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

Authors

Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop. The Inpiron 6400 has good support for Linux without any real issues.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Inspiron 6400
Processor	Intel Core Duo T2300 1.66Ghz
Screen	15.4"
RAM	512MB
HDD	60GB
Optical Drive	DVD-+RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Network	10/100 Ethernet + Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless
Other	4 x USB2.0 + 1 x Firewire

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use Alsa snd-hda-intel module
Ethernet	Yes	Use b44 driver
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw3945 module
Wireless BCM	Yes	Use the bcm43xx module
56K Modem	Yes	Use the Dell Linux drivers.
USB	Yes
Firewire	Yes
PCMCIA	Yes

Notes

As default the native screen resolution of the Dell Inspiron 6400 is 1280x800, however due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. 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
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

For best results you need a Linux distribution with at least the 2.6.15 kernel, such as Ubuntu Linux 6.06 or Fedora Core 5.


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