In general this is a very bad choice for a Linux machine. I would advise all to avoid this hardware at all cost.
I have had more trouble with this machine than all other machines I’ve dealt with combined. Bare in mind:
A) I have been using Linux (exclusively) for 10 years
B) I have installed Linux at minimum 2 times every week over those 10 years
C) When I sent information from dmesg to one of the kernel developers as the error requested, he replied and said he’d already tested this hardware and considered Linux “noop” on it. “not operational” Says it all.
If I didn’t have some serious background in Linux and a lot of time on my hands at the time, I’d have given up on Linux entirely, not knowing it really is this hardware’s fault.
That said, I was able to get Mandriva 2008.1 working very well, and the knuckles have entirely healed. =)
If this computer had not been given to me as a gift I would have returned it the day after I got it. It really is that bad.
DO NOT buy a Dell Vostro 1000 (or the current “bottom of the line” machine) under any circumstance. Getting the on board wireless working was the Manhattan Project times two.
