7.10 or 7.04 for HP Pavilion dv6500T

[lde]

Dear All,

I'm brand new to Linux. So brand new that I haven't even put it on a machine yet. I just bought a new HP Pav dv6500T, and am determined to not use Vista, because the only Windows dependent software that I really need works on XP only, and I am tired of all the drag on Microsoft platforms.

Anyway, I was all set to clean the hard drive and put on Gutsy Gibbon, but there seems to be a frightening number of posts on the various fora about this release not working at all well on HP dv series machines.

Is this the case? I can't afford to spend too many days configuring the machine, as I have deadlines coming up in the next few weeks, so the less time spent tuning an OS the better.

Am I better off just going for 7.04, or even something like Fedora (which another Linux-savvy person recommended to me).

Sorry if I have missed a post which answers these questions directly.

Thanks.

[Snowhog]

Re: 7.10 or 7.04 for HP Pavilion dv6500T

Personally, I would stick with 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) - at this time.

I wouldn't (yet) wipe your HD of Vista just for the sake of installing Linux. If you don't want Vista, and you have a full version of XP that you can install, then wipe Vista and install XP. I would then prepare the HD (assuming only one internal HD) for dual booting with Linux. If you have two internal HDs, then setting up for dual booting is even easier. You will end up with both operating systems. But before you do any of that, I'd play around with the LIveCD of Feisty.

I'm not trying to steer you away from Linux - far from it - rather, I'm trying, for someone who is (as) new to Linux as you say you are, to give you some sound advise so that your initial experience with Linux is a good one.

It will be a good exercise if you will take some time and think about what your expectations are from Linux. It is also a good idea to find out what your machine has as far as HDs (number and type - IDE, SATA, PATA, ...), video card/chip manufacturer and model (this is important), type of sound card/chip manufacturer and model (also important), method used to connect to the 'Net - dialup modem (manufacturer and type), DSL or Cable modem (manufacture and model), if using a router - wired, wireless, or both, and the manufacturer and model. Getting this information together is going to useful and very helpful.

The Linux pool is deep, but don't fear - there are plenty of life guards on duty here!

[lde]

Re: 7.10 or 7.04 for HP Pavilion dv6500T

Hi,

Many thanks for your response and advice. I appreciate it. I should have mentioned that although I have some pressing work requirements, I have the luxury of having two laptops now, so I can play with a full Linux laptop (the new one), while cutting to the chase on the old laptop, if need be. So, I could do a full Linux install and kill Vista without harming my productivity prospects too much.

As to my comuting requirements, I am in the environmental sciences, so my computer use can be primarily lumped into the following:

1) Word processing, with a fair bit of reference management (I have started using Zotero, which has a Word and open office plug-in, and sits within Firefox. It's a really impressive open source ref manager, if anyone's interested www.zotero.org).

2) Spreadsheets.

3) Statistical packages (using SAS, primarily, but trying to migrate to R).

4) GIS and remote sensing work. ArcGIS is the one thing I can't use with Linux, nor with Vista (if I can get away from ArcGIS using QGIS/GRASS, then I will do it). So, I have to probably buy XP if I want a dual-bootable machine that is actually useful to me for that (have to keep the current laptop with my copy of XP Pro). For processing remotely sensed data, I use ENVI, which has Linux versions, including a 64 bit compatible version (so they have told me).

So, that is what I do. Probably way too much information, but perhaps it will be useful for others to see who might be wanting to switch.

My new laptop has the following specs:

- HP Pavilion dv6500t
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
- 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
- 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
- HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (single), with one large partition and the HP restore partition.
- SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
We use a cable internet connect, working through a router (in my office I connect to this using the LAN cable, but frequently move around with the laptop on wireless).
Only thing not sure of at the moment is the soundcard.

Anyway, I will definitely stick with Feisty, and play with the LiveCD as you have recommended. However, if there are any more lifeguards out there who can point me to the correct end of the pool, I would be highly appreciative.

Thanks again.

[Snowhog]

Re: 7.10 or 7.04 for HP Pavilion dv6500T

Succinct and very well expressed. To wish that all new requests were as good!

I'm going to leave this for others to respond to. Things that 'may' cause some issues, but can be dealt with:

- 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
- HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)

Might also be an issue:

- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (single), with one large partition and the HP restore partition. (can't remember if SATA drives are an issue with Linux)

Try the LiveCD and see how it all goes. Make notes on what works, and what does not, particularly as to the list of specifications for the machine you gave.

[lde]

Re: 7.10 or 7.04 for HP Pavilion dv6500T

Thanks again for the prompt response and the detail.

I will keep notes and post the results as they arise (which will be related to Feisty).

Cheers...

[Snowhog]

Re: 7.10 or 7.04 for HP Pavilion dv6500T

Thank you, and you too are welcome. By the way, welcome to the wonderful world of Linux!