Linux on Inspiron 1501 (Bios question)

Question

Hello all.

I've just yesterday placed an order for the Inspiron 1501. The first thing I'm planning to do is install linux on it (probably ubuntu/some other debian distro). I've stumbled across this post: http://ubuntu1501.blogspot.com/2007/04/cant-get-feisty-to-install.html

Now I don't know if I'll be able to install Fiesty.
My inspiron comes with windows vista, so most likely it will have the newest bios, right? If it does, how can I install linux on it without flashing the bios? I REALLY don't want to flash it, I'm not confident enough to take the risk.

Now I'm afraid I'll be stuck with Vista.
If anyone has any information about linux on this Bios, it'll be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Josh

Message Edited by caligula1989 on 05-09-2007 01:52 PM

Siul · Answer

You can install any GNU/Linux you want even Ubuntu Fiesty. You should not have any problem installing it, but look for the drivers before. I've installed like 4 diferent distros, and the only problem I have is my wireless, everything else works great.

caligula1989 · Answer

Hey, thanks for the reply. What bios are you using?

Siul · Answer

I just got my Notebook last friday, I make all upgrades avaible for Win then switch to Linux, so, go to the download things and download the latest bios driver or whatever you want, install it. Then boot from you next OS. I don't think you should have any problem at all about any Bios driver you are using.

caligula1989 · Answer

hmm, I'm sorry, but I really don't know what a bios driver is. Do you mean the bios itself? That's what I said, I really prefer not to flash the bios, I don't want to take the risk...

Siul · Answer

I'm sorry, what I tried to say is that you don't realy have to make anything with the Bios in order to change your OS. As soon as you get your PC you can install any Distro you want.

caligula1989 · Answer

thanks. That's nice to know... but obviously that will depend on what Bios comes with the laptop.... which one do you have?

nw53 · Answer

I too have an Inspiron 1501 and going to install openSuse on it soon, mainly because openSuse 10.2 have the 1501 on its compatibility list. http://en.opensuse.org/HCL/Laptops/Dell I have try ubuntu, and can't get a dialup connection working with the modem because gnome ppp will not install, but I'm new to linux and may not doing something right. Good luck to you.

caligula1989 · Answer

what bios are you using?

pcgeek11 · Answer

Just a heads up.   To install Suse 10.2 on My Inspiron 1501 I had to pass the following during the installation in the boot options. Just the part in red.   ' pci=nomsi '   Obviously without the quotes. If this isn't passed during the boot process it would not see the SATA hard disk.   pcgeek11

caligula1989 · Answer

would anyone please just tell me what bios they're using? :(

nw53 · Answer

2.1.0 - 12/18/2006    Bio's has not been updated.  I see no need for it yet.

pcgeek11 · Answer

Inspiron 1501, BIOS Ver 2.3.0

pcgeek11 · Answer

Like I posted earlier I installed Suse 10.2 on the notebook with BIOS Version 1.7.0 and had to use the boot switch listed below: If you need an explaination of the switch google   pci=nomsi   Just a heads up.   To install Suse 10.2 on My Inspiron 1501 I had to pass the following during the installation in the boot options. Just the part in red.   ' pci=nomsi '   Obviously without the quotes. If this isn't passed during the boot process it would not see the SATA hard disk.   pcgeek11 Message Edited by pcgeek11 on 05-12-2007 04:31 AM

caligula1989 · Answer

Thanks guys, If I've ordered the inspiron a few days ago with vista basic, what bios will I have on it? Also, has anyone installed linux on one of the 'problematic' bios versions? (2.1/2.4) Thanks

12noon · Answer

Are you lot installing 32bit linux or 64bit linux ?

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Linux on Inspiron 1501 (Bios question)

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