[tlinux-users:08579] Re: Help Wanted-Installing Debian Etch on Toshiba Dynabook SS SX 490NK

Joel T. escreveu:
> Problem:
> I want to install Debian Etch on the laptop and not sure what is the 
> best way to go.

If you is a "newbie", I think that the good choice is use Ubuntu (or 
Kubuntu).

> 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?.

Try use Ubuntu Live-CD.
You can run it from a CD to test (not necessary install) and go to link 
below to check if Etch can recognize your hardware:
<http://kmuto.jp/debian/hcl/index.cgi>

Probabily, some functions can't be suport by default and necessary some 
config (e.g. Hot Keys, FingerPrint)

> 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?.

Leave a partition to MS Windows and another to Linux. It's your best choice!

Regards,
Renato S. Yamane