A few Newbie Linux Questions

[3mutts]

Alright, I considered myself a little bit above the average computer user and want to try Linux in a dual boot with Windows 7. I do however have a few questions before I continue.

1. Will this system support Linux Mint 14 MATE Edition

Code: Select all

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/28/2013, 15:08:07
       Machine name: BRANDON-PC
   Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130104-1431)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
       System Model: HP Pavilion dv7 Notebook PC
               BIOS: Default System BIOS
          Processor: AMD Turion(tm) X2 Dual-Core Mobile RM-70 (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
             Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3838MB RAM
          Page File: 1344MB used, 6329MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
   User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
 System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 64bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D:    0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
          Card name: ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
       Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
          Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x9612)
           DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_9612&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00
     Display Memory: 1916 MB
   Dedicated Memory: 253 MB
      Shared Memory: 1662 MB
       Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
       Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
      Monitor Model: unknown
         Monitor Id: SEC334B
        Native Mode: 1440 x 900(p) (60.002Hz)
        Output Type: Internal
        Driver Name: atiumd64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atiumdag,atidxx32,atiumdva,atiumd6a.cap,atitmm64.dll
Driver File Version: 8.14.0010.0678 (English)
     Driver Version: 8.632.1.2000
        DDI Version: 10
       Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
  Driver Attributes: Final Retail
   Driver Date/Size: 8/18/2009 05:15:58, 4059648 bytes
        WHQL Logo'd: Yes
    WHQL Date Stamp:
  Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-D552-11CF-2A71-F610A1C2C535}
          Vendor ID: 0x1002
          Device ID: 0x9612
          SubSys ID: 0x30FC103C
        Revision ID: 0x0000
 Driver Strong Name: oem3.inf:ATI.Mfg.NTamd64.6.1:ati2mtag_RS780M:8.632.1.2000:pci\ven_1002&dev_9612
     Rank Of Driver: 00E62001
        Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C
   Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {3C5323C1-6FB7-44F5-9081-056BF2EE449D}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
       D3D9 Overlay: Not Supported
            DXVA-HD: Not Supported
       DDraw Status: Enabled
         D3D Status: Enabled
         AGP Status: Enabled

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76B2&SUBSYS_103C30FC&REV_1003
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 65535
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
         Driver Version: 6.01.7601.17514 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 350208 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Microsoft
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0xF1F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

            Description: Digital Audio (S/PDIF) (High Definition Audio Device)
 Default Sound Playback: No
 Default Voice Playback: No
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76B2&SUBSYS_103C30FC&REV_1003
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 65535
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
         Driver Version: 6.01.7601.17514 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 350208 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Microsoft
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0xF1F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: Microphone (High Definition Audio Device)
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: HdAudio.sys
         Driver Version: 6.01.7601.17514 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 350208 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
      Device Name: Mouse
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: USB Receiver
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52F
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: USB Receiver
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52F
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: USB Receiver
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52F
        FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x1002, 0x4398
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 3/24/2011 22:28:59, 7936 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ PS/2 Compatible Mouse
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0f13
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes
|
+ HID-compliant mouse
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52F
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| Service: mouhid
| Driver: mouhid.sys, 7/13/2009 19:00:20, 31232 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 63360 bytes
| Driver: sermouse.sys, 7/13/2009 19:00:20, 26624 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
      Drive: C:
 Free Space: 135.8 GB
Total Space: 227.4 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: WDC WD2500BEVS-60UST0 ATA Device

      Drive: D:
 Free Space: 1.9 GB
Total Space: 11.1 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: WDC WD2500BEVS-60UST0 ATA Device

      Drive: E:
      Model: TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS-L633L ATA Device
     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 147456 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
     Name: Base System Device
Device ID: PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2382&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\4&1CD094D2&0&0028
   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_9604&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&20
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

     Name: High Definition Audio Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_960F&SUBSYS_960F1002&REV_00\4&45BD19&0&2908
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\hdaudbus.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 122368 bytes

     Name: Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4396&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&92
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:04, 52736 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:14, 325120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes

     Name: SDA Standard Compliant SD Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2381&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\4&1CD094D2&0&0228
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\sdbus.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 109056 bytes

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_9600&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&00
   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard ISA bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_439D&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&A3
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\msisadrv.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 15424 bytes

     Name: Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4391&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&88
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\msahci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 31104 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:45:46, 48720 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:52:21, 24128 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ataport.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 155520 bytes

     Name: Atheros AR5007 802.11b/g WiFi Adapter
Device ID: PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_001C&SUBSYS_137A103C&REV_01\4&273F16B2&0&0030
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\athrx.sys, 2.00.0000.0075 (English), 10/9/2009 05:41:02, 1394176 bytes

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1304&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&C4
   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_439C&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&A1
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciide.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:45:45, 12352 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:45:46, 48720 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:52:21, 24128 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ataport.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 155520 bytes

     Name: ATI I/O Communications Processor SMBus Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4385&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_3A\3&2411E6FE&2&A0
   Driver: n/a

     Name: Realtek RTL8102E/RTL8103E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.20)
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_02\4&2F819337&0&0038
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\Rt64win7.sys, 7.02.1125.2008 (English), 6/10/2009 15:35:42, 187392 bytes

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1303&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&C3
   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4398&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&99
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:04, 25600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:14, 325120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes

     Name: ATI I/O Communications Processor PCI Bus Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4384&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&A4
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_103C&DEV_9602&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&08
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1302&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&C2
   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4398&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&91
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:04, 25600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:14, 325120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes

     Name: High Definition Audio Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4383&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&A2
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\hdaudbus.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 122368 bytes

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_9607&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&38
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1301&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&C1
   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4397&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&98
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:04, 25600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:14, 325120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes

     Name: Base System Device
Device ID: PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2384&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\4&1CD094D2&0&0428
   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_9606&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&30
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_1300&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_40\3&2411E6FE&2&C0
   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4397&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&90
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:04, 25600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:14, 325120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes

     Name: Base System Device
Device ID: PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2383&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\4&1CD094D2&0&0328
   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1022&DEV_9605&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&28
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

     Name: ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_9612&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\4&45BD19&0&2808
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\atikmdag.sys, 8.01.0001.0921 (English), 8/18/2009 06:48:48, 6037504 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ati2erec.dll, 1.00.0000.0019 (English), 8/18/2009 04:37:56, 53248 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiumd64.dll, 8.14.0010.0678 (English), 8/18/2009 05:15:58, 4059648 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiumd6a.dll, 8.14.0010.0228 (English), 8/18/2009 05:10:52, 2622976 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atitmm64.dll, 6.14.0011.0022 (English), 8/18/2009 05:35:12, 120320 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiicdxx.dat, 6/18/2009 22:29:04, 197654 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\amdpcom64.dll, 8.14.0010.0023 (English), 8/18/2009 04:52:50, 52224 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atimpc64.dll, 8.14.0010.0023 (English), 8/18/2009 04:52:50, 52224 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiadlxx.dll, 6.14.0010.1050 (English), 8/18/2009 04:52:18, 251904 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiumd6a.cap, 8/18/2009 05:08:34, 219120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atimuixx.dll, 6.14.0010.1001 (English), 8/18/2009 05:34:24, 12288 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiesrxx.exe, 6.14.0011.1033 (English), 8/18/2009 05:36:20, 203264 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atieclxx.exe, 6.14.0011.1033 (English), 8/18/2009 05:36:54, 420352 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atipdl64.dll, 6.14.0010.2556 (English), 8/18/2009 05:34:52, 421376 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atiedu64.dll, 6.14.0010.2514 (English), 8/18/2009 05:34:20, 59392 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ATIDEMGX.dll, 2.00.3516.38910 (English), 8/18/2009 05:37:02, 442368 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atio6axx.dll, 6.14.0010.8787 (English), 8/18/2009 05:33:44, 15062016 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\aticaldd64.dll, 6.14.0010.0344 (English), 8/18/2009 04:49:22, 4289536 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\aticalrt64.dll, 6.14.0010.0344 (English), 8/18/2009 04:49:46, 48640 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\aticalcl64.dll, 6.14.0010.0344 (English), 8/18/2009 04:49:34, 41984 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atibtmon.exe, 2.00.0000.0000 (English), 5/12/2009 00:35:30, 118784 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\atidxx64.dll, 8.15.0010.0212 (English), 8/18/2009 05:26:18, 2921984 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atiumdag.dll, 8.14.0010.0678 (English), 8/18/2009 05:20:38, 3105280 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atiumdva.dll, 8.14.0010.0228 (English), 8/18/2009 05:05:32, 2868736 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\amdpcom32.dll, 8.14.0010.0023 (English), 8/18/2009 04:52:44, 51712 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atimpc32.dll, 8.14.0010.0023 (English), 8/18/2009 04:52:44, 51712 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atiadlxy.dll, 6.14.0010.1050 (English), 8/18/2009 04:52:10, 184320 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atiumdva.cap, 8/18/2009 05:05:02, 219120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atipdlxx.dll, 6.14.0010.2556 (English), 8/18/2009 05:34:46, 356352 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Oemdspif.dll, 6.15.0006.0005 (English), 8/18/2009 05:34:32, 274432 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ati2edxx.dll, 6.14.0010.2514 (English), 8/18/2009 05:34:16, 43520 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atioglxx.dll, 6.14.0010.8787 (English), 8/18/2009 05:11:52, 11650560 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\atidxx32.dll, 8.15.0010.0212 (English), 8/18/2009 05:31:32, 2469888 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\aticaldd.dll, 6.14.0010.0344 (English), 8/18/2009 04:48:28, 3264512 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\aticalrt.dll, 6.14.0010.0344 (English), 8/18/2009 04:49:44, 53248 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\aticalcl.dll, 6.14.0010.0344 (English), 8/18/2009 04:49:32, 53248 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\atiogl.xml, 6/17/2009 10:53:12, 18333 bytes

     Name: Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4396&SUBSYS_30FC103C&REV_00\3&2411E6FE&2&9A
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:04, 52736 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:14, 325120 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.17586 (English), 3/24/2011 22:29:26, 343040 bytes

------------------
DirectShow Filters
------------------

DirectShow Filters:
WMAudio Decoder DMO,0x00800800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
WMAPro over S/PDIF DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
WMSpeech Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
MP3 Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,mp3dmod.dll,6.01.7600.16385
Mpeg4s Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp4sdecd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
WMV Screen decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsdecd.dll,6.01.7601.17514
WMVideo Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,wmvdecod.dll,6.01.7601.17514
Mpeg43 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp43decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
Mpeg4 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mpg4decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
DV Muxer,0x00400000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Color Space Converter,0x00400001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
WM ASF Reader,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514
Screen Capture filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmpsrcwp.dll,12.00.7601.17514
AVI Splitter,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
VGA 16 Color Ditherer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
SBE2MediaTypeProfile,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder,0x005fffff,2,4,msmpeg2vdec.dll,12.00.9200.16426
AC3 Parser Filter,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
StreamBufferSink,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft TV Captions Decoder,0x00200001,1,0,MSTVCapn.dll,6.01.7601.17715
MJPEG Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
CBVA DMO wrapper filter,0x00200000,1,1,cbva.dll,6.01.7601.17514
MPEG-I Stream Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
SAMI (CC) Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Splitter,0x005fffff,1,0,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
Closed Captions Analysis Filter,0x00200000,2,5,cca.dll,6.06.7601.17514
SBE2FileScan,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
Internal Script Command Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG Audio Decoder,0x03680001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
DV Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Video Mixing Renderer 9,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft MPEG-2 Encoder,0x00200000,2,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
ACM Wrapper,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Video Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG-2 Video Stream Analyzer,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Line 21 Decoder,0x00600000,1,1,,
Video Port Manager,0x00600000,2,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Video Renderer,0x00400000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
VPS Decoder,0x00200000,0,0,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514
WM ASF Writer,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514
VBI Surface Allocator,0x00600000,1,1,vbisurf.ax,6.01.7601.17514
File writer,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
iTV Data Sink,0x00600000,1,0,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514
iTV Data Capture filter,0x00600000,1,1,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514
DVD Navigator,0x00200000,0,3,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835
Microsoft TV Subtitles Decoder,0x00200001,1,0,MSTVCapn.dll,6.01.7601.17715
Overlay Mixer2,0x00200000,1,1,,
RDP DShow Redirection Filter,0xffffffff,1,0,DShowRdpFilter.dll,
Microsoft MPEG-2 Audio Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
WST Pager,0x00200000,1,1,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Demultiplexer,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
DV Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
SampleGrabber,0x00200000,1,1,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Null Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x005fffff,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft AC3 Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msac3enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
StreamBufferSource,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Smart Tee,0x00200000,1,2,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Overlay Mixer,0x00200000,0,0,,
AVI Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
NetBridge,0x00200000,2,0,netbridge.dll,6.01.7601.17514
AVI/WAV File Source,0x00400000,0,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Wave Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MIDI Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Multi-file Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
File stream renderer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder,0x005fffff,1,1,msmpeg2adec.dll,6.01.7140.0000
StreamBufferSink2,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
AVI Mux,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Line 21 Decoder 2,0x00600002,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
File Source (Async.),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
File Source (URL),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Media Center Extender Encryption Filter,0x00200000,2,2,Mcx2Filter.dll,6.01.7601.17514
AudioRecorder WAV Dest,0x00200000,0,0,WavDest.dll,
AudioRecorder Wave Form,0x00200000,0,0,WavDest.dll,
SoundRecorder Null Renderer,0x00200000,0,0,WavDest.dll,
Infinite Pin Tee Filter,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Enhanced Video Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,evr.dll,6.01.7601.17514
BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00200000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669
MPEG Video Decoder,0x40000001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

WDM Streaming Tee/Splitter Devices:
Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Video Compressors:
WMVideo8 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvxencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
WMVideo9 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvencod.dll,6.01.7600.16385
MSScreen 9 encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
DV Video Encoder,0x00200000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
MJPEG Compressor,0x00200000,0,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Audio Compressors:
WM Speech Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385
WMAudio Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385
IMA ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
PCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
GSM 6.10,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
CCITT A-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
CCITT u-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
MPEG Layer-3,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Audio Capture Sources:
Microphone (High Definition Aud,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

PBDA CP Filters:
PBDA DTFilter,0x00600000,1,1,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
PBDA ETFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
PBDA PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Midi Renderers:
Default MidiOut Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

WDM Streaming Capture Devices:
HD Audio Microphone 2,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
HP Webcam,0x00200000,1,2,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

WDM Streaming Rendering Devices:
HD Audio Headphone/Speakers,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
HD Audio SPDIF out,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

BDA Network Providers:
Microsoft ATSC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBS Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBT Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Video Capture Sources:
HP Webcam,0x00200000,1,2,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Multi-Instance Capable VBI Codecs:
VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514

BDA Transport Information Renderers:
BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00600000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669
MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x00600000,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514

BDA CP/CA Filters:
Decrypt/Tag,0x00600000,1,1,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
Encrypt/Tag,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
XDS Codec,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708

WDM Streaming Communication Transforms:
Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Audio Renderers:
Speakers (High Definition Audio,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Default DirectSound Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Default WaveOut Device,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
Digital Audio (S/PDIF) (High De,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
DirectSound: Digital Audio (S/PDIF) (High Definition Audio Device),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713
DirectSound: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

---------------
EVR Power Information
---------------
Current Setting: {5C67A112-A4C9-483F-B4A7-1D473BECAFDC} (Quality)
  Quality Flags: 2576
    Enabled:
    Force throttling
    Allow half deinterlace
    Allow scaling
    Decode Power Usage: 100
  Balanced Flags: 1424
    Enabled:
    Force throttling
    Allow batching
    Force half deinterlace
    Force scaling
    Decode Power Usage: 50
  PowerFlags: 1424
    Enabled:
    Force throttling
    Allow batching
    Force half deinterlace
    Force scaling
    Decode Power Usage: 0

2. Is 30 GB enough for Linux Mint 14 MATE to run on, I dont plan storing documents in Linux Mint or playing games (Linux isnt good for that anyway ), but I do plan to web search, type documents and save them to a thumb drive, and just explore the system.

3. For the installation process Ive seen many ways how to do it. Ive seen some people select the "Install Linux alongside Windows" and "Something Else" options, which is better for a dual boot in terms of problems.

4. Do I need to partition in Windows before I install Linux Mint or do I just do this in the Linux Mint installation process?

If you guys can answer theses ASAP that would be great.

[xenopeek]

Well hi there, welcome to Linux Mint

1. That is a bit too much information for me to do anything useful with, but it should probably work. We'd need your exact model HP Pavilion dv7 (as that isn't a model, but a series) to give you some more input on that. But easiest and best is to just boot from the Linux Mint installation ISO (on DVD or USB stick), and try out the operating system from there before you install it. if there are any problems, you can use the forums here to get help from others.

Because you have an AMD graphics card; if you run into problem of booting to a black screen, this may be helpful: viewtopic.php?f=46&t=122257

2. 30 GiB is fine. The base installation of Linux Mint, including all default applications such as your web browser, office suite, photo editor, and so on, is just 6 GiB.

3. Install alongside Windows is the easiest choice as it will automatically create the needed partitions and such. I'd recommend you do that.

4. No, the Linux Mint installer can handle that. But if you want, you may use your Windows partitioning tool to resize your Windows partition so you have 30 GiB free disk space. The Linux Mint installer will then offer to install on that free disk space.

I hope all goes well with the installation, and else we are here to help.

[3mutts]

^ Thank you very much, I will probably install Linux Mint tomorrow as my computer will be defragging tonight. I can't wait to try out Linux Mint as I've heard great things about it.

EDIT: I think I found the model number

HP Pavilion dv7 1132nr

[xenopeek]

Recommend you have an ethernet cable handy for just in case; the Atheros AR5007 Wi-Fi might not work out-of-the-box and need an additional driver so then a ethernet connection is handy. The Realtek RTL8102E/RTL8103E ethernet should work fine.

[3mutts]

^ I'm assuming I can check with the live USB, right? We don't have a wired connection anymore in my house (all laptops).

[xenopeek]

Yup

[3mutts]

^ Great! Thank you every much for answering theses questions, I'm pretty sure you get tons of them!