It works a LOT better with a good CMOS battery. Before the fan was running all of the time and I had to press F1 after each POST.

Time to try Xubuntu again now that the clock issue has been fixed.

EDIT: I have noticed that the lid of the laptop has the same issue as more recent Acer laptops. Cracks will develop near the screen hinges because Acer in their infinite wisdom chose to mount the hinges to the plastic back of the lid instead of a frame inside of said lid. Grrrrr....