install Linux and discard Windows

[fredLH]

Good day,

I intend to replace the Windows 7 operating system on a HP laptop by Linux (Fedora). I understand some laptops have a locj=ked BIOS and this might therefore not be possible. Could you confirm or infirm that point before I purchase the computer?

Thanks,

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

Some help here....

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-elitebook-8460p-notebook-pc/5056942/manuals

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03453264

[fredLH]

Thanks. I gather that after running a secure erase (disk sanitizer program), I should be able to install Fedora from a CD or a USB without problem.

Have a nice day,

FredLH

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

First of I would keep W7.

Record the Licence Key etc using Belarc Advisor.

Note all the Hardware installed, msinfo32 for instance.

Next would be something like this...

https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/FedoraLiveCD

IF/WHEN that throws up compatibility problems, sort them.

Then install Fedora alongside W7, until it is stable.

Next I would do the disk sanitisation and a full blown install.

But then I am somewhat pedantic.

[WAWood]

@fredLH 

It looks to me that you want us to confirm, BEFORE you buy it, that Fedora will work without issues on an HP laptop you intend to purchase.

I'm sorry, but we basically have no way of doing that.

I've used versious Linux distros on about a dozen different laptops over the last 15 years and I can say that I am NOT confident that any Linux distro will work on an untried laptop.  Laptop builders just use way to many specialized hardware components to have any confidence in the ready availability of fully-working Linux drivers.

The Older laptops tend to do better because they've been around long enough for the Linux community to play catch-up with working drivers; but the newer ones tend to be disasters.

So, if you clearly do NOT want to waste money on a new laptop that will end up NOT running Fedora well, my suggestion is that you visit the Fedora forums and see what folks there say.  They may be able to steer you away from buying something that is not going to work well for you.