[TriLUG] Install - ThinkPad T20

[Jeff Tickle]

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matt-nc wrote:
> 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?

I love my A20m, which is the T20's slightly less-featureful younger
brother.  I've had both Ubuntu and Fedora Core 4 on there.  Both went on
without a problem, but I've gone back to Ubuntu, I just like the feel of
it better.  The only issue I have is that if I want to use the onboard
Ethernet port with Ubuntu, I have to run a 2.6.8 kernel, but that might
not apply to the T20.  I don't remember having that problem under FC4,
although it did not support my Netgear WG311 by default.  So, the only
feature on mine that I haven't tested is the modem, but hopefully you
don't need that.  Also I believe yours has IR support, mine doesn't.

> Am I supposed to do this like a regular install?

For me, it was just a matter of popping in the CD and going for it.  I
had Gentoo on there at first, and just grabbed a prepackaged xorg.conf
and kernel configuration from linux-on-laptops.com.  Might want to check
this link out:

http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ibm.html

> 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?

You should be able to turn it on and hit the eject button and have time
to insert the CD before it hits the bootloader, but if you have a
paperclip to unwrap you can stick that in the little hole next to the
button on the optical drive, that'll eject it, and you can stick the CD
in and boot 'er up.  Depending on how BIOS is configured it may skip the
CD booting; you can press F10 or F12 (don't remember which, maybe try
both, but I really feel like it was F12, and it may even pop up a
message saying which to press) at the IBM screen to get a menu of
devices to boot from.

I'd like to also take this opportunity to present mad props to the
ThinkPad, regardless of which company brands it:  mine was knocked off
of the top step of a 6-foot ladder in June, its fall only to be broken
by the concrete floor below, and it still hums along just fine.  It
didn't even shut off or give any sort of scare besides a corner of the
keyboard popping out of the besel.  Very well-made laptop.

- -Jeff
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