Re: [tlug] linux installed on lenovo ideapad

[Raymond Wan <rwan.kyoto@example.com>]

Hi Steve,

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:00 AM steve <sjs@example.com> wrote:
> Last week I tried to install Linux on a new Lenovo ThinkPad but finally gave up after a couple of days and sent it back to the vendor for a refund.  I tried everything I could think of but the ThinkPad wouldn't recognize the thumb drive.  It seemed like  the options in the BIOS had changed since last time I tried (also on a Lenovo but Windows 10).  Secure Boot was off by default and all the UEFI and Legacy stuff was gone.  I found boot order and moved the USB drive to top priority but that didn't help.
>
> What I'm wondering is if Microsoft is modifying the BIOS as part of their Windows 11 install.


A long time ago, I had read about this in a non-technical article.  I
wouldn't say that "Microsoft is modifying the BIOS".  It was more like
the vendor partnered with Microsoft and made changes that ensured
installing another OS would be difficult or impossible.  I certainly
wouldn't phrase it so that it sounds like it was Microsoft's fault.  I
guess the vendor agreed to it as well...maybe get a discount on the
license, etc.

Anyway, I think this was before 2019 since I remember when I bought my
notebook, I was worried about getting a computer that couldn't have
Linux installed.  I ended up selecting a Fujitsu and had no problems.
I think I found some pages on Fujitsu's company page that indicated it
at least acknowledged Linux exists.  :-)  That was good enough for me
to put it at the top of my list...

I don't plan on buying a notebook any time soon, but it would be good
to hear about the current state of things to see if I need to worry
about this next time.

Ray