Are there any problems with installing Linux on a Sony Vaio laptop?

Question

I have a Sony Vaio laptop model VGN-FS25GP (Intel Pentium M 1.73Ghz, 60Gb HDD, 512RAM, GeForce Go 6200) and since it has below average specs I was thinking of formatting the HDD completely and installing Ubuntu Linux.
This is a spare laptop that no one in my family use anymore and since I've never properly used a Linux OS before, I thought it would be a good idea to start learning Linux while I have the chance. I am also looking to upgrade the RAM to 1Gb (max the laptop can hold) and upgrading the HDD.
Are there any problems with installing Linux on my laptop?
If someone can give a detailed explanation then that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Answer 1

you can install linux ubuntu directly on that sony. no need to upgrade ram or hdd if for now you can not afford or would be hard for you to find parts..

linux will run well even 256mb ram and 4g hdd...

get live cd from canonical ltd.

www.ubuntu.com

www.shipit.ubuntu.com



in case you run into problem with linux, plenty support you will find from linux community.

don't worry..

all technics and workarounds will be shared to you..

as for ram and hdd, you may upgrade it if you want to run some visual effects like 3d-cubes and other effects which you can only experience on linux OS..

Answer 2

I am currently running Linux Mint 9 on a VAIO laptop model VGN-NR310E (Intel Pentium T2370 1.73Ghz, 300Gb HDD, 1Gb RAM). I recommend Mint because it is more likely to work with your wireless right from the start. (Ubuntu has a lot of issues with wireless.)

Upgrading the HDD is not necessary (I have Mint running on a desktop with a 3.2Gb HDD), but upgrading the memory would actually make a difference.



Check out Mint at the link below. Read the specs, and check out the screenshots. I think you will like it.

Answer 3

You should have no problems using Ubuntu on your laptop. You *may* run into wireless connection issues, which seem to be the common problem with linux on laptops, since its really finicky about wireless cards. It all just depends on what kind of wireless card it is and who made it. I googled your laptop's specs but didn't return anything, so I can't tell you if its going to work or not. Ubuntu is usually good about detecting wireless cards though.

Answer 4

Yes adding more RAM would increase performance considerably



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 9 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 9 (Isadora)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-9-isadora



Linux Mint 9 User Guide Download pdf.

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Linux Mint 9 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive



Also worth considering :



Fedora Remix (Fedora with elements of Linux Mint)

http://www.linuxmint.com/blog/?p=1418

http://fcoremix.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/lucky-13/

http://iso.linux.hr/community-fedora-remix/



Again Fedora Remix can be run direct from the LiveDVD without touching your Hard Drive



Take a look at DISTROWATCH.COM where the possibilities are endless. Create as many LiveCD's of different distros. as you want to find one that suits you

http://distrowatch.com/



Major Releases

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major





LUg.