Hi

I run proxmox and Ubuntu machines on my server , but have always used a windows laptop(which is work based).

The work laptop now is very restricted so I was thinking of getting a laptop with Linux.

There are a few ThinkPad X1 carbon gen 7 i7 on sale in Europe.

I was wondering would they work well for Linux.

I just be using it as a daily driver , battery life is prob main concern.

Thank

  • j4k3@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    The bootloader functionality is the main thing you really want to know but is hard to find out in most cases. If you can find a machine that accepts custom keys with secure boot you’re better off. There are methods that enable secure boot without the ability to add custom keys, but this involves special 3rd party keys signed by Microsoft. It also makes kernel mods a pain if not impossible. The only machines you can fully control are those that can accept custom keys.

    There is an excellent guide that describes every aspect of this, including the attack vectors, vulnerabilities, and peripheral uses of the system. It is from the US government here: https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/15/2002497594/-1/-1/0/CTR-UEFI-Secure-Boot-Customization-UOO168873-20.PDF

    The only other reference I have found with additional information is from a Gentoo guide that describes how to boot into the UEFI system and make changes directly. This may be an option if you can’t alter secure boot.

    https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/User:Sakaki/Sakaki's_EFI_Install_Guide/Configuring_Secure_Boot

    Again, this only really applies to modern hardware with secure boot, and only in instances where you may need to run custom kernels or modules other than those that come presigned by distro packagers using Microsoft’s 3rd party key.