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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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[Rant] A few days ago, I asked if Mint would run okay on a Lenovo T460 (I appreciate all the advice). I got it working, but the installation was a big pain and I totally blame Lenovo. (lemmy.world)

submitted 8 months ago by FlyingSquid@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I got the T460 refurbished and I really didn't want to run Windows 10 on it. I last used Linux for any real length of time a good 20 years ago, so I'm pretty inexperienced with it at this point and I had to figure out how to install it myself.

They made it unreasonably difficult to first install an OS from a USB stick. I had to go into the BIOS, turn UEFI to legacy, turn off secure boot, reboot to boot from the USB stick, install Mint, then turn legacy back to UEFI to get it to boot from the hard drive. This took about 2 hours of trying to figure it out by doing a lot of forums reading.

I do not blame the Mint community or the Linux community as a whole. There is absolutely no reason that it should have been that hard to install Mint on that notebook.

I don't even think getting into the BIOS once time should be necessary, but changing a BIOS setting so you can install the OS and changing it back so you can run the OS off the internal drive is just ridiculous and I find it hard to believe Lenovo couldn't have just made it easier. I'm fairly convinced this was intentional on their part.

I'm not an IT professional or anything, but I know enough to figure this stuff out with effort, but it shouldn't have taken that effort. It should have been almost plug-and-play. This is 2024. The notebook isn't even 10 years old.

Is there actually a good reason for this or are they just kissing Microsoft's ass?

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[–] om1k@sopuli.xyz 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I understand your perspective but the steps you mentioned are what you'd expect when installing an os. Even windows 11 would require you to turn on TPM which, for some, might be a super painful experience.

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I have never had to install an OS where I had to go into the BIOS multiple times to change settings back and forth.

[–] catloaf@lemm.ee 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Still beats setting IRQs. Or dip switches, if you're really old. Expect to have to fiddle if you want custom. You want fisher-price, buy a Mac.

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

I am that old and I admit, that is definitely true.

I'm not saying I want Fisher-Price here. I just don't think there should be this much of a challenge to install Linux on an old ThinkPad like this.

I have no problem with Linux not being a push here dummy OS overall, but not only having to change BIOS settings twice, but having to spend two hours surfing around trying to figure out that was the issue, especially when it was installed but wouldn't boot... that's ridiculous. From what people are saying, it sounds like it's a combination of Lenovo being dickish and Mint not supporting it well enough.

But whatever, it's installed now and works fine. I just needed a rant after going through that.