Discussion, talk and tips
https://forum.puppylinux.com/
Can anyone verify that Vanilla can handle my Realtek wifi (8821CE) and also Realtek sound? Most distros cannot.
Also, can I use LICK in Windows and boot to Vanilla that way?
If yes to both, I will try it. Thanks.
I have Intel CPU Core m5 using Realtek rt286 sound chip. Sound works on Vanilla Dpup, however the firmware may still be missing. I'm not currently on PC with realtek sound, so can't advise the firmware file required. The command dmesg | grep -i firmware will show missing firmware, if missing you will see a -2 error code.
I don't have realtek wifi, so can't comment.
You can always install Debian firmware packages, i.e. apt install firmware-realtek, if the problem is only missing firmware.
@BobW, you don't have to install Puppy to try it out. If your computer can boot from CD/DVD, you can burn Vanillapup to CD or DVD and try it. That way you don't change anything on the hard disk. Or you might be able to "install" Vanillapup to a USB flash drive and boot from that without disturbing the hard disk. Either way, once you have Vanilla running in the target computer, you'll soon figure out if it can use the wifi and sound.
I second flash's suggestion. I always recommend trying Puppys first from a USB-Key. Saves wasting a lot of time doing, then undoing if the Puppy isn't right for your computer. And I don't like overwriting a hard-drives working boot-loaders. Lick can create a boot-able USB-Key. But the following is my preference creating one from windows, viewtopic.php?p=40522#p40522.
Although larger keys can be more useful in the long run, a 8 Gb Key is more than sufficient to try out Puppys. They can be had for about $4.00.