linux - transfer system to another desktop? any laptop issues/advice?

[bernieszu]

I've been using linux on a desktop since September (07) and, apart from a few teething problems, I'm pretty much a convert. Reason for switching to Linux was that my laptop died and a linux desktop was the cheapest replacement here (I'm spending 4 months working away from home). Two questions:

1. I intend to install Linux on my desktop back home when I get there. Ideally I'd like to backup my files etc and then install a copy of my linux OS here to my home desktop. Is this doable? any links to a good 'how to' for this?

2. I'll soon need to get a new laptop. I'm thinking about taking the plunge and going for Linux on the laptop too. Looking through the forums, it seems like there are a lot of issues with installing and running Linux on laptops - there seem to be some laptop specific problems, particularly with wifi. Is that true or have I just picked up the wrong impression? Any advice/experience to share? What OS/distro is the best one for a laptop?

[Snowhog]

Re: linux - transfer system to another desktop? any laptop issues/advice?

Question #1 - Simple answer is 'yes.' But, it isn't guaranteed to be without challenges. The issue would be with hardware differences between the 'old' machine and your 'home' machine. But the idea of making a backup of your 'old' for restoration to your 'home' is doable. You would of course, need to ensure that the version of Linux you install on your 'home' machine is the same as that of your 'old.'

Question #2 - The best thing to do is gather information on the laptops you are considering - architecture (32-bit vs 6-bit); processor type; video chip/card make and model; ethernet connection configuration (wired, wireless, both) and chip information; audio chip manufacture/type.

The biggest 'challenges' to laptop owners when it comes to Linux, are:

video support (graphics)
audio (BIOS support/conflicts and chip)
ethernet (normally wireless, but sometimes wired)

If you gather this information, then you can either, search the Forum for posts concerning this information, and/or simply post with the specifications and ask questions.

[bernieszu]

Re: linux - transfer system to another desktop? any laptop issues/advice?

Very helpful answer, I should have realised that I need to think about the specifics and the hardware. Thanks a lot!

[opie]

Re: linux - transfer system to another desktop? any laptop issues/advice?

I wouldn't try to move an install to another machine.
You won't avoid whatever hardware issues are going to crop up. In fact, you will only complicate them so I don't see any advantage to trying to do this. I would start with a fresh install.

[bernieszu]

Re: linux - transfer system to another desktop? any laptop issues/advice?

Yes, that makes sense. I can see that I still need to engage the brain before hitting the keyboard! Thanks, Opie.

[nilsA]

Re: linux - transfer system to another desktop? any laptop issues/advice?

I've seen one thing you can do - never got around to try it, though:

Install the same version of Kubuntu + software, codecs etc.
Upgrade.

Change the graphics settings to VGA and a very simple, basic monitor type (Generic 1024x768x16 for instance.)

Then you can copy the old /home directory to the new PC, using cp -a - as /homenew to the new PC. Then you rename /home to /homeold and /homenew to /home - restart, adjust the graphics properties.

If you are lucky - that's it. If not - well, the initial config files and such is still in the /homeold, and can be used to fix things.

If this works - fine. If not, just rename back.