[ltp] n00b question, what are your opinions?

[joshua timberman]

On Tue, 4 Jan 2005 15:52:38 -0800, Mike Cohen <mcohen@sswt.org> wrote:

> Just got a new t42 model 2373 3vu
> Im not sure what the proper name of this model is but the stats are

Machine type is 2373.  The specific model of that machine type is 3vu.
 It is either a T42 or T42p by name.

> Intel 2200bg network card

I assume this is your wireless adapter. It should be supported by
SuSE.  Their hardware compatibility list is here. 
http://hardwaredb.suse.de/?LANG=en_UK

Unfortunately it doesn't look like this adapter is on the list.  There
is hope, though, for there's a ipw2200 site on sourceforge:
http://ipw2200.sourceforge.net/

> Intel gig ethernet

In eight years of using Intel network adapters on Linux, I have never
once had a problem getting one to work.  It also works on HPUX,
Solaris x86, SCO Unixware 7 and QNX.  I'm referring specifically to
the Intel Etherexpress Pro family.

> 14.1 high res screen 1400x1000
> 64mb ati video.

Except for certain 3D drivers and applications, the ATI chipset family
is quite well supported in XFree and Xorg.  That resolution should be
an option for LCDs.

> In the past on my desktops and servers I have had good luck with Suse,
> however Ive had horrible luck with wireless setups with suse and
> wireless encryption so Im a bit scarred.

If you've done any kind of tinkering with kernel modules, you should
be just fine with the ipw2200 driver.  Other distributions might work
as well, but I think it's good to stick with what you know, unless you
want to branch out and expirament.

> I'd like to try debian, but I mainly want a fairly easy install. By easy
> I mean one where I have to edit the fewest amount of configs etc... I
> have installed debian a few times, but all on older supported hardware.

There's a number of Debian derivatives to try.  Unbuntu, Xandros,
Knoppix and Mepix have all been mentioned on this list (or even this
thread).
 
> Are their any distros that will work out of the box?
> 1. Ethernet/Wireless support
> 2. Video and sound
> 3. CD/DVD burning.

Except your WiFi card which I addressed, I know SuSE and Fedora Core
both support the above requirements, as I have used them all on my
Thinkpad on both distributions.

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