[TriLUG] Install - ThinkPad T20

[Hugh Crissman]

matt-nc wrote:

> A few weeks ago I was asking about laptops and Linux.  I ended up 
> trying to combine a low-dollar option with hardware that would most 
> likely be compatible and I got an IBM ThinkPad T20 (P3/700MHz) on 
> eBay.  I haven't tried powering it on yet but I don't think there is 
> any operating system on it.
>
> So now I am deciding which Linux distro to use.  Any suggestions about 
> what would be best for this machine or what I should avoid?  I have 
> the Mandriva 10 install CDs on hand but I also have Roadrunner 
> broadband and a CD burner on the desktop so I can get anything that's 
> out there.  Mainly I want to get Apache, PHP and MySQL working on it.  
> It has a 12GB hard drive so space should be sufficient.
>
> Is it likely that some version of Linux will support most of the 
> machine's features or would it be good to do a dual boot setup?
>
> Am I supposed to do this like a regular install?
>
> BTW, about laptops in general, how do these DVD drives work?  Can I 
> just pull the DVD tray out manually while the power is off, put the 
> install CD in, push it back in manually and then power on to start the 
> install process?
>
> Any suggestions on where to get extra battery packs, besides eBay?
>
> Thanks,
> Matt
>
>
>
I have a T23 (very similar) and it is running Debian w/ no problems. It 
can be as desktop of server like as you prefer. To be honest I have not 
found a distro that did not install well on this system.

Hugh Crissman