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 F3Sc laptop. The model of the F3Sc tested here is a low to mid range laptop featuring the Santa Rosa chipset.

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Specifications

Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8GHz
Screen	15.4" WXGA
RAM	1GB
HDD	120GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce 8400M
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 4965AGN 802.11g Wireless, Bluetooth
Other	4 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Webcam

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes	See notes below
Sound	Yes	Use the snd-hda-intel driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	See notes below
Bluetooth	Yes
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
MMC/SD Card Reader	Yes
PCMCIA	Not Tested
Webcam	Yes

Notes

Xorg does not yet support the Geforce 8400 found on the F3Sc so you will need to use the proprietary nvidia driver for the display to work correctly. Installation instructions for the nvidia driver can be viewed here.
Card reader Standard SDHCI, modules sdhci ed mmc_core. With kernel 2.6.23 only SD works.



The F3Sc laptop uses the Intel 4965AGN wireless controller. This works with the iwlwifi drivers although these drivers are currently very difficult to install. Some Linux knowledge is definitely required here. Updated: Newer Linux distributions include this driver so this configuration step is not required.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring a nVidia graphics chip
Increasing battery life

Summary

Linux knowledge is required to get the wireless and display controllers working properly under Linux. However once this has been achieved the Asus F3Sc works well.


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