OT: Buffalo Area Ubuntu Install

[S Helinski]

Hi Everyone,

This is for the computer savvy individuals among us!

I would like to replace the hard drive on my laptop.
I would like to install 4GB of RAM.

And I would like to install the latest Ubuntu operating system on the new hard drive--with no windows whatsoever.

Who would be able to do this job, (and make sure all the computer's components work properly with Ubuntu), and what would it cost me?
I would provide the new hardware...

I have frags and equipment to trade, but I will gladly pay cash!

I hope that I can have this done soon!

Please PM me,

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Steve, what type of computer do you have?

You might be surprised at how easy this is to do yourself.

 

[S Helinski]

It's a Dell M1210 Laptop.

I wouldn't be afraid to attempt to install Ubuntu with windows also being present, but with a blank new hard drive, and the possibility that none of the components will "know what to do" I'm at a total loss.

I'd rather pay someone, and make sure the job is done right!

Steve

 

[talon4x4]

The 4gb of ram may not even be necessary. You would need the 64bit version of Ubuntu in order to make use of anything above 3.5gb. In order to use the 64bit version you must have a processor that will support it. Then you will have to make sure the apps you are using will work under a 64bit o/s.

The Dell website will be useless for this install. They only have 32bit XP drivers.

Here's a google search with a ton of good info for installing Ubuntu on your laptop --> http://www.google.com/search?q=Ubun...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

The install looks fairly simple. According to their website a standard install should only take 25 minutes.

From the Ubuntu website.
Everything you need comes on one CD, providing a complete working environment. Additional software is available online.

The graphical installer enables you to get up and running quickly and easily. A standard installation should take less than 25 minutes.

Once installed your system is immediately ready-to-use. On the desktop you have a full set of productivity, internet, drawing and graphics applications, and games.

 

[S Helinski]

I read this, but I'm under the impression that the standard install will take place on a computer which already is functional. Once I replace the hard drive, nothing will be working... Or perhaps I'm making it too complicated...

The laptop is apparently able to accomodate up to 4GB of RAM, in two slots.

Steve

 

[talon4x4]

Here's a really good step-by-step tutorial. --> http://seogadget.co.uk/the-ubuntu-installation-guide/

You don't need to worry about the new drive being blank. You will however need a working PC to download and burn the Ubuntu CD. Once its burned you just pop it into your laptop with the new drive already installed and the o/s will do the rest. You can choose to install it as a standalone or dual-boot with Windows.

As far as the memory goes, your right, it probably will accept up to 4gb. But a 32bit o/s can't access anything over approximately 3.5gb. So to make full use of all 4gb you'll need a 64bit o/s and Ubuntu comes in both 64bit and 32bit. And according to Dell's website you have a 64bit compatible processor. So I would download and install the 64bit version.

 

[frofan]

Installing the linux kernal is a breeze with the GUI installers that come prepackaged with the newer distributions. Getting drivers to work can be tricky with a laptop though.

The issue with the memory isn't a question of what the laptop can handle, but rather the operating system. Keep in mind that Linux is much more light weight than windows, and the extra memory isn't as critical.

It sounds like you have enough knowledge to give the install a try yourself. You can't do any harm, so if it isn't to your liking, then take it to some one with more knowledge.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I read this, but I'm under the impression that the standard install will take place on a computer which already is functional. Once I replace the hard drive, nothing will be working... Or perhaps I'm making it too complicated...

The laptop is apparently able to accomodate up to 4GB of RAM, in two slots.

Steve

Ubuntu distros come on "live" CDs, so you can just pop it in, restart your computer, and it's running Ubuntu from the CD. Sometimes you have to hold down a function key to get the PC to boot from the CD instead of it's hard drive, but that's not always the case. It doesn't matter if there's even a hard drive present. Then, you can run on the CD to see if you like it, if drivers are present, etc. without "permanently" altering anything. And, once you're booted from the CD, there's an application you can launch that will find your new hard drive, format it, and install Ubuntu on it.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

The issue with the memory isn't a question of what the laptop can handle, but rather the operating system. Keep in mind that Linux is much more light weight than windows, and the extra memory isn't as critical.

+1 to this. I have a netbook with a gig of ram. With XP, it struggled. With Ubuntu, it was PLENTY.

 

[truebeliever71]

If you like Unbuntu, you gotta try PeppermintOS. Very nice! I just downloaded and started playing with it today.

 

[jaybfresh]

Heck, I'd do it for free but I'm in Syracuse

 

[S Helinski]

Thanks for your help everyone,

Sean (Talon4x4) did an excellent job installing Ubuntu and the new hardware!!

If anyone needs computer work done--he can hook you up!

Thanks again,

Steve

 

[talon4x4]

Thanks for your help everyone,

Sean (Talon4x4) did an excellent job installing Ubuntu and the new hardware!!

If anyone needs computer work done--he can hook you up!

Thanks again,

Steve

Thanks Steve!! It was kinda cool installing an o/s I've never played with before. And thanks for hooking me up with the frags!! They are settling in nicely so far.

 

[S Helinski]

Good Good!

Remember not to touch that firecoral--it won't end well!

Steve