Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. My current laptop is a MacBook Pro but it is several years old and have started to look at other options. So, now I am looking at Mint as a possible operating system for a 2013 Asus X551 Notebook PC. Looking forward to the experience in figuring all of this out including learning how to post here.

Hi,

how do the specs of the two machines compare? Will moving from Mac to the Asus be a significant improvement?

Evo2.

1 members found this post helpful.

MCT61,

Welcome to LQ forums.

I am guessing that your model is ASUS 551CA. If not then change the following suggestion accordingly.

Whilst you still have W8 64-bit or similar installed, it might be a good idea to update the BIOS to the latest version (211), prior to installing Linux Mint, if you have not already done so.

Make sure that the laptop is connected to the mains and not just running on its battery!

Enter your OS and download the 211 BIOS zip file:
https://www.asus.com/Laptops/X551CA/HelpDesk_Download/

Then extract all files to a folder.

This folder can be copied and pasted to a USB drive.

Leave the USB drive plugged in to the laptop and then reboot whilst tapping the F2 key in order to access the BIOS.

Select the Advanced tab and then highlight Easy Flash. Press Enter.

Select the BIOS file from the USB drive.
Do you want to update BIOS? Click on Yes.

Let the laptop shutdown automatically and then remove the USB drive.
Reboot with the latest BIOS version.

1 members found this post helpful.

Evo2

I am basically "getting my feet wet" in this experience. The Asus is my daughter's. She doesn't use it much because she gets frustrated with it. She got a MacBook Pro to replace it. Also, I've read where it is more difficult to make Linux operational on a Mac because of Apple's hardware designs are specific to its' own software. There seems to be more steps involved on a Mac than on a PC, so, I'll stick to what I can do at this point.

Grasping the terminology, coding, hardware specs, etc. is not something that comes naturally to me so I'm learning a little bit at a time. Thanks so much for the questions!!

Thanks, BeachBoy 2!

Needed information!