- Security->Secure Boot [Disabled] // boot from other drives
- Startup->UEFI/Legacy Boot [Legacy Only] // allow more distros to boot from USB key; may also prevent bricking the laptop (sketchy correlation in forum posts between Both/UEFI Only modes booting into Linux after install and having to replace motherboard)
- Startup->Boot Order: M.2 SSD before spinning disk
- Config->Keyboard/Mouse->Fn and Ctrl Key swap [Enabled]
- Used Rufus to image debian-live-7.6.0-amd64-gnome-desktop.iso to USB key (7.1.0 didn't include appropriate network support)
- use a USB3 port (You have no chance to survive make your time.)
- edit boot entry to add "nomodeset" so display works (otherwise bombs when the nouveau driver errors)