Cross posting this from another thread I made. For those of you, who now have Root, I am wondering if any of you would be interested in installing a Linux Distribution alongside your Android OS...well Fire OS. I have tested this on 4 devices so far, one being the Amazon HD 8.9. Since the HD 10 just got root, I am interested to see how a Linux OS would work on Fire OS, if at all. This would be a fully operational installation of a Linux distribution that runs alongside of Android.
If you're concerned about bricking your tablet, don't worry, this is very, very low risk, and pretty much impossible to brick your device. It will either work, or it won't. It's that simple. Note you need at least 4GB free space of internal storage, or if you have an sdcard slot, you can partition part of it to install a Linux distribution (that will be part two of my guide). I believe this will be a success on these tablets because I've tested it on three vastly different Samsung devices, with success on all of them. Samsung customizes (butchers) the framework in much of the same fashion as Amazon. If it works on the Kindle 8.9, it should work equally as good, maybe even better on the HD 10.
Please see my long, but detailed XDA guide.
Got it working but, its not proper. App Image runner ontop of the OG OS.
darksoul21 said:
Got it working but, its not proper. App Image runner ontop of the OG OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you mean?
DragonFire1024 said:
I'm not sure what you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
Its like running a VM. Is there a way to get a full install instead?
darksoul21 said:
.
Its like running a VM. Is there a way to get a full install instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a 'full install.' you need the VNC if you want a graphical interface. You can also use a ssh client, but I haven't been able to figure that out yet.
If you want to replace android with Linux, it just isn't possible anymore. For now, this is about as good as you are going to get. I'm almost done with the second Guide. Perhaps that's more what you mean.
DragonFire1024 said:
This is a 'full install.' you need the VNC if you want a graphical interface. You can also use a ssh client, but I haven't been able to figure that out yet.
If you want to replace android with Linux, it just isn't possible anymore. For now, this is about as good as you are going to get. I'm almost done with the second Guide. Perhaps that's more what you mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a Virtual Machine running on top of android. So your stuck with the available resources from the primary OS (android).
Its better than nothing since this device is basically dead on this Forum.
darksoul21 said:
Its a Virtual Machine running on top of android. So your stuck with the available resources from the primary OS (android).
Its better than nothing since this device is basically dead on this Forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. You can download apps and what not. You can do just about the same things as you could in a desktop with Linux. You have git, gcc, etc. But at the moment l, unless you have a Nexus, this is the best there is. The virtual aspect is unavoidable.
DragonFire1024 said:
Not true. You can download apps and what not. You can do just about the same things as you could in a desktop with Linux. You have git, gcc, etc. But at the moment l, unless you have a Nexus, this is the best there is. The virtual aspect is unavoidable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do all that in a virtual machine. What he's saying is, since it's a vm, you only get access to system resources not in use by the host operating system. No complaints. Again, it's better than nothing if that kind of thing is what you're looking for.
sturner83 said:
You can do all that in a virtual machine. What he's saying is, since it's a vm, you only get access to system resources not in use by the host operating system. No complaints. Again, it's better than nothing if that kind of thing is what you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. But you can interact with those resources. This has always been the only mass way to install Linux. There used to be a way, but I couldn't replicate it. Keep an eye on Ubuntu though.
I'm interested but will it run native or chroot?
Franzferdinan51 said:
I'm interested but will it run native or chroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supposed to be both, but have only been able to get chroot going.
Sent from my Amazon Jem using XDA Labs
I think native might require BL unlock but I'm not even close to an expert I will say that it whould be cool to port a ChromeOS varient chromium or cloudready even
Franzferdinan51 said:
I think native might require BL unlock but I'm not even close to an expert I will say that it whould be cool to port a ChromeOS varient chromium or cloudready even
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, though I'll have to look, I had a Gentoo Android installation. I never tried it and not sure if I still have it. Supposedly it just needs installing into /data. I'll look for it and a link and post my findings a little later.
Sent from my Amazon KFSUWI using XDA Labs
Double down on IDK
[/COLOR]
Franzferdinan51 said:
I think native might require BL unlock but I'm not even close to an expert I will say that it whould be cool to port a ChromeOS varient chromium or cloudready even
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not close to expert on Android on ARM myself, although I used to dumpster dive for 386 PCs when I discovered linux and 486s we're just coming out, and I was "stuck" with a 68k Mac. Bought the first bootable Linux CD back in the 90s (Debian), got Linux running on a DEC Alpha soon after, so I've been around the block. I don't see any reason at all to get linux on a Fire except as an academic challenge. ChromiumOS (and ChromeOS) are crippled Linux. Period. CloudReady is just Chrome tweaked for old x86 PCs. Linux itself would just give you some extra developer tools, maybe. Perhaps a pro might secretly do penetration testing with a Kindle that way, but it would be like trying to fish with firecrackers. Might as well get a RPi. Is there a particular app you want to run? I can see trying to break from Amazon's walled garden with an alt Android, but anything else and you might as well write your own OS. That's about the level of challenge you're talking about. Dragonfire1024- am I right? I don't mean to be harsh, just realistic. Personally, I'd rather spend time on development boards like the Pi, than reverse engineer a Fire to that extent.
cuvtixo said:
[/COLOR]
Not close to expert on Android on ARM myself, although I used to dumpster dive for 386 PCs when I discovered linux and 486s we're just coming out, and I was "stuck" with a 68k Mac. Bought the first bootable Linux CD back in the 90s (Debian), got Linux running on a DEC Alpha soon after, so I've been around the block. I don't see any reason at all to get linux on a Fire except as an academic challenge. ChromiumOS (and ChromeOS) are crippled Linux. Period. CloudReady is just Chrome tweaked for old x86 PCs. Linux itself would just give you some extra developer tools, maybe. Perhaps a pro might secretly do penetration testing with a Kindle that way, but it would be like trying to fish with firecrackers. Might as well get a RPi. Is there a particular app you want to run? I can see trying to break from Amazon's walled garden with an alt Android, but anything else and you might as well write your own OS. That's about the level of challenge you're talking about. Dragonfire1024- am I right? I don't mean to be harsh, just realistic. Personally, I'd rather spend time on development boards like the Pi, than reverse engineer a Fire to that extent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each their own I guess. My goal is to at some point get nethunter to work in a better capacity than this guide. There's a lot more you can do with parts of Linux. For example, attempt to root other devices, build parts of or whole ROMs, etc.
Sent from my Amazon KFSUWI using XDA Labs
Has there been any progress on this? I'm looking to use this as digital signage where there isn't space in a wall box for a RPi or similar SBC.
sorry for posting this question here but it I've tried to find a better place and failed...what's the best option(s) for this thing if it hasn't been rooted already? I'm ready to just sell it and move on if I can't do something other than what Amazon intended.
Ubuntu touch on fire hd 8
I would love to put Ubuntu touch on my 8" fire has this been done and can I use ubports to do it and what works??
Related
I am currently asking around if people would be interested in Ubuntu MID for HTC Hero?
Now my question is would you be interested in this?
http://www.ubuntu.com/products/mobile
i am interested..
M
Just went to your site and from the look of it , it looks amazing!, really impressive and hoping this will actually come out soon
yes imteresed
kosworld said:
yes imteresed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here looks nice
I know that we are on the Hero section, but your post seems to be interesting for the Archos:
http://www.archos.com/products/imt/archos_5it/dualos.html?country=gb&lang=en
I think it will be easier with the dual boot
@dbschr - Will you be developing this project, compiling a capable kernel is going to require a lot of attention, especially as the hero isn't open-source.
I would be interested fo sure - but why do You ask?
Stickman89 said:
@dbschr - Will you be developing this project, compiling a capable kernel is going to require a lot of attention, especially as the hero isn't open-source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel's open-source, and the underlying OS is open-source. Yeah, the HTC drivers are closed, but with the kernel itself being open, they would be very easy to implement in another OS, like Ubuntu Mobile.
that day i was reading in a website that nokia n900 is dual booting ubuntu mobile without any significant lag.
Count me in
as I know, Ubuntu MID is targeted for Internet devices, or recently known as Tablets..
I don't know if you can make calls with this distribution !!
but .. what's the harm in trying?! downloading..
i would be interested...as long as i would have all the basic functions of my Hero working(Phone,modem,gps,3d drivers,speakers,accelerometer,hardware buttons,etc)
HD2
how would i go about loading Ubuntu MID onto my HD2, the hardware can more than handle it i just don't know enough about the boot loader to re-write it.
You can actually mount any distro and connect with vnc to it... i know someone on Modaco who managed to run a fully Ubuntu on his Hero But it's almost unusable...
Details for running linux on your hero here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=582347
Has any development actually begun?
Ubuntu MID edition is actually discontinued, if you read the wiki.
d3sm0nd said:
You can actually mount any distro and connect with vnc to it... i know someone on Modaco who managed to run a fully Ubuntu on his Hero But it's almost unusable...
Details for running linux on your hero here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=582347
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this different. it is a chroot environment, not ubuntu actually running on the phone.
I bought this hero for android so I cant see the thing about having a sluggish os like ubuntu on it!! I would rather see slitaz linux to see how fast it runs as its a desktop distro at 27mb is quick!!!
The more ablities I have, the better the world is. I'm in!
Before I get boo'd off the stage, just hear me out.
I'm new to the whole cell phone modding scene as the EVO is the first nice phone I've ever had. When I get a new product, I'm the type of person that's going to customize it any way possible, even at the risk of breaking it (gotta love those high risk behaviors).
So my question is, what is the likelihood of seeing an unofficial WinMo7 flash for the EVO? Is this just way beyond the technical capabilities of anyone on the modding scene without access to internal specs? Are there any other phones that this type of thing has been done on to provide a frame of reference?
Don't get me wrong, I love Android and I've been very supportive of the products and developers on the marketplace. I'd just really like the option to flash WinMo7 if I wanted to.
And hey, at least I didn't say iOS4 right?
Considering that WM7 is about 4-6 months out from even being released, it is probably a little silly to be talking about this right now.
Housoft said:
Before I get boo'd off the stage, just hear me out.
I'm new to the whole cell phone modding scene as the EVO is the first nice phone I've ever had. When I get a new product, I'm the type of person that's going to customize it any way possible, even at the risk of breaking it (gotta love those high risk behaviors).
So my question is, what is the likelihood of seeing an unofficial WinMo7 flash for the EVO? Is this just way beyond the technical capabilities of anyone on the modding scene without access to internal specs? Are there any other phones that this type of thing has been done on to provide a frame of reference?
Don't get me wrong, I love Android and I've been very supportive of the products and developers on the marketplace. I'd just really like the option to flash WinMo7 if I wanted to.
And hey, at least I didn't say iOS4 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chances are damn near nil. winmo7 is not open source, so there will be no code available to get the kernel up and running. no kernel --> no talky talky between software and hardware.
You have a better chance of being struck by lightening twice in the same spot.
MrDSL said:
You have a better chance of being struck by lightening twice in the same spot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or seeing WinMo 6.x on the EVO
timothydonohue said:
chances are damn near nil. winmo7 is not open source, so there will be no code available to get the kernel up and running. no kernel --> no talky talky between software and hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This confuses me... windows mobile 6.x isn't open source either, but people found all sorts of ways to mix and match hardware and software installs. Devices that stopped getting updated at WM5 ended up with user based ROMs for 6.0, 6.1 and 6.5 years later.
Thank you for the valid responses I'm just trying to wrap my head around the cell phone scene so the input was much appreciated.
To the others, well, thank you for trolling. Who woulda thought that a legitimate question located in the legitimate forum would be so ridiculously stupid, amirite?
ok i will be the first
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
there is the OS Licensing cost.
as i understand it, Android is free (more free beer than free speech but that's a different thread). Microsoft is not ever free.
hence, if you hack android you're a potential nerd...if you hack windows you're a potential criminal.
kinda the same reason we don't put the apple os on devices...it's closed source.
oh yeah...and then there is the most important question... why would you want to defile your EVO like that?
Junon said:
This confuses me... windows mobile 6.x isn't open source either, but people found all sorts of ways to mix and match hardware and software installs. Devices that stopped getting updated at WM5 ended up with user based ROMs for 6.0, 6.1 and 6.5 years later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interfacing an OS to hardware is all about drivers. On top of that, the software must be compiled with the correct instruction set for the CPU. This is why upgrading to a newer Win Mobile can be possible, but not Android to Win.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
SharkUW said:
Interfacing an OS to hardware is all about drivers. On top of that, the software must be compiled with the correct instruction set for the CPU. This is why upgrading to a newer Win Mobile can be possible, but not Android to Win.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not correct. WinMo7 is using ARM instructions just the same as WinMo6, WinMo5, 2003, Android, and everyone else unless you know something I don't.
Even further WinMo7 will most likely run on Snapdragon chips... so we can pull the necessary drivers from other systems.
The only thing that would be needed is either a haRET style bootloader but for WinMo or a dual bootloader that can load either WinMo7 or Android.
hi all,
I read this thread just now:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=857188
I wanna talk about the same thing but that thread has been closed.
According to some website, I found both G10 and iPhone4 are based on ARM architecture. I have use IDA to analyse some files in iOS 4.2.1 update packages and I found it use ARM7 instruction set. So I think there is still some possibility to port iOS kernel to G10. Is there anyone who also interested on this? Could you tell me something useful about this project? Thanks a lot.
BTW: If you think this post makes no means, please do not laugh at me as the guys who has done this in the thread above. I only talk about my idea. Although this idea maybe impossible to be implemented. I hope you can give me some adivse, information or others, not your ridicule. Thanks in advance.
It's about as likely as getting windows phone 7 to work on the DHD. Without the source it's probably an impossible undertaking as the kernel will need to be rewritten with the correct hooks and drivers to work on the DHD.
-----
Someone Swyped my idea.
dr.m0x said:
It's about as likely as getting windows phone 7 to work on the DHD. Without the source it's probably an impossible undertaking as the kernel will need to be rewritten with the correct hooks and drivers to work on the DHD.
-----
Someone Swyped my idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was agree with your opinion. The driver is really needed to be written for a new device. But for some basic peripheral such as touch-screen, may have a common driver between iphone and desire hd?
jilingshu said:
Yes, I was agree with your opinion. The driver is really needed to be written for a new device. But for some basic peripheral such as touch-screen, may have a common driver between iphone and desire hd?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Highly unlikely in my opinion, if you want iOs on your phone buy an iphone.
BTW I'm sure if you did manage the port you would be unable to connect to iTunes to install apps so would be restricted to clydia etc
ghostofcain said:
Highly unlikely in my opinion, if you want iOs on your phone buy an iphone.
BTW I'm sure if you did manage the port you would be unable to connect to iTunes to install apps so would be restricted to clydia etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just discuss about the possibility and gather information about this. So, do not suggest me to buy a iPhone. BTW: I'd like to buy a iPad2 when it released.
Why would you want iOS on a DHD?
That would be a downgrade
sromer said:
Why would you want iOS on a DHD?
That would be a downgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nowadays Android can run well on iPhone. So why not try to port iOS to Android phone?
I think a major issue would be the screen resolution; the DHD runs at 800x480 and the iphone4 runs at something like 960x640 this would mean that everything would just be wrong, and most probably wouldn't do anything at all. I don't think that it would really be viable for a dev to work on something like this, especially as quite a few of us (me for example) moved away from iOS for Android.
Wuzz3r said:
I think a major issue would be the screen resolution; the DHD runs at 800x480 and the iphone4 runs at something like 960x640 this would mean that everything would just be wrong, and most probably wouldn't do anything at all. I don't think that it would really be viable for a dev to work on something like this, especially as quite a few of us (me for example) moved away from iOS for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm... Resolution is a issue only for application developers... It should not be a problem for kernel porting I think.
i have been highly involved in OSX86 which is where you are porting mac osx to work on windows machines and from that, i can safely say that this project would involve so much work that you are essentially rewriting the whole OS
panyan said:
i have been highly involved in OSX86 which is where you are porting mac osx to work on windows machines and from that, i can safely say that this project would involve so much work that you are essentially rewriting the whole OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. To driver the peripheral device, we have to write all the driver or at least, modify the original driver. Without the source code, this would be too hard.
BTW: Is it possible for us to port xnu(or the kernel of mac os x) to ARM platform just as iOS do?
And why would you want to
Sent from my leedroid 1..... ah the latest one Desire HD
you don't have iOS source right, you will have to disassemble and go thorugh lots of code, replace a lot of things, then fix so that every thing works in a flow..
This will take years! with no assurance of success again. you may also have to find security holes in iOS again to load it on a different phone.
If you had the source then few months!
Not to mention a possible law suit from Apple.
Hi folks.....it s possible have dualboot on DHD?how to install win7 on DHD? It s possible porting os6 of blackberry on DHD or HD2? thanks.....
^^^^ no its not possible right to put up Win7 on DHD! don't think anybody is going to work on that also.
But Win7 is ported to HD2, or not? Correct me, if i'm wrong. And if it's ported to HD2, it should be possible to port it to the DHD.
I think the problem is only the boot not the porting....because on the HD2 is possible load win7, linux, winxp, android, ecc ecc.....
IOs is like having an Sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia
Its common amongst people and has bad effects on the market.
fkofilee said:
IOs is like having an Sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia
Its common amongst people and has bad effects on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok,epic!
Anyway,why would anyone want iOS?I find it pure bs.But even if there was a way and a reason,would porting it be important enough to put you against Apple?Because,and excuse me everyone for the language I use,the bastards over at apple can sue you for naming a product with an "i" in front!
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57424335-94/androids-new-ally-against-the-iphone-ubuntu/
"When Ubuntu is loaded on an Android phone, the two platforms share the same Linux kernel, so it's not like running two operating systems. The two pieces act like complementary partners. The Android phone functions normally when used as a smartphone or when making calls, but when it docks then the Ubuntu desktop pops up and acts like a standard computer. You can open a desktop Web browser, but you can also install and run standard Ubuntu desktop software for photo editing, word processing, etc."
Nuenjin said:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57424335-94/androids-new-ally-against-the-iphone-ubuntu/
"When Ubuntu is loaded on an Android phone, the two platforms share the same Linux kernel, so it's not like running two operating systems. The two pieces act like complementary partners. The Android phone functions normally when used as a smartphone or when making calls, but when it docks then the Ubuntu desktop pops up and acts like a standard computer. You can open a desktop Web browser, but you can also install and run standard Ubuntu desktop software for photo editing, word processing, etc."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty old news.. I have been waiting for Ubuntu to make more progress.
Maybe Samsung has been putting so much effort into advertising the gs3 because it will have this feature.
They say... "a whole new world will soon be unpacked". I'm sure as hell that will give some Apple fanatics incentive to jump ship!
This is the first I've heard of an official move on the part of manufacturers.
Nevermind I guess.
Nuenjin said:
This is the first I've heard of an official move on the part of manufacturers.
Nevermind I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
>.> Sorry to burst your bubble.
This topic has drifted off and it's probably best that people are reminded about it.
They said by the end of this year we will see this on the market. I just hope Samsung/Google go with it.
Didn't the photon do this? I long wished our phone would do the same
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I have been running Ubuntu on my phone with debdroid and I love the idea but something like this becoming reality would great.
I remember reading about this on engadget a while back. From what I understand, there's some pretty strict hardware restrictions. Only certain chips and things like that. Can't remember exactly
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
I never used Linux never knew anyone who has. What can you run on Linux game wise? Can you play any Windows games on Linux? What is the newest version of Linux? How do you buy computer parts to make a Linux computer? All I ever seen is Windows logo on parts. Whats the advantages compared to Windows? How does one get it one a computer does if come on a disk or flash someplace?
Thank you
Rbohannon89 said:
I never used Linux never knew anyone who has. What can you run on Linux game wise? Can you play any Windows games on Linux? What is the newest version of Linux? How do you buy computer parts to make a Linux computer? All I ever seen is Windows logo on parts. Whats the advantages compared to Windows? How does one get it one a computer does if come on a disk or flash someplace? Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used Linux directly in quite a long time but, the following threads may be helpful in understanding it a bit better. Don't be afraid to ask for some member guidance within one of them too.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1459153
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723240
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3300596
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3530696
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2885245
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1076138
There's others out there but, this will give you a good start...
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
I looked at them but that didn't answer any my question.
There is Steam on Linux. And lot of games are available on Linux. You can't play all windows games on Linux .
http://store.steampowered.com/linux
Windows is like an LTS OS if compared to Linux.
So Ubuntu 16.04 is a safe.
Some OS are updated on daily basis like Arch , Debian.
Some every 6 months like Linux Mint & Ubuntu ,
Linux runs on everything. So basically , as long as you have a computing device.
As far as custom Linux PC is concerned, checkout System76.
https://system76.com/
There are nice builds and they come with good support.
karandpr said:
There is Steam on Linux. And lot of games are available on Linux. You can't play all windows games on Linux .
http://store.steampowered.com/linux
Windows is like an LTS OS if compared to Linux.
So Ubuntu 16.04 is a safe.
Some OS are updated on daily basis like Arch , Debian.
Some every 6 months like Linux Mint & Ubuntu ,
Linux runs on everything. So basically , as long as you have a computing device.
As far as custom Linux PC is concerned, checkout System76.
https://system76.com/
There are nice builds and they come with good support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the advantages and disadvantages in having linux? Also what do most people use it for everyday personal use?
Rbohannon89 said:
What is the advantages and disadvantages in having linux? Also what do most people use it for everyday personal use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Linux just works. Windows has lot of software. Mac is really optimized.
People use Linux to devlop software mostly. Cos it's has great support for development and most servers run on linux.
Windows is still for people who want variety of software and games.
karandpr said:
Linux just works. Windows has lot of software. Mac is really optimized.
People use Linux to devlop software mostly. Cos it's has great support for development and most servers run on linux.
Windows is still for people who want variety of software and games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I can play Windows games somehow? I'm only asking cause I'm thinking of buying a older laptop to experiment with and always curious about Linux. Wanted to play with Linux and learn it. Thanks for the response.
Rbohannon89 said:
So can I can play Windows games somehow? I'm only asking cause I'm thinking of buying a older laptop to experiment with and always curious about Linux. Wanted to play with Linux and learn it. Thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lot of steam games for linux . Older games can be played using Wine or Crossover...
Don't expect to play newer games due to graphics card limitations. (DirectX and Video graphics drivers cause issues.)
Rbohannon89 said:
So can I can play Windows games somehow? I'm only asking cause I'm thinking of buying a older laptop to experiment with and always curious about Linux. Wanted to play with Linux and learn it. Thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An older laptop would be a good way to start. Since it's an older laptop I don't imagine there will be an expectation to play new games on it, Windows or otherwise. Still, remains a great way to dip in and and look at Linux's potential.
Also, the make and model of the laptop can determine how well it is suited for Linux (you have mentioned the Windows stickers earlier - especially recently manufacturers have been making it difficult to allow the switch to Linux), can do a web search with 'linux' in the search, or a distribution. e.g. ...
Code:
linux support lenovo t420
debian support lenovo t420
Lenovo, HP, and Dell are big names that appear to play nice (and System76 makes PC's for Linux). Others, can be like rolling the dice.
And when I hint at a difficult time, it's usually the wi-fi, sometimes the trackpad, maybe sound, rarely something very important like video.
Not saying this to discourage, only to suggest research when it comes to any equipment, old or new. Hopefully the toughest thing would be deciding which distribution to choose - I'm enough of an old fogey to stick to versioned, long-term releases like Debian and avoid the bleeding edge "rolling releases" provide.
Hope this helps.
Oh (looking back to the first post), advantages (which are in the eye of the beholder since they can potentially hold a disadvantage):
Free (as in freedom). I like to be able to vote with my dollar, even though Linux users are rarely obligated to pay for software. This is a philosophical reason, and one can go deep down that rabbit hole, what I like is, nothing is hidden from the public eye since the software is often accompanied by source code, on request. Which makes it difficult for say, a search assistant to send unknown data back to the mother ship.
Variety of experience. If you don't like an application, a windows manager, heck even the init process, you can replace it with something else or even write your own.
Support for older hardware. Often the method to revive a five to ten (sometimes quite older - I occasionally run an up-to-date Linux-powered laptop from 2002 with very satisfactory results) year old device for a new life.
Thank you so much for the replies. What kind of hardware and era should I look for to make a smart decision to what kind of laptop to get? From someone who has never ever used linux or even seen it only used windows how hard is the learning curb? Can I load it on the the pc and just go for it or will I be massively confused?
Rbohannon89 said:
Thank you so much for the replies. What kind of hardware and era should I look for to make a smart decision to what kind of laptop to get? From someone who has never ever used linux or even seen it only used windows how hard is the learning curb? Can I load it on the the pc and just go for it or will I be massively confused?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would go for a once-mid-to-high-end laptop of about six years old (newer run but still holding the Windows 7 stickers), from a vendor I noted before. It does not guarantee complete compatibility so you would still want to cross reference the model number.
I am not a fan of "chiclet" keyboards (I have enough difficulty typing on laptop keyboards) and have fond memories of the IBM ThinkPads (I used to own the popular 600X) that I maintain one of the final bastions before Lenovo took design tips from Apple (by the way, I hear MacBooks can have reasonable compatibility as well, though there would be an extra premium there).
For a laptop longevity perspective (the second thing to look for), a "flagship" laptop from a vendor (especially from Apple or Lenovo) means better access to (and thus generally less expensive) spare parts. To identify this on the Lenovo side, it would mean part of the "T" or "X" lineup (both are business grade; the X models just have a smaller footprint). For what it's worth, business-grade HP laptops are the "ProBook" series.
From what I understand, the learning curve is not that difficult. There have been people who knew nothing about computers that learned Linux quite easily. The challenge for a Windows user trying Linux becomes "un-learning" specific workflow to make way for new ways of doing things. Apologies I can only be general - me trying to share my experience with the learning curve is difficult since that transition was about two decades ago and Microsoft drastically changed the typical user's workflow three times between the early 1990's of my first computer and the year 2000 (MS-DOS -> Windows 3.1 -> Windows 95 -> NT5) that makes the transition from Windows 7 to 8 to 10 look like a food fight. The first year I was quite reliant on a guru (I was in the expectation to accelerate my knowledge for an upcoming project) until I was directed to not use that as a crutch. A bit sad to say, that moment I was told to "RTFM" for a simple problem was when I really started to learn.
But I would definitely not dive into the deep end (as they say) by wiping your main computer for Linux. For starters, even with decent backups (which you should be doing anyway), your data can be inaccessible (installing Linux on a fully set up PC means losing all your personal files there, and if your backup tool to other media is done by a Windows program, Linux may not support restoring that data).
It is also a quick way to become frustrated when hitting even a small roadblock. I would not use "confused" as asked above for this phenomenon. When you combine the impact of the problem with the time in which you would need it resolved by, it can create a sort of desperation on a forum when the answer could have been glaring back without realizing it. Depending on how well documented the issue's solution is (and when a problem that prevents the achievement of a deadline occours on short notice, blind spots tend to happen to even the best of us), would-be readers get frustrated as well and may criticize the lack of research. An exaggerated XDA example of this is when someone flashes a ROM on their daily driver, without any backups first, without wiping anything, and then frantic that their only phone has app force closures every five seconds - and the plane for their two week trip leaves in six hours. In short, a dedicated device to play on means you set the pace on how you want to learn.
A dedicated laptop would be the better way to go. For a no-cost (no additional hardware to buy) demo of Linux, can try a live CD (will also determine how your hardware can interact with Linux) or maintain a persistent instance through an install in Oracle VirtualBox or VMWare (which Linux will work even if your hardware does not play with Linux). Much further away from recommended territory we have the "cold turkey" method (gripes noted in previous two paragraphs), and finally - for a reason - dual-boot (which has to opportunity to hose one or both operating systems at any given moment - including your data - for as something as simple as a Windows Update).
This turned out to be longer than expected, but I hope this helps.
So it's been about 20 I don't know it's been about since 1997 that I played the Linux or Kali nethunter I was wondering if these are possible put on my smg900v or piece of crap that's the original smart phone from Samsung I don't remember the name but it still on Android Jelly Bean I believe was interested if I could take my two older phones and wipe the OS completely and make them nothing but Linux because I used to have a lot of fun with that we used to stay up and drink beers and play on it you know and then it went away in 2008 and I haven't had a cell phone in years because my work gave me one any advice would be appreciated but my youngest son would probably really be interested in it are you having dyslexia try to get him in anything also I found back in the day where they used to convert that phone to be 2G but I can't find anything but the source code and I don't know how to completely enter source code into an Android phone I had a computer I can do it on the computer but not a phone
averydiablo said:
So it's been about 20 I don't know it's been about since 1997 that I played the Linux or Kali nethunter I was wondering if these are possible put on my smg900v or piece of crap that's the original smart phone from Samsung I don't remember the name but it still on Android Jelly Bean I believe was interested if I could take my two older phones and wipe the OS completely and make them nothing but Linux because I used to have a lot of fun with that we used to stay up and drink beers and play on it you know and then it went away in 2008 and I haven't had a cell phone in years because my work gave me one any advice would be appreciated but my youngest son would probably really be interested in it are you having dyslexia try to get him in anything also I found back in the day where they used to convert that phone to be 2G but I can't find anything but the source code and I don't know how to completely enter source code into an Android phone I had a computer I can do it on the computer but not a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The closest thing you can do is run linux with chroot.
Here is a good post to get you started.
https://www.xda-developers.com/guid...a-gnulinux-environment-on-any-android-device/