tip for newbies and experts alike [Archive]

xxispawn01xx

04-26-2003, 12:10 AM

guys i cant tell u how pissed i am i learn linux on my HP laptop and there tech support sux i think i might have to send the laptop in again(but hopefully covered under my warranty this time) do yurself a favor guys EVERYONE LISTEN TO THIS, instead of screwing up yur whole HD EVERYONE TRUST ME ON THIS ONE. BUuy a cheap $80- external USB hardrive no more than 10gigs will be more than enough for the snuff of a newbie it will be the safest bet and will help u more than enough :)

Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379

04-26-2003, 12:29 AM

Um, I would have to disagree.

First, If you are trying to learn Linux for the first time, a laptop isn't even the ideal platform to learn it from. I know that a lot of the hardware these days is pretty standard, but I'm sure there are plenty of headaches to be had just because of their integrated nature. I'd suggest installing it on a regular desktop PC first, then trying for a laptop install once you're more familiar with the installation process, and how the system works in general. If you only have a laptop available, though, I'd suggest Knoppix (http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html), as it boots from CD, no partitioning needed.

Second, how did you screw up your hard drive? Do you mean by repartitioning it or something? If so, you didn't screw it up enough to have to send it to HP to get it fixed-- simply boot from a Linux CD that has a rescue function, or even Knoppix. You can use fdisk to remake your partition table. You will, however, have to reinstall whatever OS you choose to be on it.

Thirdly, if you somehow did do something to really screw up your hard drive by installing Linux, I'd be positive that such damage would not be covered under your warranty. They'd look at it like you did something to intentionally screw up your hard drive.

And finally, fourthly, there are many machines, laptops included, that can't boot from a USB hard drive. Again, if you are intent upon installing Linux, and you don't want to mess up the drive you have, I'd suggest getting an older, inexpensive box and either wiping it clean and installing Linux, or put a second hard drive in a machine you have.