Nat Gross writes:
On 5/7/07, Sam Varshavchik <mrsam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:Nat Gross writes: > On 5/7/07, Nat Gross <nat101l@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: >> On 5/7/07, Sam Varshavchik <mrsam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: >> > Nat Gross writes: >> > >> > > On 5/7/07, Sam Varshavchik <mrsam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: >> > >> Nat Gross writes: >> > >> >> > >> > I would like to have Fedora on it in a dual boot config. >> > >> > If I have to, I'll reinstall Vista (and free Win software) from scratch. >> > >> >> > >> Are you really sure you can do that? >> > >> >> > >> The Vista CD you have included with your shiny machine is, most likely, a >> > >> castrated "rescue CD" that merely copies over the original Vista install >> > >> image off a hidden, extra partition. I'd be surprised if it even gave you >> > >> an option of choosing your partition layout. More than likely it just wipes >> > >> everything clean and sets up an entire disk-spanning partition, again. >> > >> >> > > This is a Vista DVD and it seems like the complete Vista is on it. >> > > >> > > Currently I am trying the rescuecd but, although it boots ok, it won't >> > > startx, so I cant do gparted - yet. >> > > >> > > Make me wonder if Fedora might also have gui problems on this. >> > >> > More than likely. I'll probably get tired of repeating this: but you just >> > can't pull a random laptop off the shelf, and expect that video will work >> > flawlessly, in Linux. That's not the way it works. >> > >> > Now, if you have the basic model, with the Intel 950 video, you might >> > actually have lucked out, and there's a good chance that you'll get >> > accelerated 3D out of the box. If, however, you "upgraded" to the ATI >> > x1400 video option, well, you've upgraded yourself out of Linux video >> > compatibility (although you should be able to get basic 2D video working). >> > >> > Note that the preceding paragraph was based solely on the information I >> > could easily pull off Dell's web site, and www.mesa3d.org. >> >> Uh oh. We (we? *I* ) have a problem. I have the ATI X1400. >> I think I'll return the sucker. Hope they let me. > > There is a RAY of HOPE. Namely: > http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/linux/linux-radeon.html This is a > bran new driver! > But.... although the install does not seem too complex per: > https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/drivers/linux/linux_8.36.5-inst.html > I am not sure if: > a) I know the answers to the installer questions as it pertains to FC > 6 (hint hint). > b) Will I be able to get to the point where I can run the installer? Well, feel free to ignore my advice, but:FEDORA LOVERS --- GOOD NEWS!! Finally, I booted the FC 6 DVD, just to see if the gui will come up. FC 6 *automatically detects* the ATI mobility 1400, and automatically installs *something* (don't ask me what), automatically runs a variety of X.org tests, and *passes* the tests, and runs startx, and voila! the gui comes up 100%OK!!!!!!!!!!! Am I missing something?
You're probably missing accelerated 3D support. Which means that you can't play OpenGL games, or use Beryl/Compiz to get some eye candy. But, you'll have basic video and graphics, perfectly suitable for general usage.
I'd imagine if you want to play games you'd boot some other operating system. Despite all the noise, I don't think that accelerated 3D on Linux is that uber-important. If you can get it, it's certainly nice, but it's not a showstopper.
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