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.

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Page Contents Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Related Resources Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Asus A4L laptop. The Asus A4L is a powerful Pentium 4 based system. It's main issue with Linux is the wireless controller.

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Specifications

Processor	Intel Pentium 4 3.20GHz
Screen	15.4" WXGA
RAM	512MB
HDD	60GB
Optical Drive	DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Graphics	SiS M661FX
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Sis USB 802.11b Wireless
Other	4 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes	Use the sis driver
Sound	Yes
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

You will need to use the ndiswrapper driver to get the SIS USB wireless working properly. For installation details you may view our Configuring the ndiswrapper driver guide. The windows driver is available from the Asus website.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring the ndiswrapper driver for wireless controllers without native Linux drivers
Increasing battery life

Summary

Apart from the wireless controller, Linux support on this laptop is good. It is let down however with the need to use ndiswrapper and the issues which they may cause.


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