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I have just purchased an Acer Aspire One ZG5 with Windows. Is it possible to change the OS to Linux ? I have another Acer Aspire One ZG5 and can use those recovery discs.

You can switch although you’ll want to save things like pictures, documents, music, etc. as you will have to format and erase the drive before linux can be installed. You should also make sure there aren’t any windows programs you need as programs that run on windows are not compatible with linux unless that company releases a version specifically for linux in addition to the windows versions. You can usually find a linux alternative to most windows programs.

Its very easy to do! First, welcome to the world of Linux! For starters, there will be no command lines, and the install is very guided. Its very similar to a game, if you wish to compare it like that. Just point and click. I highly recommend Linux Mint. http://linuxmint.com All you have to do, is burn the CD so it is bootable (just google “make linux mint cd”), and then go into your boot menu and have it boot from the CD drive. I"m not sure what it is for your laptop, but when you get the BIOS splash screen, just hit F12. Then choose the CD drive. The rest will be very guided. Come back if you need help! –Corry

I have two Aspire Ones, one Linux and one Windows XP. The Aspire One with Windows is a much beefier machine than the Linux-native model. The only real problem will be in getting the appropriate drivers for things like the sound card and smart card readers under Linux. If you use a lot of peripherals, take time to investigate whether those peripherals will still work after you migrate. Linpus Linux is what shipped on the Linux native model, and to be actually useful, it must be “rooted” similar to a smartphone. Frankly, I was not impressed by it. The more robust Windows model should be able to run any version of Linux. You also can install Linux from a memory stick, thus eliminating the need for an external CD drive. A few web searches (I used “acer one migrate from windows to linux”) will give you more specific information such as: http://www.ehow.com/how_8380156_install-http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/not… Good luck!

Hi, You can try Norton ghost utility of your Linux based acer to create an image which can then be deployed in your windows acer creating the exact replica of your Linux based acer. You can also use DD command in linux to create an image. Boot Windows laptop using a bootable CD or USB and then deploy the image.

I am running Peppermint on my ZG5. It runs a lot faster than Windows XP did. I used a thumbdrive to load Peppermint on to the ZG5. Here is how I did it: http://peppermintos.com/guide/downloadin

My cute little Aspire One runs Linux. I myself did not put it on there though. My friend who gave me the Computer put the Linux program on it. I hope you get Linux up and running on your computer and have a wonderful day Kevin.

Just saying I have 2 - ZG5 Netbooks running on Linux Mint 17.3 MATE. One is a dual boot with XP, the other is dedicated. Both seem to work fine. Great little computers for travelling away with. But be sure to make sure you have the latest BIOS upgrade.

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