Mint supports secure boot, so you don't even need to go to legacy boot mode (which really only matters if you want a single partition larger than 2TB). On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 9:54 AM, Keith Smith wrote: > I bought the same laptop Joe just bought. > > First I think you need to go into the bios and turn off secure boot which > will automatically set "legacy" boot mode or maybe you will need to make > that chance. Some please verify I have this correct. > > Then set your boot order to ODD as your first choice so the laptop will > boot from the DVD. > > Follow the instructions. It will automatically wipe your drive. > > I installed Mint 17 KDE without an issue. > > As far as I know all Dells will run Linux. HP on the other hand is much > less Linux friendly from what I have experienced. > > Keith > > > > > On 2014-12-22 01:24, Wayne Davis wrote: > >> BE CAREFUL friend! >> >> Installing Linux on a new unfamiliar laptop machine MAY be a recipe >> for heartache. NOT ALL hardware is compatible, and DELL in >> particular. You may find that certain features will not/cannot work. >> >> I HIGHLY recommend you use a program like Acronis to backup your >> entire drive (all partitiions) and boot record JUST IN CASE. >> >> Use the LIVE version of whatever OS you choose FIRST and try out >> everything. USB - both 2 and 3 ports, HDMI, DVD, Wifi, Bluetooth, >> Audio... EVERYTHING B E F O R E you commit and wipe the drive. >> >> --------------snip >> >> >> >> >> >> On 12/22/2014 12:05 AM, joe@actionline.com wrote: >> >>> I just bot a Dell Laptop and want to install Linux Mint. >>> >>> I guess Mint 17.1 is the latest stable, correct? >>> >>> Should I install 32-bit or 64-bit? >>> >>> What are the pros and cons? >>> >>> Also, since it has win-8.1 out of the box (ugh!) what will be the >>> safest, surest, quickest way to wipe the HD clean and install Mint? >>> >>> How do I access the bios and what change(s) or settings will I need to >>> make? >>> >>> (Sorry I missed the install-fest.) >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------- >>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>> >>> >>> >> --------------------------------------------------- >> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >> > > -- > Keith Smith > > --------------------------------------------------- > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: > http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss > -- Todd Millecam