I finally got around to wiping Vista from my Dell Inspiron 1521 and installing Ubuntu 8.04 LTS on it. I did a default install and found that almost everything worked fine:
First, we need to add third-party software sources to the package repositories. Open Sytem > Administrator > Synaptic and go to Settings > Repositories. Select the Third-Party Software tab and select both of the check boxes. Click Close, which returns you to the main Synaptic window. Now click Refresh.
Now that the third-part repositories are selected, click on Search and look for "ndisgtk." Click in its checkbox and select Mark for Installation. Now, click Apply in the main Synaptic window.
- Sound works, though perhaps not with the same fidelity as under Vista.
- Laptop sleeps and wakes cleanly.
- Display works, even detected my 1680x1050 panel (an upgrade on the model).
- Keyboard volume/mute and screen brightness work.
- Wired NIC is fine.
First, we need to add third-party software sources to the package repositories. Open Sytem > Administrator > Synaptic and go to Settings > Repositories. Select the Third-Party Software tab and select both of the check boxes. Click Close, which returns you to the main Synaptic window. Now click Refresh.
Now that the third-part repositories are selected, click on Search and look for "ndisgtk." Click in its checkbox and select Mark for Installation. Now, click Apply in the main Synaptic window.
Next, lets install the windows driver using NDIS. First, you'll need
to get the Windows drivers from Dell. The driver packet you're after is
R174291, which is a big one. You can download it from Dell, but you'll
need to have access to a Windows machine to extract them.
If you prefer, I have just the relevant drivers available here:
Inspiron1521Wireless.tar.gz
If you're concerned about security, go get them from Dell in case I'm trying to get vulnerable drivers installed on your system so I can hack you. I'm not trying to do this, but all you have is my word for it, and why should you trust me?
On a side note, I'm hosting these only as a convenience for Dell's paying customers. Dell, if you have any problems or concerns with this, please let me know and I'll take them down (so please don't sue me).
Now that you have the drivers (one way or another), go to System > Administration > Windows Wireless Drivers. Click the add button. Navigate to wherever you extracted the drivers and select bcmwl5.inf.
That's it, you're done. I may have been a bit verbose, but it really is an easy process.
If you prefer, I have just the relevant drivers available here:
Inspiron1521Wireless.tar.gz
If you're concerned about security, go get them from Dell in case I'm trying to get vulnerable drivers installed on your system so I can hack you. I'm not trying to do this, but all you have is my word for it, and why should you trust me?
On a side note, I'm hosting these only as a convenience for Dell's paying customers. Dell, if you have any problems or concerns with this, please let me know and I'll take them down (so please don't sue me).
Now that you have the drivers (one way or another), go to System > Administration > Windows Wireless Drivers. Click the add button. Navigate to wherever you extracted the drivers and select bcmwl5.inf.
That's it, you're done. I may have been a bit verbose, but it really is an easy process.
Leave a comment