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Installing Linux Suse 10.1 (final ver.) on Toshiba Laptop A100-SP621

Last updated: Mar-13-2007

General Hardware Specifications of A100-SP621:

This laptop is operating under Kernel version [Kernel 3.5.1 Level “a”]

Basic Installation of Suse Linux 10.1 (final ver.):

• Why did I choose Suse Linux?

Simple, I work for Dell where I saw it working on one of the laptops once and I just loved it. I didn't know squat about Linux back then, so that was my only choice at the time.

• Obtaining Suse Linux

I got the boxed version off their website.

• Installing

Even simpler than installing Windows. Windows XP was already installed on the laptop and I didn't want to give it up at the time, so even though I already knew that both OS could be installed at the same time, I backed up my files and then difragmented the HDD. Then I booted from the DVD and followed the instructions. Basically just a matter of clicking on NEXT through al the windows. Seriouslly, it only took about an hour or so and my Windows OS remained the same. GRUB is great.

• Post-Install modifications/tweaks

  I chose GNOME as my default desktop environment at the time. It's very estable. The first thing I noticed was the keyboard configuration (spanish configuration). I had to choose a different one from the the one the installation installed because the third level characters were not working. I chose the GENERIC 105-KEY (INTL) PC KEYBOARD, DISTRIBUTION: SPAIN and I chose the Right ALT key to use the 3^rd Level characters.

  To enable media playback and DVD playback, I followed the steps of the very well explained guide called “Hacking SUSE Linux 10.1” http://www.thejemreport.com/mambo/content/view/254

  About a month later, I decided to install in addition to GNOME, KDE desktop environment, which is (in my opinion) even better. There's nothing wrong with GNOME, it's pretty estable and easy to use, but it just seem a little dull. There are just a few themes online to customize it and you're pretty much stuck with the default screesavers. KDE rocks, since it's more colorful, ever easier to use and fully customizable and because of the resemblance with Windows is a pretty good transition for Windows users.

  Then I installed the ATI drivers from the official ATI website and followed the steps on it. This all was very straight forward, so easy that I was amazed by its simplicity.

  Next, I installed XGL following the steps from the guide mentioned above, which wasn't difficult at all either. The thing I don't like is that when XGL is enabled, GNOME's Nautilus file manager seems to take over KDE and I just don't like it. I tried removing GNOME but it won't let me because there are too many dependencies. I really don't know if there's a way to stop that.

  XGL works pretty well tough, except for some minor glitches like:

  - When XGL is enabled, if the computer's idle, it closes my session automatically and returns to the sign in screen.

  - “Show Desktop” icon from the traybar doesn't work anymore.

  - If I choose to view a window from any application at full screen (like in Firefox with F11) and then return to normal view, the Title bar disappears so I can no longer maximed it or move it the normal way. I have to close it and open a new one.

  - 3D based games don't work (I think I'm not alone here) except for X-Moto and AlienArena.

  - “Rain Drops” desktop effect worked fine until I installed Beryl. Now it doesn't work anymore even though I removed Beryl days later.

Setting up additional features for Suse Linux 10.1

• Getting Suspend-to-Disk to operate correctly: It works fine on GNOME, but it doesn't work on KDE. It's weird, but I'm still working on it.

• Installed aMSN. Works like a charm.

• Installed CodeWeavers CrossOver and iTunes (works beautifully)

• Updated to Firefox 2.0.0.3 (using the packman Yast packages)

• Amarok works fine with iPod Video

• Latest Macromedia Flash also updated using Packman packages

Unresolved issues

• The XGL glitches that I mention before.

• The frontal disc expansion slot (for reading SD cards, Memory Stick DUO and all that) doesn't work

• The Multimedia keys on the left of the keyboard don't work either

• Fn keys don't work yet

Contact Information (Optional)

• chido30@ hotmail. com (I put spaces there after the @ sign and the dot to prevent spam)

Links:

• http://www.thejemreport.com/mambo/content/view/254

• http://linux.toshiba-dme.co.jp/linux/index.htm

• http://www.linux-on-laptops.com

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