I'm looking to install a free version of linux on a spare dell 5150 laptop I have. Can anyone recommend me one please. Thanks in advance.

I should say I'm new to linux but am computer literate.

I would recommend Ubuntu Linux, it looks good, and supposedly performs pretty good (i'm still waiting for my cd's)

I think Mandrake will be you're best best option, its designed more for people who are new to Linux.

If you had experience with Linux for awhile or something, i would of recommended Debian since i think its alot faster than Mandrake, Red Hat etc (in my opinion).

Debian is not the way to go if you're new the Linux scene, since the installation is text based as posed to Mandrake which has a graphical user interface for their setup.

So yes, i think Mandrake at this stage would be the best option, possibly even Red Hat.

But thats just my opinion, i'm sure someone will come along who has handled more Distros than me and say something is better.

Moved here

SUSE is pretty well supported on Dell systems and supports hibernation etc. pretty well.

grrrr as i was about reply the thread was moved...... i get so ****ed off.


now let me calm down and find some good relative informative page for you

edit

now as you said you are new to linux go to below sites for nice instructions (installations are done for laptop with same model as u mentioned)

http://david.dw-perspective.org.uk/Dell-In...stallation.html

http://tuxinside.<< spam >>/?Matts_Corner:L...l_Inspiron_5150

http://tuxinside.<< spam >>/?Matts_Corner:Linux:Ubuntu

http://www2.shellbot.net/wiki/pmwiki.php/Projects/Dell5150

http://www.cs.du.edu/~nsingapu/insp5150/insp_5150.html


also visit http://codemills.com/blog/?p=10 For video tutorials using Ubuntu linux installtion ( will give u nice idea of partitioning windows running pc for linux installtion).


here is a complete list on all DELL models
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/dell.html

cheers everyone

SUSE 9.2 pro. i would recommend, but i dont recommend linux as from moving to linux from windows, little things **** me off like no mouse support for my MX1000 and just little niggles that u get used 2 in windows but miss in linux. The question is, what the hell can u do in linux ? what u cant do in windows. ive tried linux, used it twice, and now it just lives on my pc.

I've decided to go with ubantu. I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again everyone.

I own a latitude d400 and a dimension 4000 so the 5150 is essentially a spare. Hence the reason I've been itching to try linux.

I recommend avoiding Mandrake and Fedora, at least Core 3. EVERYONE recommends them to new users of Linux so I listened and tried both and had A LOT of problems with them. I recommend Debian or a Debian based OS such as Ubuntu, though I've never used it.

Edit: I'm pretty sure if I remember correctly it had a GUI to install with. Only downloading updates (because I chose the minimal install) was done through console but it was all automatic. All I had to do was watch the awesome speed and relax.

Work?

It takes a lot less time in my daily work to tackle with Linux issues than it does Windows issues.

95% of my time daily I have to spend in trying to either fix, update or otherwise supervise Windows issues whilst almost all of my Linux servers work without a hitch or a hiccup.

Same goes for my Mac tho', it just works.

the thing u thinking bout is Synaptic. which is a gui for apt-get installation. its nothing but a automated process of installing things needed to use one application. it takes care of dependencies.

and synaptic / apt-get arent distro specific anymore can be used with any linux now.

for more tips/faq's hop to http://www.ubuntuguide.org

i also had the urge to try linux and i went with ubuntu on the laptop... very easy install, all my hardware was recognized and i couldnt be any happier.
def a nice alternative to my main windows desktop

Congrats on Choosing Linux.

Cheers. I cant wait to try it but it'll probably be the weekend before i get to.