Main » TERM » L » A laptop that runs a variant of the Linux open source operating system such as Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Red Hat or Mandriva. While a Linux laptop can be purchased with Linux already preinstalled, in many cases a user will need to purchase a laptop that doesn't have an operating system preinstalled or a laptop with a version of the Windows operating system and then install Linux on top of it. In the latter case, both Windows and Linux can reside on the same machine in what is known as a "dual-boot" scenario. PC manufacturers that offer pre-installed Linux laptop computers range from the well known like Dell and HP to less familiar companies like System76, ThinkPenguin and LinPC. See Linux and operating system terms in Webopedia, and learn more about Open Source in Webopedia's "Did You Know...?" section. 8 Agenda Apps to Help Students Stay Organized Webopedia's student apps roundup will help you to better organize your class schedule and stay on top of assignments and homework.

List of Free Shorten URL Services A URL shortener is a way to make a long Web address shorter. Try this list of free services. Top 10 Tech Terms of 2015 The most popular Webopedia definitions of 2015. Java Basics, Part 1 Java is a high-level programming language. This guide describes the basics of Java, providing an overview of syntax, variables, data types and... Java Basics, Part 2 This second Study Guide describes the basics of Java, providing an overview of operators, modifiers and control Structures. The 7 Layers of the OSI Model The Open System Interconnection (OSI) model defines a networking framework to implement protocols in seven layers. Use this handy guide to compare... IT Jobs/SalaryAppleIT CertificationsGnomeKDEGNU/LinuxIPhoneWindowsVistaGadgetsSaaSVirtualizationSecurityMobileInternet ExplorerMozillaSOASoftwareInfrastructure Open SourceRead More in Open Source » Posted June 10, 2013 By (Page 1 of 2) Also see: Ubuntu Laptop Buying Guide

Getting a new laptop is always fun, no matter which OS you prefer. However, getting Ubuntu installed on a new notebook can be a hit or miss process. Despite those who downplay the compatibility issue, installing Ubuntu on a laptop designed for Windows doesn't always go as planned.Pro Ana Juice Fasting Weight Loss In this article, we'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed, laptops without an OS installed and putting Ubuntu on laptops with Windows installed.Toy Aussie Puppies For Sale Fl Installing Ubuntu on Windows LaptopsEnglish Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale Ohio When you wander into a big box store or order a laptop from a popular national vendor, chances are excellent you're going to end up with a laptop that has Windows pre-installed.

Things start to get complicated when you want to install a Linux distribution like Ubuntu onto these units. It amazes me when individuals are surprised when something like the audio or wireless chipset turns out to be problematic when installing Ubuntu on a Windows laptop. Of course, it's not "always" going to work out of the box, you purchased the laptop with a non-Linux OS installed! Granted, I'm familiar with the usual reasons why someone would purchase a Windows build laptop to install Linux on it. Usually, folks purchase these laptops because of their price, but sometimes because they really like the design. Whatever the case, there are some things you need to know before you rush out and buy a laptop running a non-Linux OS: The laptop was built to run Windows, not Linux. While it's possible to install Ubuntu on these laptop models, good luck getting support from the vendor when something goes wrong. And if you have to send it in for service, you'd be wise to check with their policy regarding running a non-Windows installation before sending the laptop in for a repair.

Among other compatibility challenges, audio and wireless chipsets may not work. To be more specific, those chipsets may not work without substantial intervention from you, the end user. I can't speak for everyone, but when I buy a new computer, I prefer absolute compatibility. A Windows laptop may not always offer this, and you're gambling that it will. Example: I have an ASUS Eee netbook which was able to run under Linux, so long as a specific grub parameter was used. This parameter ceased to work in the latest releases of the Linux kernel. Put plainly, this means this netbook's ability to have functional back-light controls stops at kernel v3.7. Had this netbook been a model built for Ubuntu or another Linux distribution, I could likely find support from the vendor. Sadly, this isn't the case. Purchasing Laptops with no OS Installed Another option for purchasing a laptop is to buy one without an OS installed. The obvious advantage is that it will save you having to wipe the old OS before installing Ubuntu.

On the flip side, however, you're once again left in charge of making sure the laptop's compatibility is on par with your expectations. Generally, this isn't considered too much trouble, unless you happen to run into issues that the Ubuntu documentation can't help you overcome. Personally, I've never been a big fan of no-OS laptops. They seem great at first—unless a compatibility headache happens to crop up later on. Now obviously, there are ways of increasing your odds of finding a successful no-OS laptop to meet your needs. The best approach for taking this route would include the following: Verify that the laptop you're considering offers great compatibility. The Ubuntu laptop compatibility guide is a good place to start. With newer laptop models, I would recommend using Google to check around for any reported issues others may have experienced. Be ready to take charge of any potential issues that may arise. Remember, just because the laptop is working with this release of Ubuntu, doesn't mean there won't be problems down the road.