moving to Linux...

[Weogo]

Hi Folks,

I'm minimally computer literate - and mostly just look at them as tools.
I've worked with a command prompt but very slowly.

My first Thinkpad was an A30P and I really liked the Trackpoint and
have gone on to an X41T, X61S, X201S and current T490S.

I want to move completely to Linux, as the open-source aspect appeals to me, and long-term, I think there may be the possibility of better support.
I've tried Linux several times in the past and stopped because I couldn't find software to do what I needed, battery life suffered, Trackpoint and other drivers were challenging.
Some of the newer distros, like Zorin, look fairly good for being easy to install and reliably 'just working'.
I don't need the OS to look like Windows, but it's fine if it does.
Any distro suggestions in addition to Zorin?
I read a lot of good comments about Debian, but might need somebody to offer a couple weeks of phone support to go this route...

A step along the way will be dual-booting Win10 and Linux.
First step is to backup current Win10 data/settings. I've use various programs in the past for this. Currently I just copy whole folders of data to a backup drive.
Do you suggest any simple, better approaches?

I know how to create a separate partition on the 1TB drive.
What is the most reliable way to set up dual-boot?

I've been reading several earlier Linux threads here.
Over the years I've learned so much from this forum; much appreciated!

Thanks and good health, Weogo

[axur-delmeria]

My advice? Install Linux on another Thinkpad, so you can use it side-by-side with Windows while in the transition phase. Also avoids the possibility of data loss while installing Linux.

[dr_st]

I've tried Linux several times in the past and stopped because I couldn't find software to do what I needed, battery life suffered, Trackpoint and other drivers were challenging.

The part in bold will likely still be somewhat true, even today. Although there is more attention from IHVs/OEMs to Linux driver optimization in modern client laptop/desktops, it still does not get as much focus as Windows.

[Weogo]

Hi Axur,

That's a great approach and I still have the X201S, but it's currently in storage 800 miles from where I am.

dr_st, I commonly run my Thinkpad plugged in, with just a few hours a day unplugged. So I could get by with minimal power management.
How much does the extra heat generated shorten the life of the laptop?
Gotta have a good working Trackpoint...
Is Linux designed mostly for big, tower computers?

Thanks and good health, Weogo

[axur-delmeria]

Is Linux designed mostly for big, tower computers?

In a way, yes, in the sense that most Linux deployments are on servers, where power management isn't a high priority.
That said, there are programs like TLP (https://linrunner.de/tlp/) that improve laptop battery runtime, and I've read some reports that the newer kernels have better power management out of the box.

Regarding the installation of Linux on a Thinkpad that already has Windows, it might be a good idea to install it on a separate drive-- some models support mSATA or M.2 2242 SSDs on the WWAN slot. Doing so reduces the chance of accidental data loss. That said, it's better to back up your data first. I suggest creating an image file of the Windows disk; doing so makes it faster and easier to return the laptop back into running condition if it does get accidentally formatted.

[dr_st]

How much does the extra heat generated shorten the life of the laptop?

I would think the difference to be too small to be reliably measured or cared about.

[Weogo]

Hi Axur,

I hope that Zorin has Trackpoint support, and will, if needed, install TLP.
I will be installing on the main drive and setting up as dual-boot.
Any suggestions on making that easy?
I do have a full windows backup.

dr-st, thanks for the assurance about heat not being an issue.

Thanks and good health, Weogo

[axur-delmeria]

I've never used Zorin so I don't know the specifics of installing it. But the bare minimum requirement is to have unpartitioned space in the drive you're installing it on. By default, Windows uses the entire disk; in that case you have to shrink partitions using Windows' Disk Management applet.

[Weogo]

Hi All,

I have Zorin Core installed and running!
It looks pretty good, am probably going to go with the paid version.

The mouse is working ok, just a little jumpy.
Next is checking out multi-track audio in/out over USB.

Thanks!

Good health, Weogo

[benlimanto]

Well that's good for you Weago! Well come aboard! I'm using *EL/Fedora from Ubuntu/Debian based, and never looked back, because, well.. SELINUX is a good tools for me, so I kept using it.

[jlsmith42]

In case you are still looking for a linux distro, i highly recommend Linux Mint, with either MATE or Xfce as the window manager.

I am using LM MATE 19.3 on several Thinkpads (W500, T520, T61) with excellent results. All the hardware components were recognized and work fine, especially the track point and touch pads.

Class-Compliant USB audio interfaces don't seem to be a problem, but I've only tried 2-in/2-out interfaces. There's the option of add parts of Ubuntu Studio to this distro, like the audio production suite. With a little tweaking it could work fine with your audio interface. ( https://ubuntustudio.org/ubuntu-studio-installer/ )

Your 490 should have no problem at all running some version of Linux and running it VERY well.

Good luck