This is a guide to running Linux with the Sony VGN-FJ Series laptop. This should cover the the VGNFJ76GP and VGNFJ78GP.
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.
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| Name | Sony VAIO VGN-FJ Series |
| Processor | Intel Celeron-M Processor 380 1.60GHz to to Pentium-M Processor 760 2.0GHz |
| Screen | 14.1” WXGA |
| RAM | 512MB |
| HDD | 80GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 |
| Network | 10/100 Ethernet, Intel 2200 802.11bg Wireless |
| Other | 3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Camera |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-hda-intel module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use ipw2200 module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader | Not Tested | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested | |
| Camera | No | Currently no drivers are available |
The default screen resolution of the Sony VAIO VGN-FJ is 1280×800, however because of the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. You may like to follow our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide for more information.
Some work need to be done with the graphics system for the Sony VAIO VGN-FJ to work properly but other than that the major functions work fine.
Discussion
The webcam works with Ubuntu 8.10 out of the box, the card reader doesn't. The graphics chipset isn't supported properly however, the 900GM was missed out while the 915GM and above now have official Intel linux support. Hotkeys don't work though it seems possible the Fn keys will work by brute force.