I'm attempting to move to Linux. As I've had some near disasters with attempting to have Linux coexist with Windows and there is no physically nearby Linux support (rural SW MO), I will purchase a used laptop for a test bed that will be a pure Linux machine - probably with multiple distros on it.
The local used computer store seems to have a assortment of Dell, Toshiba, and Acer. Any gotcha's to watch for? I know of two potential driver problems, video and modem. Video drivers - I've seen much about problems with nVidia(sp?). * Can I fall back to a "lowest common denominator"? * Any other chip sets I should watch out for? At home I'm restricted to dial-up access I have to deal with modem issues and will assume that any internal modem will be a "win modem(sic or sick?). I have a USB USRobotics modem which operates as long as the kernel is recent enough. If the internal modem works it will be considered a bonus. For downloading larger files I'll use the Wifi hotspot at local library. Will I have problems there? One other question, to extend battery life how likely will I be able to force the hard drive off and write only to a USB stick? What else do I not know enough to realize I should be asking other question ;/ TIA _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list [email protected] http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
