I think you deserve a better answer. I'm awaiting delivery of my Mini 10v, so I can't yet talk you throu the issue. I know Linux and have become familiar with Ubuntu over the years. Dell has it's own flavour of Ubuntu with some specialised drivers. The Ubuntu forums say that 9.10 works on a clean install 'straight out of the box' BUT .... do you have a rescue pendrive or SD card? If not, can you make one? If the answer is no, please don't attempt to upgrade. You need to have an escape route. It should be possible to upgrade online (first to 8.10, and then again up to 9.4 and 9.10 if you alter the upgrade manager parameters.
Contact me off-forum if you want () and I'll give you a few tips. My netbook is on it's way and should be with me early next week. I do not work for Dell, I just like their products, but I think you're a bit brave tackling Linux before trying it out on an old desktop. That's what I'd advise anyone else to do! Dell ought to offer a download of the exact breed of Linux they supply that you can run before buying ...
Just a bit more on this: take a look at http://www.ubuntumini.com/2008/10/installing-ubuntu-on-dell-inspiron-mini.html This link will give you a fair idea of what you might be getting into and where you might make mistakes. As an example, if you edit fstab and get a wrong string in, you might well find the installation won't boot at all and you have no option but to re-install again! I don't want to put you off Ubuntu - it's fantastic! But you really ought to be learning on an old PC where it isn't going to matter if you mess up. Barry.
AWhiteC
3 Posts
0
March 18th, 2010 18:00
Thanks for that URL. I had actually found that earlier and tried following it (although it is a bit chaotic).
However, it doesn't really address the problem I have.
Alan W
ieee488
4 Operator
•
11.1K Posts
0
March 18th, 2010 18:00
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick
ieee488
4 Operator
•
11.1K Posts
0
March 18th, 2010 19:00
chaotic?
If you refuse to follow the tutorial on the Ubuntu website, then you are on your own.
AWhiteC
3 Posts
0
March 18th, 2010 21:00
Your reply doesn't address the question. I need something more helpful than that.
barrydrake
18 Posts
0
March 25th, 2010 10:00
Hi ....
I think you deserve a better answer. I'm awaiting delivery of my Mini 10v, so I can't yet talk you throu the issue. I know Linux and have become familiar with Ubuntu over the years. Dell has it's own flavour of Ubuntu with some specialised drivers. The Ubuntu forums say that 9.10 works on a clean install 'straight out of the box' BUT .... do you have a rescue pendrive or SD card? If not, can you make one? If the answer is no, please don't attempt to upgrade. You need to have an escape route. It should be possible to upgrade online (first to 8.10, and then again up to 9.4 and 9.10 if you alter the upgrade manager parameters.
Contact me off-forum if you want () and I'll give you a few tips. My netbook is on it's way and should be with me early next week. I do not work for Dell, I just like their products, but I think you're a bit brave tackling Linux before trying it out on an old desktop. That's what I'd advise anyone else to do! Dell ought to offer a download of the exact breed of Linux they supply that you can run before buying ...
Good luck! Barry..
<ADMIN NOTE: Email Id Removed Per Privacy Legal>
barrydrake
18 Posts
0
March 25th, 2010 13:00
Just a bit more on this: take a look at http://www.ubuntumini.com/2008/10/installing-ubuntu-on-dell-inspiron-mini.html This link will give you a fair idea of what you might be getting into and where you might make mistakes. As an example, if you edit fstab and get a wrong string in, you might well find the installation won't boot at all and you have no option but to re-install again! I don't want to put you off Ubuntu - it's fantastic! But you really ought to be learning on an old PC where it isn't going to matter if you mess up. Barry.