Linux on an ASUS A6VC Laptop
Introduction
In this page I explain how to install and get linux proper working on an Asus A6VC laptop (or Z9200VC).
I'm using the Archlinux distro, so this tutorial refers to this distro, but can be used also as a reference for other distros. This page is not completed, i'm working on it.
Hardware specifications
The laptop is based on the Centrino platform.
- CPU: Intel Pentium M Processor 740
- Display: 15.4" WXGA TFT LCD (1280×800)
- RAM: 512
- HDD: 80 GB
- Wifi: Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
- Optical Drive: 8x DVD Dual/Double
Installation
The installation wasn't a problem: I've simply taken the boot cd of the distro, and booted it. The installer run smoothly, and a bit late the laptop was already running a base (but functionally) linux system.
X Configuration
The next step was the configuration of the X server; the drivers for the grafic card can be downloaded from the Nvidia's site, or directly from the repos of your distro if it supports them (Archlinux does: simply 'pacman -Sy nvidia'). I've created a raw config file with 'xorgconfig', and then edited it.
Sound card
The soundcard installed on this laptop works with the 'hda_intel' module (chipset by realtek). However, it needs a simple workaround to have it detected by the alsa subsystem: you have to pass an option to the module. To do this, you can edit the /etc/modprobe.conf file and add this line:
options snd-hda-intel model=z71v position_fix=1
In this way, the next time you will load the module it will be detected the right model.
Previously, I used to build the module from realtek (http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/dlac97-2.aspx?lineid=5&famid=12&series=8&Software=True) but along with version 2.6.15 of the kernel it does'nt work anymore (at least for me). By the way with the module provided by the vanilla kernel seems that the audio quality is better (seems to my ears)
