Linux on laptop questions
 

Hello there! What can I face with if I install Linux on laptop with Windows or pre-installed Linux (I'll replace these ones with new Linux)?

Usual problems are secure boot/UEFI needs changing on new laptops, but if using old MBR laptops, installation usually goes smoothly.

This is like asking "I've got a new car but am going to replace the engine - What can I face".

Guess what sort of response you'll get.

Do you mean that I should turn off secure boot?

Interesting thought.

Most people here do that. But some big distros like Fedora and Ubuntu can run under secure boot.

Here's what I did, when I just recently borrowed a laptop from SJ Library (bios locked):

http://OSboxes.org/virtualbox

(sadly, Vbox v7 needed me to find & install some Win10 C++ piece and then some piece of python, but I found them okay)
A couple distros seem to need a bit more video memory than 16MB.

It only takes a couple GB of download time, and then a minute to un-7z the .vdi (be sure to choose 'Use existing virtual disk')

You can try many (pre-installed!) Linux distros, in a just few minutes, without fighting with M$/UEFI.
Reddit /r/linux4noobs is a wasteland of people crying that they broke something and "HelpMe: it don't boot no more"!

Have you used Linux before and visited distrowatch.com?

Yes, there is Ubuntu on my PC. And I'm going to install OpenSUSE or Manjaro instead that one.

And yes, I've visited distrowatch.com right now.

methylacetate,

I suggest that you also look at the Arch-based EndeavourOS as well as Manjaro:
https://endeavouros.com/

https://distrowatch.com/table.php?di...tion=endeavour

Have a look at the EndeavourOSratings page:
https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?re...stro=endeavour

Hi,

Since you have Ubuntu on a machine, we expect you know how Linux works a little bit and how to install.

People mentioned about UEFI. Yes, UEFI might be an issue if you are not prepared for certain things. To be honest, UEFI has been around for long enough now and it has become a common industry standard, such that most Linux distributions (especially the popular ones) and the most popular bootloader, GRUB, can work well with it. So, your Linux distribution will most probably work out of the box.

Some issues people get during installation is most likely due to a feature of UEFI: Secure Boot. If you buy a laptop with Windows, your machine will most certainly be in Secure Boot mode, i.e. it should prevent any other OS or installer to boot apart from Windows (which would have been registered in the UEFI firmware using special keys). So, you will need to get in the UEFI firmware (new fancy term for BIOS setup) and disable Secure Boot. The Linux bootloader can also work with Secure Boot but it can only be registered into the UEFI firmware after installation. So, you can have a look at that later, it's not necessary.

Secondly, Windows like to hibernate instead of properly shutdown (to make the user believe it is super fast at startup and shutdown :rolleyes: ), so you will need to disable Fast Startup in Windows before attempting installation. It is found in Windows' Power Settings, I think.

Furthermore, I always recommend booting into Windows first, doing the above, and resizing the Windows partition or any other Windows partitions to make space for your Linux and other stuff. You can later use GParted to make further partitions. Linux-based disk management software like GParted or gdisk are much more efficient and safe.

When installing, just choose your EFI partition to place the bootloader and everything will be fine.

Finally, when installing Linux on new hardware, sometimes there are issues with the WiFi adapter or sound output or graphics, due to missing or older drivers. These issues can be solved subsequently by installing appropriate drivers or updating the kernel.

All the best.

Always considered Linux is great for laptops.... But I got a laptop and just cant install anything on it... Totally dissapointed..

If ubuntu installed and runs on the laptop without any issues, most distros should install with little to no problems.

Disable secure boot in the BIOS and then you can install the Linux distro of your choice.

Installing an operating system is a complicated thing; like @syg00 implied, it's like installing a new engine in a car!

It takes training and experience before one can swap out a car engine, plus it requires many specialized tools that a bigger won't likely have. And you can't just throw in any old engine, you must find one for your specific vehicle unless you want to do lots of extra customization work. So don't even consider trying it yourself - don't think being an intelligent person able to read the screen in front of you and follow directions is enough!

Installation is not the problem. For many Linux and Windows users, the issue with laptops is rather the cooling when the hardware is under heavy load. However, there is a solution for Intel CPUs from SkyLake on.