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Linux Laptop-HOWTO
Werner Heuser <wehe@tuxmobil.org>
v2.2b, 27 February 2003Laptops are different from desktops/towers. They use certain hardware such as PCMCIA cards, infrared ports, batteries, docking stations. Often their hardware is more limited (e.g. disk space, CPU speed), though the performance gap is becoming smaller. In many instances, laptops can become a desktop replacement. Hardware support for Linux (and other operating systems) on laptops is sometimes more limited (e.g. graphic chips, internal modems). Laptops often use specialized hardware, hence finding a driver can be more difficult. Laptops are often used in changing environments, so there is a need for multiple configurations and additional security strategies. Though there are laptop related HOWTOs available already, this HOWTO contains a concise survey of laptop related documents. Also, laptop related Linux features, such as installation methods for laptops (via PCMCIA, without CD drive, etc.), laptop hardware features and configurations for different (network) environments are described. Besides there are some notes on PDAs, Handheld PCs and other mobile computer devices (digital cameras, cellular phones, calculators). And though some caveats Linux is a better choice for laptops, than most other operating systems. Because it supports numerous installation methods, works in many heterogenoues environments and needs smaller resources.
1. Preface
- 1.1 About the Author
- 1.2 Sponsoring
- 1.3 About the Document (Mirrors, Translations, Versions, Formats, URLs)
- 1.4 Contact
2. Copyright, Disclaimer and Trademarks
3. Which Laptop to Buy?
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Portables, Laptops/Notebooks, Sub/Mini-Notebooks, Palmtops, PDAs/HPCs
- 3.3 Linux Features
- 3.4 Main Hardware Features
- 3.5 Sources of More Information
- 3.6 Linux Compatibility Check
- 3.7 Writing a Device Driver
- 3.8 Buying a Second Hand Laptop
- 3.9 No Hardware Recommendations
4. Laptop Distribution
5. Installation
- 5.1 Related HOWTOs
- 5.2 Prerequisites - Partitioning
- 5.3 Linux Tools to Repartition a Hard Disk
- 5.4 Installation Methods
- 5.5 From a Boot Floppy plus CD-ROM - The Usual Way
- 5.6 From a DOS or Windows Partition at the Same Machine
- 5.7 From a Second Machine With a Micro Linux On a Floppy
- 5.8 From a Second Machine With a 2.5" Hard Disk Adapter
- 5.9 From a PCMCIA Device
- 5.10 From a Parallel Port Device (ZIP Drive, CD Drive)
- 5.11 From a Second Machine Using the Parallel Port - PLIP Network Install
- 5.12 Installing Linux on Small Machines
6. Hardware In Detail
- 6.1 PCMCIA Controller
- 6.2 Infrared Port
- 6.3 Graphic Chip
- 6.4 Sound
- 6.5 Keyboard
- 6.6 Pointing Devices - Mice and Their Relatives
- 6.7 Advanced Power Management - APM
- 6.8 ACPI
- 6.9 Batteries
- 6.10 Memory
- 6.11 Plug-and-Play Devices (PnP)
- 6.12 Docking Station / Port Replicator
- 6.13 Network Connections
- 6.14 Modem
- 6.15 SCSI
- 6.16 Universal Serial Bus - USB
- 6.17 Floppy Drive
- 6.18 CD Drive
- 6.19 DVD Drive
- 6.20 Harddisk
- 6.21 Video Port / ZV Port
7. Palmtops, Personal Digital Assistants - PDAs, Handheld PCs - HPCs
8. Cellular Phones, Pagers, Calculators, Digital Cameras, Wearable Computing
- 8.1 Cellular Phones
- 8.2 Pagers - SMS Messages
- 8.3 Digital Cameras
- 8.4 Calculators
- 8.5 Wearable Computing
- 8.6 Watches
9. Accessories
- 9.1 PCMCIA Cards
- 9.2 SmartCards
- 9.3 Memory Technology Devices - RAM and Flash Cards
- 9.4 Printers
- 9.5 Power and Phone Plugs, Power Supply
- 9.6 Bags and Suitcases
10. Different Environments - On the Road
- 10.1 Related HOWTOs
- 10.2 Configuration Tools
- 10.3 Data Transport Between Different Machines
- 10.4 Security in Different Environments
- 10.5 Dealing with Down Times (Cron Jobs)
- 10.6 Noise Reduction
11. Other Resources
12. Repairing the Hardware
13. Solutions with Laptops
- 13.1 Introduction
- 13.2 Mobile Network Analyzer
- 13.3 Mobile Router
- 13.4 Hacking and Cracking Networks
- 13.5 Lectures
- 13.6 Mobile Data Collecting
- 13.7 Mobile Office
- 13.8 Connection to Digital Camera
- 13.9 Connection to QuickCam (Video)
- 13.10 Connection to Television Set
- 13.11 Connection to Cellular Phone
- 13.12 Connection to Global Positioning System (GPS)
- 13.13 Connection via Amateur Radio (HAM)
- 13.14 Satellite Watching
- 13.15 Aviation
- 13.16 Blind or Visually Impaired Users
14. Other Operating Systems
15. ToDo
16. Revision History
17. Credits
18. Appendix A - Survey about Micro Linuxes
19. Appendix B - Dealing with Limited Resources or Tuning the System
- 19.1 Related HOWTOs
- 19.2 Introduction
- 19.3 Small Space
- 19.4 Harddisk Speed
- 19.5 Small Memory
- 19.6 Low CPU Speed
- 19.7 Power Saving Techniques
- 19.8 Kernel
- 19.9 Tiny Applications and Distributions
- 19.10 Hardware Upgrade
20. Appendix C - NeoMagic Chip NM20xx
21. Appendix D - Annotated Bibliography
22. Appendix E - Resources for Specific Laptops
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