I had an interesting time installing Xubuntu on my new laptop.
I searched the internet, and found several answers to my problems, including a very good solution at this location:
forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=265615
Here is an explanation on how I installed Xubuntu on an Acer Aspire 3 A317.
This may also work for other models of Aspire 3 laptops, as well.
NOTE: Acer may deny warranty on Aspire 3 laptops that have Linux installed by the end user. They will only support the original OS provided with the laptop.
When you first start the laptop, out of the box, DO NOT go through the Windoze set up. You must make some changes in the BIOS first.
NOTE: If Windoze was set up before you make the changes to the BIOS, then it will not boot. You may have to run a Windoze repair, in order to allow it to boot properly.
Step 1
Disable Intel RST and set system to use AHCI.
Power on the laptop for the first time, and enter the BIOS using the F2 key.
In order to make and save changes in the BIOS, you must set a Supervisor Password.
In the BIOS, go to "Security" - Set Supervior Password
(I used a simple 4 digit PIN, as I am the only one who will be using the computer.)
Go to the BIOS "Main" to enable Supervisor privileges, buy pressing "ctrl-s".
Select the "SATA Mode" and change from "Intel Optane" to AHCI.
Also, disable Fast Boot.
Step 2
Check your BIOS version.
It must be version 1.17 or later. If it is not, you must go through the Windoze setup to upgrade it.
If you already have version 1.17, skip this step and go to Step 3.
Save the BIOS changes and boot into Windoze set up.
Do not connect a network cable to the laptop.
During setup, you can disable Cortana (Optional).
At the Network screen, in the bottom left corner, tell setup that you have NO INTERNET.
Select minimal options for Windoze.
Provide a user name and password. The password can be optional, if you do not intend to use dual boot, as you will be erasing Windoze anyway.
You can now boot into Windoze and connect to your network.
Go to Acer Support and obtain the latest version of you BIOS.
Download and install the update.
Allow the system to boot back to Windoze, to ensure that BIOS update completes properly.
Step 3
If you intend to use Dual Boot, you must resize the storage partition on the hard drive.
Do not use gparted.
You must use the native Windoze disk manager.
If you have not done so, go through the Windoze setup, as described in Step 2.
If you do not want to save Windoze, skip this step and go to Step 4.
Open "Computer Management" in Windoze, and select the "Disk Management Tool".
Select the storage partition, (it's the largest partition on the disk.)
Shrink the partition to provide enough space to install Xubuntu.
Step 4
Set your install media as a trusted boot device in the BIOS.
Insert your installation USB into the laptop.
Restart the laptop and enter the BIOS using F2.
Go to the "Security" tab, "Select an UEFI file as trusted for executing" (Acer's grammatical error, not mine!)
Navigate to USB0\EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi and add it as a trusted boot option.
Go to the "Boot" tab and select the USB as the primary boot option.
Save changes and exit the BIOS.
Step 5
Boot the laptop with the USB install media, and install your favourite flavour of Ubuntu.
I prefer Xubuntu, with my own customized xfce desktop.
Post install, reboot the laptop, and go back into the BIOS.
Add HDD0\EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi as a trusted boot option in the "Security" tab, and set it as primary in the "Boot" tab.
Cheers!
Naught.
Acer Aspire 3 17.3" Laptop - Intel Core i5-1035G1/512GB SSD/8GB RAM A317-52-58ZK
