Question 1

Can I install Linux on this?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ubuntu 13.10 64 bit. Go to ECS Liva support page and get the beta drivers for Ubuntu. In the zip package there is a word document on installing Ubuntu. The drivers are beta so your mileage may vary. The Bluetooth and WiFi didn't work yet, so I used a wired network.

Note: The Bluetooth and WiFi worked well when I tried windows 8.1.

Titus.

Question 2

is the windows installed?
thanks

Accepted Answer

No operating system is installed when the device is puchased. You must purchase and install an operating system like Windows separately. You can download and install Ubuntu or a different Linux distribution for free.

Question 3

How do you replace the hard drive on this pc?

Accepted Answer

The device in the PC isn't a standard hard drive that can be easily replaced or swapped out. The storage is an eMMC (embedded multimedia card) and it is soldered onto the PC's motherboard. So unless you are confident with soldering, and had an identical eMMC IC, I wouldn't recommend replacing it yourself. Contact their support, hopefully they have handle customer issues well. I hope this helps. :)

Question 4

Got ours in and loaded Windows 8.1 Pro and is on our school domain for testing. But, I am having no luck with the wireless showing up for even being able to add it on to the wireless network. I'm fine on a wired connection, though. It's using the Azurwave AW-NB136NK card that has the Broadcom BCK43142 chip. All connections solid, etc., but nothing works. Anyone had this issue and know a trick with the right software or is it a bad card or mini PC? I'm kind of tired of messing with this thing now. We just want them for their ability to attach to a projector via HDMI, add them to our domain for network file access, and to save on the cost of a replacement laptop which is overkill for the teachers. They won't be used for anything labor intensive.

Accepted Answer

I have this using Windows 8.1 and connect only through Wi-Fi.  We use the HDMI to our TV, and works fine.   I trust in the control pannel the Wi-Fi device is "working properly."  If not, then there is a real problem.  If there any "unknown device" in the control pannel, when connected to the internet have it look for drivers, if found, the device might then be detected and usable.

This is a school?  Try finding the geekest student, they might be able to help.

Best of luck,

Tom

Question 5

Can i upgrade to 8 GB of RAM?

Accepted Answer

Got ours in and loaded Windows 8.1 Pro and is on our school domain for testing.  But, I am having no luck with the wireless showing up for even being able to add it on to the wireless network.  I'm fine on a wired connection, though.  It's using the Azurwave AW-NB136NK card that has the Broadcom BCK43142 chip.  All connections solid, etc., but nothing works.  Anyone had this issue and know a trick with the right software or is it a bad card or mini PC?  I'm kind of tired of messing with this thing now.  We just want them for their ability to attach to a projector via HDMI, add them to our domain for network file access, and to save on the cost of a replacement laptop which is overkill for the teachers.  They won't be used for anything labor intensive.

Question 6

Will this version of the ECS accept an install of Win7 Install?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no. The operating system must have support for 64 bit and the on board flash storage device. The 64 bit versions of Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu have this support.

Question 7

Does this come with a version of Windows?

Accepted Answer

NO. It has not been well advertised but to keep prices low, these are not loaded with any O/S.

Question 8

Has anybody used this as a SteamOS machine?  I would like to use it for game streaming.

Accepted Answer

No. Not really. Stream video with no problem. Not enough juice for games, nor is it intended for that.

Question 9

ECS announced on October 27th that "LIVA Mini PC preloads Windows 8.1 with Bing to bring ultimate convenience".  So are these preloaded with the OS?

Accepted Answer

Mine did not come preloaded

Question 10

I read that it is now being shipped with windows 8.1. installed. Is this true ?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question.

The best way to confirm specs is actually by checking the manufacturer's website (that's where we get them). Click on the Specifications tab on the item page, and look in the Quick Info box on the bottom of the page. You'll find a link to the item on the manufacturer's own site with the most up-to-date details.

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

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