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 W3A laptop. The specification on the W3A are quite middle of the line. The Linux support for this laptop is excellent with only some configuration work required.

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Specifications

Name	Asus W3A
Processor	Intel Pentium-M 730 1.60 GHz
Screen	14" WXGA
RAM	512MB
HDD	60GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 2915 802.11g Wireless
Other	3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use the snd-hda-intel driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw2200 driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

Some recent Linux distributions not longer requires the following but most still do. As default the native screen resolution of this notebook is 1280x768, however due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. To get it working you will need to install the 915resolution program and type in:
915resolution 3c 1280 768
This will then allow you to use the native 1280x768 resolution. However this setting will be forgotten after each boot so you will need a way to automatically run this command at every boot. Fortunately most Linux distributions come with the 915resolution program and include a simple way of achieving this. You can view our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide for more information.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Increasing battery life

Summary

The Asus W3A is a middle class laptop with some common features. This means that Linux support on the W3A is good without any major issues with the installation.


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