New to Linux which one should I use on an old computer

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Claymoresama

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May 3, 2013
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So I have an old Hp entertainment pc from 2005 with an AMD dual core 2.0ghz processor, 250gb hard drive, and 2.5gb of ram *upgraded it a while back* currently running a cracked version of Win7. The crack is messing up big time and we still want to use that machine but it feels useless. All the parts are in tact and i wanted to change the OS to Linux im not sure if Ubuntu would work or maybe puppy linux? Also i have a Linksys wireless n usb adapter plugged in. Will that work if i change over? also i have an old Hp laserjet 1100 printer will that work too?
Thank you for any advice you can offer
 
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I recommend the current version of Linux Mint. If you have trouble with the X environment, try "xfce" as recommended by chamaecyparis.
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cklaubur

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Oct 4, 2006
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My advice would be to download a few live CD versions and play around with them before you completely wipe your computer. Linux does have a slight learning curve (nowhere near as much as it used to), and is a bit of a pain to get working if there is any trouble.

I'm using OpenSUSE 12.3 on an old Dell Latitude D531 (specs in my sig below), and the only problem I have with it is that the wireless card (Dell 1505 Draft-N, Broadcom based) doesn't work in 5 GHz mode with the open-source drivers. Why am I not using Broadcom-sourced drivers? Because the current drivers have a bug in them, and cannot be compiled correctly.

Linux support seems to be better with older hardware.

Casey
 
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stillblue

stillblue

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Nov 30, 2012
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Ubuntu should work fine but if not try Lubuntu which is a lightweight desktop for ubuntu, you can install any programs after if you want.
To install the printer, plug it in to the computer. Turn it on. finished.
Not sure about the wireless, doesn't cost anything to try. If it doesn't come back.

 
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chamaecyparis

chamaecyparis

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Nov 21, 2010
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With those decent specs, my suggestion would include Mint-15-xfce in addition to those already mentioned.

Linksys and Linux? I never got them to work together. Suggest Alfa.

As to printer, I do not know the specifics, but HP has maintained an admirable compatibility with Linux over the years, AFAIK.

 
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Aristotelian

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Jun 21, 2012
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I doubt Ubuntu would work for a computer that old. The new Unity desktop has a lot of fancy graphics that do not work on my desktop, a c. 2006 Celeron D machine. You can always try it and see, but LUbuntu and Puppy would be much safer bets. (My machine is running LUbuntu and it is running smoothly).

Most devices are plug and play, and the great thing about Linux is that drivers are built into the system. You do not need to find installation CDs or download drivers over the internet.

If it doesn't work, look for wireless adapters on Newegg and search the comments for Linux/Ubuntu. You should be able to find one for under $10.




 
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1991ATServerTower

1991ATServerTower

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May 6, 2013
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I use Lubuntu 11.04 on my 1.8GHz dual core Turion X2 laptops that have 1GB RAM (Dell Inspiron 1501). 13.04 ran well enough, but was quirky, while 12.04 would kernel panic with the wifi drivers (broadcom 4311). In my experience with these machines over the years (I've own them since 2007), they work best with kernel 2.6. With Lubuntu 11.04, the LXDE interface, and the Opera web browser I've got a solid browsing machine that may not be super fast, but it's entirely functional and definitely usable for office work. Ubuntu with the Unity interface on the other hand performs like a dead fish sticking to a hot sidewalk.

I've tried MANY distros on this hardware and Lubuntu 11.04 seems to work best, with Ubuntu 10.04 being close second, and Ubuntu 8.04 a distant third. 8.04 is faster for sure in terms of boot time and application snappiness, but wifi support uses the windows driver, which can be slow and flaky.
 
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Aristotelian

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I agree with this, if you try Ubuntu, go with 10.04. That was the last version that had the option to use the "classic desktop" which is less graphics-intensive than Unity.

 
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