Can't get any Linux version to USB boot completely on Acer Aspire 1 (Intel Celeron N4500 CPU)
 

Hi All,

Wanted to see if I can run Linux (or any kind of *Nix / BSD) on this
Acer Aspire 1 with an Intel Celeron N4500 CPU.

I've tried all sorts of distros and methods, but the closest I got
was using Kali Live (kali-linux-2023.4-live-i386.iso) installed on
on a SanDisk 64GB Cruzer Spark USB 2.0.

I installed using Rufus with GPT / UEFI option.

After wrestling with the boot options, and pressing F2 on boot up,
I was able to bring the USB to the top of the boot menu.

However, on boot up, I got to a Kali menu that had these options:

KALI LINUX
Kali Linux live menu (UEFI mode)

Live system (686-pae)
Live system (686-pae fail-safe mode)
Live system (686-pae forensic mode)
Live system with USB persistence (check kali.org/prst)
Live system with USB encrypted persistence
Start installer
Start installer with speech synthesis
Advanced install options
Utilities...

On various attempts, I tried multiple options, but only got a blank/black
screen each time without even a blinking cursor. I waited for several minutes
to see if something would appear -- but no success.

Researching on the Internet, this seems to be a problem with the
graphics driver.

So, I am wondering if there is some Linux/BSD/*Nix version that is
fairly small (can be only a command line interface to start), that
has generic drivers so I don't need to worry about specific drivers.

I would like to use this USB boot drive with other laptops/desktops so
I can take advantage of *Nix functionality -- especially on Windows
computers.

Does anyone have some ideas on how this can be accomplished?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

I might be wondering if you mean usb as a choice or usb as a hard drive order selection. If you select usb device it tends to fail or at least is my experience.

I used to have one, & I ran antiX Base on mine. - http://antixlinux.com/download/

You don't mention how much ram you have, 1GB or 2GB, but whichever, give it a 2GB swap if you intend going online. ;)

NixLix,

A similar netbook is featured here:

https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...d-linux-38954/

I would try MX-23.1_x64 from:
https://mxlinux.org/download-links/

The reason that I recommend MX-Linux is because I suspect that your Acer netbook has a Broadcom wifi card, which can be problematical in Linux.

MX-Linux will generally automatically recognise a Broadcom wifi card and deliver the appropriate driver.

You probably don't need the following info, but I included it just in case it helps somebody else with an Acer laptop.

NB With some Acer laptops it is necessary to first set a temporary Supervisor password in order to disable Secure Boot.

Power on the system. As soon as the first logo screen appears, immediately press F2 to enter the BIOS.

Use the right arrow key to select Security.

Use the down arrow key to highlight Set Supervisor Password and press Enter.

Create a password (write it down!) and press Enter. Retype the password to confirm and press Enter again.

Use the right arrow key to select the Boot tab.

Press the down arrow key to select Secure Boot and press Enter.

With the arrow key, highlight Disabled and press Enter.

Next, under the Boot tab, move USB HDD to the top of the Boot Order, using the F6 key.

Press the F10 key and select Yes to save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Shutdown and insert bootable MX-Linux USB drive.

Switch on whilst tapping F12.

Select Linux USB drive.