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 Latitude D520 laptop. The Latitude D520 is a mid to lower range laptop who's Linux support is excellent.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Latitude D520
Processor	Intel Core Duo T2300 1.66Ghz
Screen	14.1" XGA
RAM	512MB
HDD	80GB
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
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use the snd-hda-intel driver
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the ipw3945 driver
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

Some versions of the Dell Latitude D520 have the Dell Wireless 1390 or the Dell Wireless 1490 Dual-Band wireless network card. Neither of these cards were tested.

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
Configuring the ndiswrapper driver for wireless controllers without native Linux drivers
Increasing battery life

Summary

It is recommended to use a Linux distribution with kernel version 2.6.16 or greater for best results with the Dell Latitude D520. There is nothing difficult in getting this laptop to work, with a up to date kernel this laptop works well with Linux.


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