Can I install Linux on my laptop?

[mike_sanfil]

I am trying to install Mandrake 9.2 on my Inspiron 8200. The first time I tried I used partiton magic to make the partitions, and then tried installing linux. I tried installing it 3 times that way, but when it got to what the installation said was 1min left, the screen gets a little darker, and the installation freezes up. Is there a confliction between linux and my hardware??

specs:

Dell Inspiron 8200
Intel P4 2.0 Mobile Processor
1x128mb stock ram
1x515mb crucial ram
40gig 5200rpm hard drive
Mobiltiy Radeon 9000 video card
15in UXGA LCD
CD-RW/DVD drive


thanks

if it helps, i did get Mandrake Move 9.2 to run on my laptop, although i couldn't change the resolution. (although i might have been doing it wrong, since this is my first time using linux)

[elmers]

First off use the partition utility that comes with Mandarke to partition the drive. Partition magic doesnt go well with linux. I think its called disk druid and is much easier than fdisk or whatnot.

The resolution problem is something youll face with linux all the time. Its basicly a driver problem. Drivers for your graphics card, sound, modem, lan, etc... will NOT be available on linux disks as a rule. Youll need to get them off the internet.

[mike_sanfil]

thanks for your help, i will try it again using the linux boot manager

[lynchmob]

There are several articles in this list from users who installed Linux on an Inspiron 8200.
HTH
lynch

[ArcticFox]

Originally posted by elmers
Drivers for your graphics card, sound, modem, lan, etc... will NOT be available on linux disks as a rule. Youll need to get them off the internet.

Maybe not for that laptop, but SuSE, Mandrake, and RH install flawlessly on my:

Gateway Solo Pro 9300
700 PIII
128MB RAM
ATI Mobility Rage Pro
ESS Maestro
LT WinModem

No RPM's needed!