Does Linux have problems with certain hardware?

[Arkitech]

Not sure what's going on but I can't seem to get Linux to install on an old machine I have. I tried using the CentOS live cd but the pc would lockup as soon as the logon screen appeared. I next tried running Ubuntu from the CD as well as installing it and it freezes after a point as well.

I've tried taking out my secondary hard drive and disabling my secondary dvd drive (bios) as well. I've also played around with enabling and disabling usb support in bios, but so far nothing is working. Not sure what to try next, so I thought I would toss it out here in the event someone might know what the problem might be.


cpu: Intel Celeron 2.5ghz (yeah I know, this box is ancient)
mobo: Dell 0wf887 (I'm sure the board is an intel but sisoft sandra lists it as a dell)
bios: dell a01 1/03/2006
memory: 512mb ddr
video: intel intergrated graphics controller

thanks for any advice on how I should proceed

 

[xSauronx]

are you sure the pc locked up or could it just be X? you can try to reset X with ctrl+alt+backspace (unless its ubuntu 9.04) or try to get a terminal by hitting alt+F# key (like F2) and then reset x as root with either

# /etc/init.d/gdm restart (ubuntu)
or service gdm restart (Cent...i think this is how its done, the first way will probably work as well)

else you can download a non-live cd and try to do the install that way. if theres some kind of non x/video related problem you may get an error message if/when it freezes (maybe) and, for the sake of learning, you can just do a non-gui install, setup ssh and vnc,and control the box over the network after the install is done.

 

[Arkitech]

Well I finally got CentOS installed, I downloaded a copy of GParted and removed the old NTFS partition. I then installed the full CentOS version (intstead of live CD). I'm not sure which action did the trick but I'm just really happy to have the OS finally installed. Thanks for the suggestions..