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 A8Js laptop. This is a high end laptop with a good set of features. Linux support can be a little tricky.

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Specifications

Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz
Screen	14" WXGA+
RAM	1GB
HDD	120GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce Go 7700
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless, Bluetooth
Other	5 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Webcam

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw3945 driver
Bluetooth	Not Tested
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Not Tested
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested
Webcam	Not Tested

Notes

For the Nvidia GeForce Go 7700 you can use either the open source 'nv' driver or NVIDIA's proprietary 'nvidia' driver. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip guide.

For the audio in the A8Js to work you need to add the following into /etc/modprobe.conf (or your Linux distribution's equivalent):
options snd-hda-intel position_fix=1 model=3stack

Ubuntu users should edit /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base

The network port on the A8Js is supported by the r1000 driver. Unfortunately most Linux distributions do not include this driver so it will need to be installed manually. You can download the driver here. Although untested, the network card should now be supported by the r8169 driver since kernel version 2.6.19.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring a nVidia graphics chip
Configuring the audio
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

There were no problems in getting the Asus A8Js working when used with an up to date Linux distribution.


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