How to install Linux Mint on the Acer Aspire One
UPDATE – please check out this post to install a later version of Mint Linux.
As standard the version of Linux that comes supplied with the Acer Aspire One is Linpus Lite.
Linpus has a job to do and it does it very well, it has a small footprint, its aimed at the average user and provides a simple and quick interface to some powerful applications.
However Linpus has some downsides, it’s difficult to modify and even installing extra apps involves small hacks, and it’s now dated so that some modern applications are difficult to install.
So every now and again I like to try new operating systems for my Acer Aspire One, ans after stumbling across Linux Mint I thought it would be good to give it ago.
So what is Mint? It’s a version of Linux based on Ubuntu, and adds extra integrated Multimedia codec’s, it also has a great and simple to use interface and it’s reportedly quick to use.
To install Mint on your AA1 you will need, a Windows PC, a USB drive (at least 1 GB) and an Internet connection.
Before you start make sure you still have your Acer Restore disk, just in case you need to revert back to Linpus.
To install Mint:
- On your Windows PC’s download and install UNetbootin by clicking here.
- Put your USB drive into a USB socket on your Windows PC.
- Run UNetbootin
- Select Linux Mint in the Distribution Pull down List, and then select 6_live in the version Pull Down List. (as shown above)
- Make sure that the Drive letter points to your USB drive and then click ok. UNetbootin will now download Linux Mint and install it on your USB Drive in a bootable format.
- Now reboot your AA1.
- On boot press F12 on the AA1 to choose the boot device.
- Choose your USB Drive and Linux Mint will now boot from the Drive.
After Mint Linux as loaded feel free to have a play with it to make sure you like it.
You can install Mint Linux permanently on your AA1 by running the install program that is sitting on the desktop, and selecting your internal drive when prompted.
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This appears to be Linux Mint 6 (Felicia)
Wouldn’t it be better to install Linux Mint 8 (Helena)
then it will use the latest Ubuntu 9.10 repos
download the ISO from here:
http://ftp.heanet.ie/pub/linuxmint.com/stable/8/LinuxMint-8.iso
instructions here:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/install-linux-mint-8-to-a-flash-drive-in-windows/
Mint 8 also configure WiFi automatically
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your feedback, I have installed Mint 6, and I’ll look at upgrading to Mint 8 at the weekend.
Many thanks
John M
I’ve just installed Mint 8 (Article to follow later in the week) and it is superb.
Thanks for your help
No problem
I’m glad you like it, and I agree Mint 8 is the best version of Linux I’ve found so far.
Very easy to use, and as its based on Ubuntu 9.10 there is loads of software and easy to find help and support on the web.
hope you don’t mind this, but acn I leave a link to the Linux forum here, for anyone needing Linux help
http://forum.linux.co.uk/
Thanks,
Mark Greaves
installing linux mint is the easy part, however im trying to figure out the following
1) how to get the atheros wireless driver working? (most important)
2) battery monitor?
3) webcam software? (and driver)
Hi James
If you want to stick with this version on mint then have a look at this post to get the Wifi working:
http://netbook-experience.com/2010/02/how-to-activate-how-to-install-wireless-in-linux-mint-on-the-acer-aspire-one/
However the better option might be update to version 8 of Mint Linux where wireless works straight away. Have a look at this post:
http://netbook-experience.com/2010/02/how%c2%a0to%c2%a0install%c2%a0mint%c2%a0linux%c2%a08%c2%a0helena%c2%a0on%c2%a0the%c2%a0acer%c2%a0aspire%c2%a0one/
or if you want to install a version of Mint with a more basic front end (runs quicker) check out this post:
http://netbook-experience.com/2010/03/how-to-install-mint-linux-8-fluxbox-on-the-acer-aspire-one/
I would recommend the third option.
I’ll look into battery monitors.
Hope this helps.