[TriLUG] Install - ThinkPad T20

[David McDowell]

Your choice is wide as others have already said.  Maybe we can narrow
it down for you.  You mentioned you want Apache, PHP, MySQL.  Are you
looking for a portable server?  OR, are you looking for a portable
desktop that can also run these services as well?

I just got a T42 recently and have tried Ubuntu, which I have moved
away from for CentOS 4.1, which I'm actually considering moving away
from for FC4 b/c I need more desktop like features vs server
features/stability.  I really hate the idea of the constant updates,
but I want to be able to play BZflag on the road, and be in a familiar
distro environment (red hat like for me).  Ubuntu did the ATI 3D fine,
but is debian like and no root, sudo everything, etc., so I couldn't
stand it.  CentOS 4.1 is very stable, runs smooth, familiar
environment, but isn't doing the ATI 3D well (not at all on my mobile
radeon 7500).  Both can support the ipw2200, Ubuntu out of box, CentOS
4.1 with mild persuasion.  I'm hoping FC4 combines the best of both,
although it will be slightly more bleeding edge, so possibly much less
stable.

good luck,
David McD


On 7/18/05, matt-nc <ncmail at triad.rr.com> wrote:
> A few weeks ago I was asking about laptops and Linux.  I ended up trying to
> combine a low-dollar option with hardware that would most likely be
> compatible and I got an IBM ThinkPad T20 (P3/700MHz) on eBay.  I haven't
> tried powering it on yet but I don't think there is any operating system on
> it.
> 
> So now I am deciding which Linux distro to use.  Any suggestions about what
> would be best for this machine or what I should avoid?  I have the Mandriva
> 10 install CDs on hand but I also have Roadrunner broadband and a CD burner
> on the desktop so I can get anything that's out there.  Mainly I want to
> get Apache, PHP and MySQL working on it.  It has a 12GB hard drive so space
> should be sufficient.
> 
> Is it likely that some version of Linux will support most of the machine's
> features or would it be good to do a dual boot setup?
> 
> Am I supposed to do this like a regular install?
> 
> BTW, about laptops in general, how do these DVD drives work?  Can I just
> pull the DVD tray out manually while the power is off, put the install CD
> in, push it back in manually and then power on to start the install process?
> 
> Any suggestions on where to get extra battery packs, besides eBay?
> 
> Thanks,
> Matt
> 
> 
> 
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