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 Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Related Resources Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Inspiron 8600 notebook. This is a mid to low level notebook. The Inspiron 8600 has very good support for Linux.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Inspiron 8600
Processor	Intel Pentium-M 710 1.4GHz
Screen	15.4" WXGA
RAM	256MB
HDD	30GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Dell 1300 802.11g Wireless
Other	3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use the snd-intel8x0 driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the madwifi driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

For the Inspiron 8600's NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 graphics chip 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.

Related Resources

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

Summary

There were no problems at all when running Linux on the Dell Inspiron 8600. The installation went through without problem and Linux runs without issue.


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