How can I access the boot menu and install Linux on an old Sony Vaio?
Asked by
MellowPine47
I'm trying to install Alpine Linux on an older Sony Vaio PCG-71211W because Windows has become too slow for my mother to use. I've spent about an hour trying to open the boot menu but haven't had any luck. What key or BIOS setting should I use, and are there any other installation tips I should know?
Answers
Make sure the USB installer was written correctly and try plugging it in before powering on. On some laptops you can also press the boot-menu key repeatedly as soon as the Sony logo appears, rather than holding it down.
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Alpine can work, but it may not be the easiest desktop choice for someone who just needs a usable everyday laptop. Lightweight Debian-based options such as antiX, MX Linux with Fluxbox, Q4OS, or Lubuntu may offer a smoother experience. Having around 4 GB of RAM will help a lot.
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Try entering the BIOS with F2 immediately after powering on the laptop, then check the boot order and move the USB drive to the top. If you created the installer with Rufus, use DD mode, or choose an MBR partition scheme with BIOS as the target system.
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