Linux on HP nc6120?

[CitizenKane]

Just to warn everyone, I am most definately a Linux newbie.

I am interested in installing a Linux distro on my HP nc6120. I have no idea what is required to do this or if it will even work. Below is a short list of the functionality that I would need the laptop to have followed by a breakdown of my hardware specs. I am not to partial to any specfic distro, it really just needs to be usable and needs to work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Must have:
Wireless LAN
Wired LAN
USB/Firewire Connectivity
CD Burning
Network Printing
All normal things (office, other development programs, etc.)

Optional:
SD/MMC card reader drivers (i don't think these exist)
Limited support for windows applications and games (browsing the WINE site this doesn't look like it would be a problem)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack: Service Pack 2
CPU Type : Pentium M 730, 1.6ghz
Motherboard Name: Hewlett-Packard 099C
Motherboard Chipset: Mobile Intel 915GM Express Chipset
System Memory: 503 MB
BIOS Type: HPQFlash for HP Notebook System BIOS
Communication Port: Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port : ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
Video Adapter : Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family (128 MB)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Audio Adapter: SoundMAX Integrated Digital
Disk Drive: FUJITSU MHT2040AH PL
Disk Drive : SD3 Device
Optical Drive: TSSTcorp CDW/DVD TS-L462A
C: (NTFS) 38154 MB (28038 MB free)
Keyboard: Quick Launch Buttons
Mouse: Microsoft USB Wheel Mouse Optical
Mouse : Synaptics PS/2 Port TouchPad
Wireless: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
Wired: Broadcom NetXtreme BCM5705MA2 Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Modem: Agere Systems AC'97 Modem
Printer: \\Home\HP DeskJet 930C/932C/935C
Printer: HP Mobile Printing PS
USB Device: Microsoft USB Wheel Mouse Optical

If this isn't sufficient, product info can be found at
HP Product Info.

For the most part, I really can't be dealing with tons of errors and searching down this driver or that. But in any case, thanks a lot for the help.

[B_k_N]

I have alsoHP Nc6120, and the same problem.
If you find drivers for modem send it on my mail. Im already tring to do this, but I have no experience with linux or Fedora3.

[time_racer]

I am facing the same problem, but i already solved the VGA problem using Vesa driver, however the remaining of the drivers didnt work with me. If anyone found a solution for Centrino wireless or the sound card problem please tell me...

[lluamco]

Hello,

The solution that worked for getting sound in my nc6120
running Mandriva LE2005 was in two steps

STEP 1:

to comment the "if" in
the following lines of the initial script file /etc/init.d/sound:

case $1 in
start)
retval=0
# COMMENT START if [ ! -d /proc/asound ];then
module "Loading sound module" sound || retval=1
/sbin/modprobe -c | awk '/^((alias)|(probe)) +sound-slot-[0-9]/ {print $
2}' | ( \
while read line; do
[[ $line = snd-card-* ]] && continue #we do it via alsa script
module "Loading sound module" $line || retval=1
done
)
module "Loading midi module" midi
# COMMENT END fi


STEP 2:

run alsaconf

Hope it helps.

As far as modem drivers are concerned, I have found this link
http://www.apocalyptech.com/linux/nc6120/
which can be useful.

[time_racer]

thanks lluamco, however im using Fedora 4, and im facing these problems which i believe mostly comes from the hotkeys of the laptop. Because once i start the laptop to access fedora the mute buttom is on, i pressed it so many times but it didnt turned off. Also when I press the wireless buttom, the it doesn work, all what im getting when i press the wireless these messages from dmesg:
atkbd.c: Unknown key pressed (translated set 2, code 0xf8 on isa0060/serio0).
atkbd.c: Use 'setkeycodes e078 <keycode>' to make it known.
atkbd.c: Unknown key released (translated set 2, code 0xf8 on isa0060/serio0).
atkbd.c: Use 'setkeycodes e078 <keycode>' to make it known.

thatś why i think it is the hotkeys problem to be defined in linux!!!... Anyone can HELP!!

[mhbengal]

I am running Kubuntu 5.04 Hoary hedgehod release, everything seems to work. However Kubuntu has several issues and not a lot of popular Fedora software is available on this release based on Debain Linux.

[sasp]

Hello!

Can you say anything about the fan?

Is it running, if you are using office-programms or
if you are in the internet?

Or is the fan in these cases off and starts just
if you do things where you need more power
(such as compiling, virus-scans, programming) ??

What is about the vga-out?
What about 1400x1050 resolution?

[greeneyedboy]

Just download and run Knoppix 3.9
It´s a live cd, but it has EVERYTHING(as far as i tested) working!
Wireless, monitor, burning cd´s, soundcard, etc....

Especially if you are not sure what distribution to choose and you just want to try and play around a bit.
The problem with permanent storage i solved with my memory stick.

Have fun.
:P

[a2d2]

...plz friends, do me a favour and don't use knoppix, but KANOTIX 03-2005. ...more drivers included.

..what's bout the fan in 6120, constantly running, or quiet ???

[a2d2]

...a very usefull link:

http://www.hannay.de/computer/linux/notebook/