[tlinux-users:08575] Help Wanted-Installing Debian Etch on Toshiba Dynabook SS SX 490NK

Hi All,

System description:
I bought a Toshiba Dynabook SS SX 490NK (equivalent to the Portege R300).
It came preinstalled with a Japanese Windows XP. I do not use the Japanese Windows.

Problem:
I want to install Debian Etch on the laptop and not sure what is the best way to go.
It might be useful to install an English Windows XP version so as to run the special utilities to control laptop features such as ROM and HD password management, finger print detection, etc. This means setting a dual-boot system.

Questions:
1. When installing Debian Etch can I have the same control on the laptop features as with the Windows XP? are there linux equivalents to the laptop's Windows utilities? or should I run them under a Windows emulator? or install Windows?.

2. Is there any point in maintaining the recovery area on the HD or should I format the entire HD and allocate all the space to Debian?.

Any other comments/suggestions/tips  on installation/setup are welcome.

Thanks,
Joel.


       
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