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 Sony VGN-FE Series laptop. This should cover the the VGNFE25GP, VGNFE35GP and VGNFE38GP.

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Specifications

Name	Sony VAIO VGN-FE
Processor	Intel Core Duo Processor T2300 1.66GHz to T7200 2.0GHz
Screen	15.4" WXGA
RAM	512MB to 1024MB
HDD	80GB to 160GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 to 7600
Network	10/100 Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11abg Wireless, Bluetooth
Other	3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Camera

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 ipw3945 driver
Blueooth	Yes
56K Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
SD Card Reader	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Yes
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested
Camera	Yes	Works using gspcav1 driver.

Notes

The VAIO VGN-FE's NVIDIA graphics chip can function with either the open source nv driver or the proprietary driver from NVIDIA. More details about installing the proprietary driver can be found in our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip 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-FE has no problems with handling Linux. The installation process was easy without any extra configuration work required.


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