Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Plan on getting a Linux laptop: any suggestions? (beehaw.org)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm considering getting a laptop for Linux and want to know a few things before I do. Some important info before I start: I don't plan on using the laptop for anything too intense, mainly writing, digital art, streaming, browsing, and maybe very mild video editing (cropping at least and shortening at most). I would also prefer the laptop to be inexpensive, preferably under 1000 USD

I mainly want to know if whether I should get a laptop by a manufacturer that specializes in Linux or a laptop that runs a different OS (exp: Windows) to install Linux on later. I've also scouted out quite a few distros and have a good idea of which ones I would like using

I've already looked at a few mainline Linux hardware producers like System76 but want to know if it's worth it before sinking money into it

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Ooo, thanks! The site seems to have some really good deals :)

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you're getting a Dell (or other laptops, but I know it's fairly common in Dell laptops) try to avoid anything with AMD SmartShift. This feature is designed only for Windows and will cause problems with Linux.

I've been told of a pretty simple fix, so it's not the end of the world, but if you can avoid it I would.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Ooo, nice! And I'll keep the AMD SmartShift in mind

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Great. I should add that the solution I mentioned was done on Mint, but it's a kernel parameter so I'd imagine it's not too distro-specific (I'm very new to Linux though so I may be wrong).

Here is the forum thread if you want to look for yourself. The actual solution should be the third-to-last reply.

The user added in the last comment that this problem may actually be fixed on a lot of SmartShift laptops, so it may not come up at all if you do get one.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I have a Dell G15 5520 as my daily driver. It's a 12th gen intel core i5-12500H with nvidia RTX 3050. I never even let it boot Windows. Booted straight off an Ubuntu USB and wiped the drive. Aside from some quibbles with Ubuntu itself (I hate that by default Firefox is a snap from the snap store), everything basically worked out of the box. The only real hurdle to jump is enabling the proprietary nvidia driver.

Dell has at times offered their laptops with Linux preinstalled. I'm not certain they have a current offering, but just about all of their models are well supported.