Installing openSUSE i686 on 32bit Compaq NC-6400 laptop:

[panorain]

A couple weeks ago I downloaded and verified an .iso from the following
link: -> http://download.opensuse.org/tumbleweed/iso/

It was a 32 bit snapshot by the name of: ->
openSUSE-Tumbleweed-KDE-Live-i686-Snapshot20210307-Media.iso

I am uncertain between the difference in the i686 openSUSE TW .iso's as
per current or snapshot-media suffixes.

I successfully used balena Etcher to transfer the .iso to USB.

I was able to use this snapshot effectively to install openSUSE TW on an
Atom 311mini 1600 mhz cpu - small laptop. It was slow to update and very
slow now but in a pinch functional. :|

I am now attempting to use the same usb drive to install openSUSE TW
onto a 32 bit Compaq nc-6400 1833 mhz Centrino Duo with 4 gigabytes of
memory installed and verified. Intel integrated graphics onboard as well
as Intel onboard wireless functionality. 160 GB internal sata harddisk.

The usb appears to load fine into the boot option menu where I can
choose to install openSUSE Tumbleweed KDE Live. I attempt this option
(The first option-default) and loading proceeds without noticeable
incident except for a square mouse cursor with some (Jumbly characters
inside). KDE desktop seemingly appears and background scrolls very
slowly down a bit at an angle with the openSUSE welcome lizard on the
sailing mast window appearing. Trying to use the mouse cursor (block) is
not functional when trying to click on "install". For that matter
attempting to click on menu or closing the welcome window does not seem
to work whatsoever.

Are there a couple of options I could try with the boot menu that could
yield some further success with this installation possibly?

Thank You for your thoughts and suggestions.

[Carlos E. R.]

On 09/04/2021 05.27, panorain wrote:
> A couple weeks ago I downloaded and verified an .iso from the following
> link: -> http://download.opensuse.org/tumbleweed/iso/
>
> It was a 32 bit snapshot by the name of: ->
> openSUSE-Tumbleweed-KDE-Live-i686-Snapshot20210307-Media.iso
>
> I am uncertain between the difference in the i686 openSUSE TW .iso's as
> per current or snapshot-media suffixes.

The "686" isos are 32 bit systems. Otherwise, same version as the other
isos.

>
> I successfully used balena Etcher to transfer the .iso to USB.

I'm not familiar with the tool. One thing to beware, is that openSUSE
iso images are "ready to boot as is". In fact, if you use a tool "to
make them bootable", the installation will probably fail.

Applies to both DVD or USB stick.

>
> I was able to use this snapshot effectively to install openSUSE TW on an
> Atom 311mini 1600 mhz cpu - small laptop. It was slow to update and very
> slow now but in a pinch functional. :|

:-)

The amount of RAM has a huge impact on speed.

> I am now attempting to use the same usb drive to install openSUSE TW
> onto a 32 bit Compaq nc-6400 1833 mhz Centrino Duo with 4 gigabytes of
> memory installed and verified. Intel integrated graphics onboard as well
> as Intel onboard wireless functionality. 160 GB internal sata harddisk.
>
> The usb appears to load fine into the boot option menu where I can
> choose to install openSUSE Tumbleweed KDE Live. I attempt this option
> (The first option-default) and loading proceeds without noticeable
> incident except for a square mouse cursor with some (Jumbly characters
> inside). KDE desktop seemingly appears and background scrolls very
> slowly down a bit at an angle with the openSUSE welcome lizard on the
> sailing mast window appearing. Trying to use the mouse cursor (block) is
> not functional when trying to click on "install". For that matter
> attempting to click on menu or closing the welcome window does not seem
> to work whatsoever.
>
> Are there a couple of options I could try with the boot menu that could
> yield some further success with this installation possibly?
>

This instant, I don't know.

I have not tried 32 bit hardware for years. I do have one such laptop,
but it stays with version 13.1, I think. The last stable 32bit version,
whatever number it was, 11.4 or 13.1. Not TW.

I would rather ask this question in the mail list.
The web forum has one group dedicated to installation, very popular.
I know there are people versed in the many install options, but I'm not
much.

> Thank You for your thoughts and suggestions.
>
>

--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.