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 Sony VAIO VGN-AR laptop. The Sony VGN-AR has a large screen with some nice internal components. Linux support for the VGN-AR laptop is great.

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Specifications

Name	Sony VAIO VGN-AR Series
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66GHz
Screen	17" WXGA+
RAM	1GB
HDD	100GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400
Network	10/100 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless
Other	3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Webcam

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	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
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Not Tested
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested
Webcam	Not Tested

Notes

The GeForce Go 7400 graphics used in the VAIO VGN-AR is supported by both the open source 'nv' driver or NVIDIA's proprietary 'nvidia' driver. For installation instructions on the NVIDIA driver you can view our guide.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring a nVidia graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

The Sony VAIO VGN-AR series of laptops offer great support for Linux. The installation went routinely without any difficulties at all.


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