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General discussion

Which Linux for IBM thinkpad

Mar 5, 2005 6:13AM PST

Hi,

I want Linux. I need it. I have an old IBM laptop, with a Linksys wireless card. I need a distribution which will integrate into my wireless network, so I can use it for internet, and not much else, except tinkering.

I'm looking for a distribution which is easy to install and works with my hardware, I know thats a lot to ask from a free OS but I'm greedy.

Any advice welcome!

Discussion is locked

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Unlikely.
Mar 5, 2005 6:39AM PST

But do try the latest Fedora, Mandrake, and Suse to see which one has your hardware supported.

Bob

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Gutted
Mar 5, 2005 7:12AM PST

Ahh well, I'l have to continue using Windows untill you nice geeks get it sorted out!

Thanks

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Mandrake
Mar 5, 2005 7:17AM PST

Mandrake actually looks promising:

"10.1 Official provides unparalleled hardware support together with extended integration of mobile and wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and WIFI. Other key features include GNOME 2.6, enhanced laptop support and new compilers for even greater performance"

I'm gonna try it

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Suse9.2
Mar 14, 2005 5:33AM PST

Suse 9.2 works perfectly on a Thinkpad.
Mandrake 10.1 community also works.
If you know the exact model of your wifi card, & you can get the Windows drivers, you can get it to work by installing NDISWrapper. Read the docs for howtos on configuring it.

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Just back from a config session on my Suse 9.2 and ...
Mar 14, 2005 5:40AM PST

In the control panel or yast is some specific Thinkpad tools area.

Nice touch.

Bob

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Try....
Mar 20, 2005 12:08PM PST

Since you said "OLD", you might want to try Yellowdog Linux. It's supposed to "breathe new life into old hardware".

I'm sure it has support for Thinkpads and Wireless cards.