I've just seen people talking about that during my research of installing Linux into Dell computers. I do recall, though, that it can only be done from Windows. So I guess I'll need to keep Windows on it long enough to do what ever I gotta do. Is there anything else I can/should do, to prepare it for Linux? I'm here ready to learn. I just want to get a Dell working properly with Linux. Once I get ONE Dell working right, that's what I'll be buying/recommending for family and friends. I still haven't had the privilege of getting a Dell working right yet. I'm very optimistic about this 7480 though!

Mr Len · Answer

OK so it seems the first thing I have to do iss update BIOS through Windows.

I have found this page:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=920cv

So, as this is an exe, I guess I just download it and run it.

Mr Len · Answer

Ok, I have taken that advice.Here's the link in case anyone has similar questions regarding running Linux on a Dell 7480, and would like to see if there is a solution.https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=346196

ieee488 · Answer

You should try posting at the forum for whichever distro you plan on installing. These Dell forums are very Windows-centric.   .

Mr Len · Answer

This video seems useful: How to Enable BitLocker Windows (Official Dell Tech Support) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DK0becNf6s

Mr Len · Answer

Oh, hnag on. No. There are extra instructions at the bottom of the page:

Note 1: Before updating the BIOS, ensure that you suspend BitLocker encryption on a BitLocker-enabled system. If it is not enabled on your system, you can ignore this step. For information about how to disable BitLocker, see How to Enable or Disable BitLocker with TPM in Windows at support.dell.com.
Note 2: Do not turn off the power or interrupt the BIOS update process during the update.

Now just gotta g find out what "BitLocker" is..

Latitude

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