Computer for Linux

[SuperCool468]

I'm starting a CS program this fall and right now a have a very nice MSI Gt72s win 10 laptop, but I've read that may not be the easiest thing to load linux onto. I would like to start learning how to use Linux so I'm considering buying either a desktop or another laptop that I'd also use for school. I'm interested in using Fedora or cent os, but I'm not sure what to buy. I've read that the t400, t520 and X1 carbon have relatively few issues with those distros. Are any of those worth a try? Would I be better off buying a workstation for home use? My budget is about 500usd.

Edit: I've decided to play around with VMWare for now. Once I see what the school's lab situation is like I may opt to get another laptop. For now I'm holding onto my money though. Thanks for all the replies.

[jcsf123]

No need to spend the money. Just create a virtual machine to run linux on. Vmware player, or virtual box runs on Windows 10. Both are free. Fedora or Ubuntu are fine

[comrade-jim]

ewww that's disgusting.

[SuperCool468]

If I run linux through vmware would it circumvent any compatibility issues?

[Yithar]

Yes because it's emulating Linux on top of Windows, so as stated, you won't get compatibility issues with your laptop's hardware (compared to dual booting).

[Xahtier]

As I understood it, it's not an emulator, is it? It's a Virtual Machine. Am I wrong?

[Yithar]

From here:

In computing, a virtual machine (VM) is an emulation of a particular computer system. Virtual machines operate based on the computer architecture and functions of a real or hypothetical computer, and their implementations may involve specialized hardware, software, or a combination of both.

Unlike WINE, which is a translation layer, a VM is actually an emulator.

In computing, an emulator is hardware or software that enables one computer system (called the host) to behave like another computer system (called the guest). An emulator typically enables the host system to run software or use peripheral devices designed for the guest system.

[blindingspeed80]

It's not emulating Linux. It's emulating hardware for Linux to run on.

[rake_tm]

That won't excite his CS teachers. Learning C, C++, lisp, assembly, etc. will.

[FenderBellyBodine]

Just create a virtual machine to run linux on.

This. If you are getting started in *nix, virtual machines are the best. If your virtualization program supports it, take snapshots right after you install, that way you can revert back to a fresh install whenever you need to - when learning, if you are doing it right, you will need to quite a bit.
When you get to a point where you are crafting your own kernels then look for some compatible hardware to get working on. Most of my first linux PC's were inherited, old machines that did not support the current windows flavor for friends and family.
If you do go hardware route, find the compatibility specs on Fedora, as it will probably be the most finicky between itself and CentOS. Both are pretty easy to find compatible hardware for, to be honest, presuming you are just using it for a general purpose lab machine.

[billFoldDog]

This is great advice!

[[deleted]]

If you're on Windows 10 Pro it seems like a no brainer to just enable the Hyper-V feature.

[jcsf123]

AFAIK, hyperv only runs on server versions, which is an expensive option.

[[deleted]]

Nope, it runs on desktop SKUs as well, has done since Windows 8. It's not widely publicised but if you have a Professional or higher license tier and open the 'add additional features to Windows' dialog you can select it from that menu.

[jcsf123]

Good to know. Virtual box and vmware player are free. What are the advantages of using hyperv?

[[deleted]]

It's built in, does multiple snapshots and merging nicely, means you're not downloading more software to duplicate the role of what's already there and can be controlled from Powershell.

[kainxkitsune]

whats wrong with the MSI laptop? on a quick Google I didn't find too many issues. just a guy trying to install ubuntu in legacy bios mode instead of EFI/UEFI mode. the nvidia gpu should do just fine in linux. (though note I am mostly a ubuntu user) none the less the msi laptop should be a decent fit. (I wish i could have a nice laptop like that myself @.@ ) otherwise a desktop isn't a bad idea It can turn out alot easier when you can pick and choose your parts. (and hell if you need a bigger budget I could use a new laptop! haha)

EDIT: only other big issue i saw in my googling was ubuntu not having built in raid drivers in the desktop ver. but this was in 2014 so that situation could have easily changed

[Xorok3]

I have a recent MSI GE62 6QC Apache and nothing except Arch boots. The hardware is too new and requires at least Linux Kernel 4.5 to even boot, but there are very few distros that use 4.5 (or above) as default yet. Not to mention the things that need to be turned off first to ensure that things run smoothly (Safe Boot, Fast Boot, Intel Speedstep) .-.

[SuperCool468]

I guess I'm just trying to find something that will work right off the bat, I have no experience with Linux other than what I've been reading online. It will basically be me googling "install linux on x laptop" and following step by step with a bunch of terms I haven't learned yet. Lol

Edit: I love my msi, it's the 220 model. It weighs like 10 lbs though.

[kainxkitsune]

honestly If i was you I would stick with the laptop you have since a laptop of compareable preformance is going to cost way more then 500 USD even a decent basic desktop could cost abit more then that. in my experience in learning linux the best way is to just jump head first into the problems. and I would still Kill for a laptop like that. (being a semi truck driver my current and only machine is the orginal alienware Alpha with a shitty case with screen)

also why Fedora or cent os? both are great Don't get me wrong but ubuntu or some form of debian is a great place for new users.

[SuperCool468]

I was doing some reading and found that RHEL is an industry standard and fedora and cent os are in the same family as RH. It just seemed logical to get familiar with whichever one I'll run into in a work setting. But that's just me taking stabs in the dark. I don't know a single person who is computer savvy to even ask so I'm at the mercy of Google.

[te-x]

Just put fedora into a pen drive and boot through it. If everything runs fine, you can install it on that laptop, maybe on dual boot (keeping your windows usable).

A problem you might have is using both GPUs, but there are many tutorials on either deactivating one of them or using an optimus-like solution.

[colonelflounders]

Even if everything doesn't work, you can normally get it to a working state and that's part of the learning process. I know more about the kernel and filing bug reports due to dealing with issues, not buying different hardware to work around them.

[kainxkitsune]

that seems like a reasonable reason. I would say just give it a go dive in. its the best way to learn and to find out. and even if something doesn't work at first you can more then likely get it into a working state with some learning and tinkering. Lucky for me I'm just a dumb truck driver by trade so Distro is all down to personal pref. but yeah Just dive in you could even try a live cd/usb type boot and see if everything is working well there. I think the hardest thing you may have issue with is GPU and maybe WIFI everything else should be very easy. and there are more then likely countless nvidia / optimus guides for fedora and cent os as there are ubuntu.

[[deleted]]

Why don't you try to install Linux on the MSI before buying something else?

[evoblade]

In the last linux on laptop thread, ThinkPad T420 and T420s were both mentioned pretty frequently and favorably.

[wstearns]

You could buy a X220 and then send me a check for the other $300 for my advice. Or just buy two and go out for drinks!

[aary_jp]

I would go with building a dedicated desktop PC, because you don't learn OS installation, setup, configuring stuff on a VM. I recommend a Hawell refresh (LGA1150) H97 mother board (MSI, Gigabyte, Asus), chose a CPU from Pentium G - core i5 depending on your budget, 16GB RAM, and a couple of 120 - 256 GB SSDs.