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

This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the MSI MegaBook S262 laptop. The S262 is a small and relatively cheap laptop with some pretty standard low end components.

Editing This Page

If you would like to edit this page please first view our Editing Guidelines.

Specifications

Name	MSI MegaBook S262
Processor	Intel Core Duo T2050 1.6GHz
Screen	12.1" WXGA
RAM	512MB (max 2GB)
HDD	40GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless
Other	3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, 1 x VGA

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use the snd-hda-intel module
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Works flawlessly with the new iwl3945 driver (download it, or use kernel version 2.6.24 or newer) (also works with the older ipw3945 module)
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Works with SD Cards, MMC and Sony Memory Stick wasn't tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

Using Ubuntu 7.10 or Gentoo with packages compiled in 2008, the resolution is set automatically and no hacking is required.

If you use older kernels and/or X.org driver, you will need to use the 915resolution utility to get the 1280x800 native screen resolution working with the S262. A how to guide on doing this is available on our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide.

The wired controller on the S262 needs kernel version 2.6.19 or greater to function

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Configuring the ipw3945 module for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

A recent Linux distribution with at least kernel 2.6.19 is needed for best results from the MSI MegaBook S262. With an up to date kernel this laptop works really well.

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