Recommended Netbook/Laptop for Linux?

RedvGreen · 16 Mar 2011 at 12:07

Hi all,

I am needing a laptop/netbook for Linux - more specifically BackTrack. The BT forums couldn't be any more unhelpful if they tried.

Ideally, I require a totally compatible BackTrack install, however could settle for Debian or Ubuntu... any recommendations for the laptop?

Thanks in advance

VeNT · 16 Mar 2011 at 14:18

tbh most laptops work fine with linux
things to check are the wireless controlers, apart from that I've not had any incompatibilities

brendan · 16 Mar 2011 at 14:34

On netbook make sure you don't get anything with a GMA500 in it. Look for something pinetrail based (N4/5xx + NM10) or atom based.

Best to avoid broadcom wifi chipsets and also check for one without bios blacklists so if all goes wrong you can go and swap it out with a good wifi chipset.

To be honest if you want backtrack you're going to want to make sure that you have a wifi card that can go in monitor mode.

RedvGreen · 16 Mar 2011 at 15:26

I've had a few issues searching - they recommend Atheros Wireless chipset, yet most brands interchange between Broadcom and Atheros at a whim it seems...

Essexraptor · 16 Mar 2011 at 20:09

Why Backtrack?

If your a "newbie" to linux it's not the way to go

(been there... t-shirt etc etc and was a big mistake

)

It's most certainly an advanced linux user distro and that's the main reason that you won't find much "helpful" support. A lot of the programs included in the R1 or R2 distro assume a good or above average knowledge of system admin.

Don't get me wrong, you'll find youtube vids showing wifi cracking etc but if you look more closely they are hacking into their own routers with dead easy standard word dictionary passphrases. All very nice assuming you have a IP injection capable wifi card etc etc etc.

If you must try Backtrack try running it in a VM or from USB.

Brendan gives good advise

But if you do have wifi problems you can always swap the wifi out or get a cheap USB wifi adapter