Considering dual boot on laptop.

Koinoniaphite · 04-09-2006, 02:54 PM

I am considering installing linux on my HP Pavillion zv5000. However, there is no point in trying if the wireless, video and other hardware won't be supported. I am also wondering about which distribution is good. I remember debian and slack being decent, but things change, and it has been a few years since I used linux.

Tips, pointers, suggestions, warnings. I would like to hear it all.

**Spatcher** · 04-10-2006, 02:36 PM

I'd say Fedora. IMO it has good hardware support. What type of video/wireless/hardware do you have.

Koinoniaphite · 04-12-2006, 07:38 AM

Actually, I went ahead and set up fedora before reading the replies. :) I had core 4 sitting around, but I have ordered core5. This laptop is newer, so I have to update a lot of stuff in core 4. Core 5 should have the support for the HP Broadcom wireless and the lcd display, if I'm not mistaken. For now, I'm tied down to an ethernet cable. Maybe it's because i'm practically a newb again. I have forgotten WAY too much about linux to be comfortable.

On top of that, my usb mouse won't work. I think it is because the OS will only recognize one mouse at a time, and since the mousepad is proprietary it defaults to the pad. Little things, to be sure, but frustrating regardless. Like I said, core 5 should help with a couple of things. Or I'm wrong, which isn't unusual.

batty_professor · 04-12-2006, 09:26 PM

HP does seem to offer some Linux support I believe. You may find hardware-specific Linux driver files for your laptop on the HP support site, If they are there, you might find them most beneficial. Even if it's just to reveal information about your hardware so as to find drivers from the device manufacturers. The mouse issue is probably USB hardware related. Back to the HP site, I have even found times when a bios update offered a great improvement, particularly when it came to the LCD screen. That was with a Dell, but it may be relevant to other brands, such as HP.

04-09-2006, 02:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
Koinoniaphite Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14 OS: Fedora Linux Core 4 x86	Considering dual boot on laptop. I am considering installing linux on my HP Pavillion zv5000. However, there is no point in trying if the wireless, video and other hardware won't be supported. I am also wondering about which distribution is good. I remember debian and slack being decent, but things change, and it has been a few years since I used linux. Tips, pointers, suggestions, warnings. I would like to hear it all.

04-10-2006, 02:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Spatcher Henry Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,484 OS: Mac OSX	I'd say Fedora. IMO it has good hardware support. What type of video/wireless/hardware do you have. __________________ JohnThePilot: Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon (a nation without a language is a nation without a heart) John Butler Trio: Go take a step outside, see what's shakin' in the real world - Good Excuse Paul Kelly: Just add a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang - How to Make Gravy

04-12-2006, 09:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	HP does seem to offer some Linux support I believe. You may find hardware-specific Linux driver files for your laptop on the HP support site, If they are there, you might find them most beneficial. Even if it's just to reveal information about your hardware so as to find drivers from the device manufacturers. The mouse issue is probably USB hardware related. Back to the HP site, I have even found times when a bios update offered a great improvement, particularly when it came to the LCD screen. That was with a Dell, but it may be relevant to other brands, such as HP. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

04-12-2006, 07:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Koinoniaphite Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14 OS: Fedora Linux Core 4 x86	Actually, I went ahead and set up fedora before reading the replies. :) I had core 4 sitting around, but I have ordered core5. This laptop is newer, so I have to update a lot of stuff in core 4. Core 5 should have the support for the HP Broadcom wireless and the lcd display, if I'm not mistaken. For now, I'm tied down to an ethernet cable. Maybe it's because i'm practically a newb again. I have forgotten WAY too much about linux to be comfortable. On top of that, my usb mouse won't work. I think it is because the OS will only recognize one mouse at a time, and since the mousepad is proprietary it defaults to the pad. Little things, to be sure, but frustrating regardless. Like I said, core 5 should help with a couple of things. Or I'm wrong, which isn't unusual.