2016-02-13, 12:45
I'm using a laptop as my main XBMC box. But it's time to upgrade to Kodi and I've just about reached my limit for Windows. I want to dual boot with a Linux distro and just leave the Windows for when I need iTunes to sync my iPhone/iPod (I'm thinking if I unplug the network cable before I boot windows then the beast can never force its next upgrade on me)(at least until iTunes stops working).
Anyway, what is a good Linux flavor for laptops? Please note: I have tried booting OpenElec on a thumbdrive and cannot get this laptop to boot a USB stick (UEFI issue, I think). I have managed to boot a Mint live CD, but it took some fiddling, none of which seems to be persistent. So using "Live" media isn't an option. I need something I can install to HDD. And, of course, I need to be able to install Kodi on it (media is on a server, both are on Gigabit ethernet).
The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 3521 currently running Windows 8.1 so it should have enough oomph. But I'm relatively new to Linux and don't know which flavor is a good alternative for regular laptop use. If that makes sense... I know there's always Ubuntu, but is there anything else/better?
BTW, are there any distros that can be installed without having to boot the live cd first?
EDIT:
Well, I feel dumb. I decided to try making another USB stick, using a different creator. This time I used Rufus, and it had a warning about not being able to create a UEFI/GPT stick from XP. Hah! So I tried creating a new USB stick (mint) using the actual UEFI laptop, and now it will boot the USB stick! And the boot option is persistent, which makes it much easier.
I tried putting OE on the SD card, but can't get it to boot that. So, I need to retry OE on a stick, and maybe try Linux on the SD card?
Still interested in any opinions about favorite distros for use on laptops...
Anyway, what is a good Linux flavor for laptops? Please note: I have tried booting OpenElec on a thumbdrive and cannot get this laptop to boot a USB stick (UEFI issue, I think). I have managed to boot a Mint live CD, but it took some fiddling, none of which seems to be persistent. So using "Live" media isn't an option. I need something I can install to HDD. And, of course, I need to be able to install Kodi on it (media is on a server, both are on Gigabit ethernet).
The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 3521 currently running Windows 8.1 so it should have enough oomph. But I'm relatively new to Linux and don't know which flavor is a good alternative for regular laptop use. If that makes sense... I know there's always Ubuntu, but is there anything else/better?
BTW, are there any distros that can be installed without having to boot the live cd first?
EDIT:
Well, I feel dumb. I decided to try making another USB stick, using a different creator. This time I used Rufus, and it had a warning about not being able to create a UEFI/GPT stick from XP. Hah! So I tried creating a new USB stick (mint) using the actual UEFI laptop, and now it will boot the USB stick! And the boot option is persistent, which makes it much easier.
I tried putting OE on the SD card, but can't get it to boot that. So, I need to retry OE on a stick, and maybe try Linux on the SD card?
Still interested in any opinions about favorite distros for use on laptops...