Linux for my HP laptop

[JNev]

I have an HP DV6000 that is running Vista and I need a new OS for it because My laptop is running very slow and wont multitask very well. All I need my laptop to do is go on the internet, hold my music and word process. I have looked at various forms of linux but I can't find one that will work on my laptop.

Any ideas?

[Sylvander]

1. Try the latest Puppy Linux. (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showpost.php?p=460928&postcount=310) :) :cool:

(a) Just run it from [boot] the optical disk, and at 1st shut-down [when offered] agree to make a pupsave file [named lupusave in this case].
You can save it in any storage location you like, that the Puppy can see.
[Configurations and additional packages are installed to and loaded from (the Linux filesystem made inside) the pupsave]...
They load faster from the Internal HDD; Flash Drive is slower but doesn't interfere with existing things on the internal HDD.
You can later copy [or move] the pupsave from the Flash Drive to the internal HDD.

(b) Copy the SFS file beside the pupsave when asked.

2. Here's a Youtube video of the previous Puppy release = 5.1.1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSkzAbaaWBE)...
Gives a pretty good idea of what its like, but the newer Puppy has nice new additional features.
There's no need to make a "Full Install" [using "Universal Installer"] unless you specifically want to, just make a pupsave.
I'd typically make some configuration changes to beautify the basic/default Puppy.

[mjc]

Almost any modern distro should work...can you provide the full specs of your laptop to help narrow it down a little?

[JNev]

Here are my specs:
Model: HP Pavilion dv67000 Notebook PC
Processor: AMD Turion(tm) 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-60 2.00 GHz
RAM: 2.94 GB
System type: 32-bit Operating System

[mjc]

Something is off with the amount of RAM listed...what reported that figure?

That is also a rather broad category and not a specific model (there are both Intel and AMD machines within that category and probably over 100 different models).

[JNev]

I went to the start menu and right clicked on computer and went to properties, and copied what it said.

[mjc]

Ok...so the RAM is a reading that may or may not include an amount set aside for video. There should be a more detailed model number on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop...

The reason for all this is to try to find any specific or unusual hardware, like webcams, that is included with the machine. Some do have Linux drivers or can use a 'universal' driver, others can be disabled and not have any impact on the running of the machine. This will also enable narrowing down a choice of distros that may already include drivers to get the machine up and running (specifically, network/wireless card). Having to update, build and install drivers on a machine that isn't connected to the internet is not fun at all...

[JNev]

So I think the model is dv6915nr

[mjc]

Most relatively recent distros seem to have the wireless card working right 'out of the box'...meaning it should be good to go from the installation. The webcam and card reader may be problems...but not significant ones. The Nvidia chipset video will work out of the box with the generic Nvidia driver or the 'proprietary' driver from Nvidia can be installed (generally more functionality). The touchpad should work out of the box.

The base RAM in it is 3GB and it is a 'floating' amount for the onboard video. It can hold up to 4 GB, but more than 3 is not useful for a 32-bit OS.

So basically, any recent vintage distro should handle all the hardware present, with the possible exceptions of the webcam and card reader. You can install either a 32-bit version or a 64-bit one. Some good choices would be one of the various 'flavors' of Ubuntu (I like Kubuntu, myself) or try several...download the live CD to try out the distro and if you like it, install...

But before all of that, why haven't you reinstalled Windows, doesn't it have a special partition that contains the 'factory install' to restore from?

[JNev]

I did do a factory install about 8 months ago after I had the laptop for a year and a half and it got so slow I couldn't stand it. I did not want to have to do that every 10 months so I have started to look into Linux.

[mjc]

I did do a factory install about 8 months ago after I had the laptop for a year and a half and it got so slow I couldn't stand it. I did not want to have to do that every 10 months so I have started to look into Linux.

Hehe...that's life with Windows...periodic reinstalls, 8 to 12 months apart.

A way to extend that is a 'deep cleaning' every month or two...cookies, temp files, the works.

But going the Linux route does tend to eliminate that.

But no matter what you do, it would be best to grab another drive/enclosure and transfer or back up all your data, music, pics, etc. Personally, I would grab a new drive for the laptop and an empty enclosure. Take the current drive from the laptop and place it in the enclosure, put the new drive into the laptop and install the new OS on it. You can find a 160 to 250 GB 7200RPM drive for right around $50...the speed boost from the faster drive will be very noticeable.

After a bit more research last night, it seems that almost everything should work, right out of the box, with a recent distro. Most of the problems were with the wireless card and the webcam...but they were 2 or 3 yrs ago, with almost no reports of problems in the last 6 months or so.

[JNev]

Ok thanks Ill look into another drive for my laptop.

I have heard a lot about ubuntu so I may try to look into that or other distros of that.

Thanks!