This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which drivers you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required drivers have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

Page Contents Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Acer Aspire 4520 laptop. Thanks to Tiago for these details.

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Specifications

Name	Acer Aspire 4520
Processor	AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-52 1.6GHz
Screen	14.1" WXGA Widescreen
RAM	1GB
HDD	120GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA Geforce 7000M
Network	Nvidia Ethernet, Atheros AR5007EG 802.11bg

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes
Bluetooth	Not Tested
Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
Card Reader	Yes
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested
Webcam	Yes

Notes

The NVIDIA driver is supported by both the open source 'nv' driver and the proprietary 'nvidia' driver. For 3D support you will need to use the proprietary driver. See our guides for more details.

You will need to install ALSA version 1.0.16 or later for sound support. Currently no Linux distribution includes this so you will have to manually install it. Again our guides has details about doing this.

For proper hardware support you will need to use kernel version 2.6.20 or greater.

Tiago has further information at http://acer-linux.blogspot.com/.

Summary

The main problem with this laptop is with the need to install the ALSA drivers. However this shouldn't pose a problem for most users which makes this laptop a good Linux candidate. The ALSA issues will be release in future Linux releases.


Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.