Windows 8 to Linux

J

janysekk6843

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I got this laptop and it is Windows 8 OS. However, I don't want the Windows 8 OS. I want to know if I can wipe the Windows 8 OS and put an Linux OS on instead. If I can do that, which Linux OS would you guys recommend?

The specs of the laptop:

AMD Dual-Core E2-1800 Accelerated Processor
Windows 8
15.6" widescreen
4GB DDR3 1333MHz memory
500GB HDD (5400rpm, Serial ATA)
AMD Integrated Graphics
 


With a Windows8 PC, you most likely need to be aware of issues with UEFI Secure Boot. Linux distributions have responded to this in various ways. You may just want to Google a bit on how to disable Secure Boot. I believe that option is found by pressing F10 while you boot. But if you don't want to do that, I think Ubuntu should install on Secure Boot computers. I think Fedora might install as well.
 
Be aware that some new motherboards are NOT providing the ability to disable secure boot. For example, a new Gigabyte z77 wifi mItx that I just bought (3 of them, sadly).

This severely limits the linux distros you can install (particularly if you're a bit retro). AFAIK you cannot install BSD at all. It also means that you cannot swap hard drives between identical systems, or replace your motherboard and use your existing drive.

Before buying ANY system advertized as "Windows 8 compatible" I would strongly suggest you make sure that secure boot can be disabled on it.
 
this is a good post foe me as what the info it contains is the same I've been looking of r a while being fed up with the Win .. now thinking upon the the Linux OS for being free to work on this open source app ..
 
It's a a sad direction laptops and netbooks are going. Half the reason I bought the last laptop I did was because it still had windows 7 and even then (over 6 months ago) it was very hard to find a laptop without windows 8. I hope this doesn't become a trend or it may limit the use of linux on laptops as Linus has already said he isn't going to alter the kernel to accomodate secure boot and we all know how hard it is to find a laptop without windows peri stalled :(
 
Greetings all!

I am not sure if I am even in the right thread but my problem is with going from Windows 8 to Linux...

System specs. from box were: Toshiba Satellite L75D-A280, Windows 8, AMD Vision A6 Quad 2.00 APU, 6GB DDR3

After looking up how to dual-boot with windows 8 in the Toshiba forums I followed the instructions, then while trying out Ubuntu 13.04 used GParted to shrink the amount of space Win8 had. After that, installed Linux into 'unallocated'. Linux obliterated Win8 completely regardless of 'use unused space' selected, voiding my warranty I'm afraid (not sure but it might be)... If I recall, UEFI SecureBoot was turned off, as well... Pretty much everything is working but I cannot play DVDs, not even with VLC media player and I've already downloaded the mpeg packages and restricted extra packages that were available in Synaptic Package Manager and the Software Manager. I am a novice with Linux, a friend who is experienced in the older versions but could still help a heck of a lot, helped me and did a lot of the Linux side stuff or talked me through it. So I need all the help I can get right now. I am facing spending another $200 on windows 8 to re-install unless I can find a free or cheaper OS replacement deal, so that I can then exchange my current unit for one that I will have no problems using Linux on.
 
Pretty much everything is working but I cannot play DVDs, not even with VLC media player and I've already downloaded the mpeg packages and restricted extra packages that were available in Synaptic Package Manager and the Software Manager. I am a novice with Linux, a friend who is experienced in the older versions but could still help a heck of a lot, helped me and did a lot of the Linux side stuff or talked me through it. So I need all the help I can get right now. I am facing spending another $200 on windows 8 to re-install unless I can find a free or cheaper OS replacement deal, so that I can then exchange my current unit for one that I will have no problems using Linux on.

Hey Mary, have you checked out this page? It will make sure you have the right libraries for playing DVDs.

If Ubuntu is installed and working fine, it's hopeful that you won't have to switch operating systems again. :)
 
Hey Mary, have you checked out this page? It will make sure you have the right libraries for playing DVDs.

If Ubuntu is installed and working fine, it's hopeful that you won't have to switch operating systems again. :)

Woohoo! VLC brought Shanghai Noon up.

What does it mean when Steam cannot find your graphics device? If my thinking that the CPU and Accelerated Graphics are joined...why, if the graphics card is there, are some things saying there's no graphics card? At one point something detected it but said driver error... other than that I don't know. Two reasons I got the bigger computer, 1) moderate gamer wants to go back to Lord of the Rings Online 2) 1st year college student. Right now these problems are not affecting schoolwork but if there's something that can be done...goodness, even just waiting for drivers to be created...I'll do it. Not gonna bother you folks with my Win7 Pro problems, that's Toshiba's ticket since it's their system.
 

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