[RESOLVED] Here is the deal

[burgert]

I've been using Oracle Virtual Box (Free), it seems like the best way to try or run almost any Linux program. No Hard drive needed, install from DVD or CD.
Hope this helps.

[photolady]

I know I'll get a lot of answers but please see that I've already said this computer doesn't have a cd/dvd drive yet. Actually, I would like to install it, but using the boot cd to see if there will be drivers. If the drivers aren't a problem, I will install a Linux distro of some kind.

And which ever version I install has to be as much like Windows as possible.

[ceh383]

Most current distributions of linux should be able to handle drivers for that laptop without any issues.
I'm currently running a Dell XPS L702x (6 months old), I installed Slackware 13.37 and everything worked out of the box....sort of....
The only things I needed to do after the install were...

1- Install WICD to setup the wireless nic.
2- Install bumblebee to handle the dual video processors (no native Optimus support in Linux)

There are many, many flavors of linux out there, and the live cd's are a good way (although slow) to check them out to find one that suits you.

I've tried many, yet, always end up going back to Slackware.....

[photolady]

for that laptop

It's not a laptop, it's a Dell Deminsion 1100 desktop, era 2006. My laptop is brand new, and has Windows 7 on it.

[ceh383]

My bad, either way you shouldn't have any driver issues with a current linux distro...

[SpywareDr]

Doc, I know the prices are low but right now I can't rub two nickels toether to make a dime.

FWIW ...

Newegg > Samsung 22X DVD Burner - $13.99 Free Shipping

[photolady]

This computer doesn't have SATA ports, only IDE and I have yet to find a new IDE burner/cd rom or dvd drive.

[SpywareDr]

Yep, IDE stuff is fading fast. There are still a few listed on Amazon.com though:

LG GH22NP21 22X E-IDE Super Multi DVD+/-RW Internal Drive, Bulk No Software Included (Black)

LG GH22NP20 22x DVD±RW Super Multi Drive Double-layer - DVD-RAM/±R/±RW - 22x 8x 16x (DVD) - 48x 32x 48x (CD) - EIDE/ATAPI - Internal - Black - Bulk

Sony DRU-810A Internal Double/Dual Layer and Dual Format DVD Burner

[photolady]

Did you see the prices on them dang things? Out of my price range. I'll have to check my closet because I did have a DVD-rom drive up there that is IDE.

[SpywareDr]

If you don't need a burner, Newegg has a new IDE CD/DVD drive for $19.99 plus $4.99 shipping. Of course if you find yours, and it still works . . .

[photolady]

Yes, I saw that but I have decided to just scrap the computer. It's like it is going to cost me more than I first expected it too with new harddrive and cd drive, I didn't really want to spend that much on it since it's seven years old.

I'm going to strip it and give the shell to my nephew who does scraping.

[SpywareDr]

Too bad you don't live next door. Bunch of old stuff around here you could have.

[photolady]

Too bad you don't live next door. Bunch of old stuff around here you could have.

Well, yeah, but that's one of the drawbacks of having virtual friends, eh.

[SpywareDr]

Very true.