NecLab Technics

I took the opportunity this morning to install the latest version of Ubuntu on my trust old IBM Laptop. Here is how it went:

Ingredients:

IBM R31 Laptop / 20GB HD / 512MB RAM / CD Burner / Logitech USB Scroll Mouse / 10/100 Ethernet / Ubuntu Live CD

The first thing I did was to uninstall everything I didn’t want on the laptop, and to defrag it. I have learned over numerous OS installs to do this, and now I just do it out of habit. The machine already had Windows XP on it, so my plan was to make this a dual boot machine and save the XP for some use down the road if I need it.

There is no need for Partition Magic or another partitioning program, as Ubuntu will do that for you during the install. I also deleted the IBM hidden drive at the end of the HD to free up a little more space.

After that, The install went as usual. Insert Live CD, reboot, and follow the instructions. I chose to do an install right away, and accepted the default to most of the questions. I let it do it’s thing, while I went outside and started the demolition process for our deck. While I was sweating it out with stuck deck screws, The IBM and Ubuntu were getting along famously.

I came back in the room from time to time to check on it, but there was really no need. When the install was done, I removed the CD at the prompt and rebooted. I now have the dual boot machine that I wanted, and Ubuntu, again, just works. I did the security updates right away, and will work my way through the other ones as time permits.

I will also be testing the sleep features, battery management, and wireless capabilities as time allows. I just wanted to post this for anyone else wondering if Ubuntu will run on their IBM laptop. It should not be a problem, as Linux just works. At least on this laptop.

Happy 4th! Enjoy.

Read more...

IBM Products - United States
IBM Products and Services

Cheap used and refurbished IBM laptops notebooks on Sale
Best selection of used and refurbished IBM Thinkpad laptop notebook ... Used and refurbished IBM Thinkpad computer laptops on Clearance Sale. ...

IBM at Batteries4Laptop
Batteries4Laptop is your one stop shop for all kinds of IBM accessories like acer extensa, thinkpad and more ... IBM Acer Extensa 500 Series Laptop Battery. ...

IBM Laptops
IBM THINKPAD T60 LAPTOP 1.66GHz 2GB 300GB WINDOWS 7 PRO ... IBM Lenovo ThinkPad T60 Laptop w IBM Docking Station $260.00 (3 Bids) Time Left: 15h 59m ...

IBM Laptops: Compare Prices, Reviews & Buy Online @ Yahoo! ...
Yahoo! Shopping is the best place to comparison shop for IBM Laptops Compare products, compare prices, read reviews and merchant ratings.