No Way Know How

1) Upgrade bios to A04 (Store the update binary in /boot/efi or on a USB flash drive and use the F12 key during bootup to update). 2) Download linux headers and broadcom-wl driver module tarball to another computer and transfer to the XPS by usb/flashcard. I assume I need to install these in the live arch environment to give me access to the internet, then go to step 3), continue installation, and remember to install the drivers in chroot as well... I am not going to use the broadcom-wl-dkms as I don't fancy the potential hassle and don't expect to be upgrading the kernel super-often (though maybe in Arch I'll be obliged to). See the broadcom arch wiki page for more info and troubleshooting. There's useful stuff on the article's discussion page, too. I should say *potentially* useful stuff. Tip: Broadcom users: If wifi-menu and iwlist scan fail after driver installation and reboot, try disabling "Wireless Switch" control in the BIOS. Tip

Here's the first thing : "Regarding the WiFi adapter choices, both cards do work in Arch, but the Dell DW1560 requires a proprietary kernel module that is not well-supported, whereas the Intel 7265 is supported by the mainline kernel." Guess which one I have coming? That's right, the one that needs the proprietary kernel module. Seems like it can be easily replaced, though: "This card is generally available as an aftermarket purchase for those wishing to replace the Broadcom wireless in their laptop. In direct comparison with the Broadcom module, the Intel module has a 2-3 times wider reception range and way higher throughput, making it an worthwhile upgrade should you decide to do so. It's important to mention that said Intel module exists as both a WLAN standalone and WLAN/Bluetooth combination module. Both work, so it's your decision if you are willing to pay extra to get Bluetooth support or not." Good stuff. Here it is , if I wan

Probook died, unfortunately. I assumed it was the hdd and bought an sdd to replace it, but it's not. Arse. After much deliberation and some loin-girding I got out the credit card and ordered the Dell xps 13 2015 developers edition I've been fantasising about and deliberating over for, like, months. It's not due for delivery 'til 6th July, so I'm prepping for all the ill-advised shit I'll want to do almost straight away. Or so I imagine. I'll play with Ubuntu for a while I guess. Install cinnamon, probs. I'm not sure there'll be any major advantage in Mint over Ubuntu. Who knows. I do expect, though, to want to go to Arch sooner or later, though. And I might as well start preparing for that. So I'll start with the facts in the next post because I don't think I'll be interested in this narrative crap any time soon.

http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=206&t=137045#p787494 in short: edit ~/.config/user-dirs.dirs