Issue with computer mouse onscreen pointer.

[mix4fix]

Also, any other options?

[mix4fix]

This is what I found:
ubuntu-mate-18.04.4-desktop-i386.iso

I get the USB to start, and I test memory. It will not start loading the software. It fails with "ACPI BIOS error".

Laptop specs:
Intel Atom CPU N450 @1.66GHz
250GB 2.5 hard drive (replaced)
2GB memory (replaced)

[SoundMods]

This is what I found:
ubuntu-mate-18.04.4-desktop-i386.iso

I get the USB to start, and I test memory. It will not start loading the software. It fails with "ACPI BIOS error".

Laptop specs:
Intel Atom CPU N450 @1.66GHz
250GB 2.5 hard drive (replaced)
2GB memory (replaced)

Your "vintage" computer was obsolete 20 years ago and yet you still insist on using it? Take the hard drive out -- drill some holes in it to protect your privacy -- dump the entire computer -- shop for a new one.

They're getting cheaper by the day. Here is but one example:

https://www.microcenter.com/product/613 ... p-computer

[David McGown]

Walt, Steve,

This machine is perfectly capable of running linux, in fact, it should work better than the original OS on the unit. This is likely a problem that is correctable during installation by inserting a kernel boot flag ACPI=OFF. The link below details how to do this with Ubuntu (or one of its derivatives). I have not personally dealt with this, but there is info on the web about this.

https://linuxconfig.org/set-acpi-off-kernel-parameters-for-ubuntu-linux-installation#:~:text=Depending%20on%20your%20hardware%20and,to%20enter%20GRUB%20boot%20menu.&text=Press%20F6%20to%20access%20available,acpi%3Doff%20and%20press%20ENTER%20.

[David McGown]

Doing a little research, it looks like the Dell mini laptop originally came with Ubuntu Netbook distro pre-installed. This was circa 2010. The netbook version of Ubuntu is no longer available, but a lightweight distro should work if the drivers are still maintained (usually that is the case)

The biggest issue, once you have the boot issue fixed, is going to be getting the wireless adapter to work.

[mix4fix]

It came with Windows 7.

[brombo]

Currently the best bang for the buck are Ryzen processors with integrated graphics.

[Pelliott321]

y only problem with AMD is that the chipset and Bios upgrades are manual. Intel with Windows the upgrades are automatic.

[David McGown]

It came with Windows 7.

Should still be able to install Linux. There were quite a few people toying with these machines a decade ago, a Google search tells you alot. Based on the hardware description, this is a Dell Mini 10 1012. You are right about it coming with Windows 7 preinstalled, but you can still set it up dual boot or replace the drive and install Linux.

That being said, it may take some tweeks to get it running (like the ACPI issue).

Good luck.

David

[mix4fix]

That simple setting fixed it.

Also, I did find the netbook version. Saved it.