few questions before installing...

[ghostmast3r]

Hi!

1) I want to install Fedora on my computer but im having a bit of a hard time finding the right version. My processor is an AMD turion 64 x2 dual core and im currently running 32-bit Vista on it (windows sux and i had it wit it).

2) I see that lots of ppl are having trouble with their wi/fi adaptors and i guess the same thing wud happen to me so i plan on making a dual boot for now so i can learn more about Linux before i make the jump. My question is: if i make a dual boot wud i have to install Linux-compatible drivers for my hardware?

Thx a lot

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

The majority of drivers are already included within the Linux kernel. In some cases you might have to get drivers from the hardware manufacturer's website.

List all the hardware you are wondering about and maybe someone can tell you if you might have problems with any of it.

[ghostmast3r]

well im mainly worried abt the wi/fi adapter
it's a broadcom 4321AG 802.11a/b/g/draft-n Wi-Fi Adapter (im reading this from device manager)

[jayd512]

Unfortunately, Broadcom wireless chips have a lot of problems in Linux. You'll have to use ndiswrapper to get it working... and even then there may be some issues. But you may find some useful info in this link.

[oz]

Some folks also reported success by using this HowTo:

HOWTO: Broadcom 43xx based wireless cards the EASY way. - Ubuntu Forums

If the votes in the poll are an accurate indicator (which I doubt), you have almost a 70% chance of getting it to work.

[Cabhan]

To address some of your other questions:

1) Most distros these days do provide a 64-bit version. There can be problems with running certain low-level programs that are still 32-bit, but my understanding is that in most cases, everything works pretty swimmingly. On the "Get Fedora" page on the FC website, there is an "x86_64" option: either this or "amd64" (which you may see in some places) means a 64-bit distribution.

2) A dual-boot sets up two completely separate environments that live on the same box. So if you dual-boot with Windows, you will have Windows drivers on the Windows side, and Linux drivers on the Linux side. The Windows and Linux kernels are completely different, and have their own style of driver and support.

I hope that helps.

[ghostmast3r]

thanx a lot guyz that's rly helpful

i'll try setting up the dual boot and if i manage to make my wi/fi adaptor to work in this setup i'll surely switch to linux with no hesitation. If not, i'll keep the dual boot setup till i get it.

[ghostmast3r]

On the "Get Fedora" page on the FC website, there is an "x86_64" option: either this or "amd64" (which you may see in some places) means a 64-bit distribution.

I noe amd64 means a 64-bit distribution but what i dont get is why i got my laptop with 32-bit vista ?
I was so confused when i saw that ... and i dont want to make a mistake.

[Cabhan]

I noe amd64 means a 64-bit distribution but what i dont get is why i got my laptop with 32-bit vista ?
I was so confused when i saw that ... and i dont want to make a mistake.

Hehe, that's fair. I don't know why you got a 32-bit Windows, but Linux has been supporting 64-bit for longer than Windows has, so things are generally more stable.

[i92guboj]

I noe amd64 means a 64-bit distribution but what i dont get is why i got my laptop with 32-bit vista ?
I was so confused when i saw that ... and i dont want to make a mistake.

Your cpu is 64-bit capable. 64 bits cpus can run 32 bits OSes as well, which is maybe what's confusing you. You can choose a 32 bits distro or a 64 bits one, whatever fits you.