Which Ubuntu version is right for me

huss987 · Jul 12, 2015

Hey, I was just wondering which version of Ubuntu I should choose for an old pc i am trying to rescue. It has a pentium 4 and half a gb of ram. Lubuntu would be the logical choice but I want some customization, (themes etc.) All help is appreciated

Archaic59 · Jul 12, 2015

"Lubuntu", made for old systems, can run on very minimal hardware and is supposed to be more familiar for windows users but you already know about that.
http://lubuntu.net/

Some other lightweights among linux-
https://www.linux.com/news/software/applications/780781-6-excellent-lightweight-linux-distros-for-x86-and-arm

Regular Ubuntu has more available programs to customize it. I use 14.04 on my laptop.
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

I've found some great apps here-
http://itsfoss.com/

Chicano · Jul 12, 2015

With 512MB of RAM some other lighter Linux distro would be more adviseable but if it must be Ubuntu, I'd suggest 9.04. In my experience later versions don't run as well on low resource computers as this version... it's even quicker than 7.04.

Another version of Ubuntu that's just as customizable is YlmfOS the one based on Ubuntu 9.04 that's supposed to look like Windows XP.

delaro · Jul 12, 2015

Here read these not everyone likes the same Distro and you will want a lightweight version, all of these will work and they are all different in many ways so you need to try them and see what you like. All can be run off a Flash Drive using Linux Live in Persistent mode which means you don't have to install them to the Hard Drive to test them out. On a separate PC you can also run them in a Virtual Box to test drive as well.

Linux Lite 2.2
http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.com/2015/01/linux-lite-22-beryl-review-good.html

Bodhi Linux 3.0.0
http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.com/2015/03/bodhi-linux-300-review-minimalist.html

Linux Mint 17.2
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/07/rare-breed-linux-mint-17-2-offers-desktop-familiarity-and-responds-to-user-wants/

LXLE
http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2015/02/an-everyday-linux-user-review-of-lxle.html

Simplicity Linux A.K.A Puppy
http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2014/03/simplicity-linux-141-fresh-take-on.html

Lubuntu
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/lubuntu-utopic.html

skittle · Jul 12, 2015

Chicano :

With 512MB of RAM some other lighter Linux distro would be more adviseable but if it must be Ubuntu, I'd suggest 9.04. In my experience later versions don't run as well on low resource computers as this version... it's even quicker than 7.04.

Another version of Ubuntu that's just as customizable is

Java:

YlmfOS

the one based on Ubuntu 9.04 that's supposed to look like Windows XP.

These versions are depreciated and no longer supported. In particular they no longer get security updates. Please do not recommend older versions. It is just fine to run modern LXDE/Lubuntu on 512MB of ram.

Chicano · Jul 12, 2015

skittle :

It's obvious you didn't fully understand the OP's request... or my answer for that matter.

skittle · Jul 13, 2015

What is there to not understand? OP wants something light and customizable. OK well LXDE uses openbox for the window manager and is practically infinitely customizable and runs well within 256-512MB RAM. It is a good choice for OP.

Here are just a few openbox themes:
http://box-look.org/index.php?xsortmode=high&page=0&xcontentmode=7402

You recommend versions of or distrobution that are based on depreciated Ubuntu that no longer receive security or bug updates. The 'YlmfOS' (aka startos) is some sort of Chinese distrobution that comes with no documentation for English or any way to view the source files.

Chicano · Jul 13, 2015

I said Ubuntu is a bad choice with only 512MB or RAM, but IF it must be Ubuntu 9.04 would be what would work better on that RAM.. I also adviced another lighter distro, and an alternative to Ubuntu in case he wanted Ubuntu aftger all the advice.

You have mentioned security updates several times but as fas as I know, Linux is not as vulnerable as the most secure versions of Windows... so?.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1879547

YlmfOS is only modified in looks and colors and is basically the same as Ubuntu, and who cares about viewing the code... you honestly thing the OP cares, what would he gain with that?

The OP said: "for an old pc i am trying to rescue", Know what that means?... I do, I had two, now it's only one (besides my newer PC), and rescuing an old PC means any OS it can handle will do for the time being. It's not like it will be the only PC, and it surely would not be the PC on which important information would be handled... on al old PC that can die at any moment (if it even runs stable with 512MB), that would be foolish.

delaro · Jul 13, 2015

What makes a Good Light Weight Distro.

Will Work on CPU's lower than a 3ghz Pentium
Will work on 512mb or RAM or less.
Good Driver Support
Well designed Desktop layout
Good App Store access
Frequent updates that fix bugs
Frequent updates that fix App compatibility
Fast response
User Friendly access to the rest of the OS

Every single Distro I tossed up meets these requirements. YlmfOS hasn't seen a update in 2 years why would you suggest this? There are literally 20 currently updated Light Weight Distros I would put over one that doesn't get updated at all.

Chicano · Jul 13, 2015

If I had recommended YlmfOS I would have put it in first place but you can read it's only a suggestion not a reccomendation... the first line is my recommendation. You can clearly read what follows is just in case OP wants to install what he likes, and since it's an old computer for simple computing, saving anything important on al old computer would be foolish.

Security is besides the point since you can't expect the same multitud of attacks as with Windows, so 2 years is nothing if you consider that nothing will most likely be attacking. I have installed different Linux distros since 2007 and never had a single malware, adware or nothing of the sort.

So, OP is probably asking for something temporary since lightweight Linux distros are boring after a while, you can read he wants something customizable... and lightweight Linux distros are usually not that.

delaro · Jul 14, 2015

Chicano :

You are wrong on that, Every version of Linux I have every used has been as customizable as you want its your hardware that is the limiting factor, the better looking interfaces are all more hardware demanding. He also does not have to install to try the OS out, I suggested how to do that at the start. I usually make a few Flash Drives up when I want to test a series of Distros out, it works fast enough to see how they look and run no problem at all as long as you have USB 2.0 and up. As far as updates trying getting a new version of Chrome and Firefox to work on a outdated version of a Distro do you know what you get?

"This program is not Compatible with"

Many other apps also drop support for older versions as well.

Chicano · Jul 14, 2015

Well, to customize any Linux distro you need the controls and the light distros don't have them. If they were present I would find them but I havent so far and if a modern computer is needed your recommended distros will not help the OP.

I do have a modern computer, so shoot, show me where to find the controlls to customize Lubuntu 14.04 or 15.04, Semplice, ZorinOS, other light distros are the same as these last two so any advice for a light distro should work on any of these. I'd like to change the theme, folder icons and colors which is what the OP wants in the first place and didn't find in Lubuntu.

McHenryB · Jul 14, 2015

Rubbish!

As has already been stated, you can customize any Linux distribution in any way you want. It's just that some make it a bit easier than others. In Linux practically everything is configured and controlled by plain text files; some have fancy GUIs to manipulate these files, others leave you to do it with a text editor. The end results are the same.

I agree with the others that recommending an ancient version of Linux is a disservice. As is the attitude that "Linux doesn't have security problems". Leave that sort of short-sightedness to the Apple crowd.

Chicano · Jul 14, 2015

What is it with you guys that only read what you want?... you don't read (or understand) the OP's request and you only read from my comments the parts you can blow out of context.

I clearly said: "some other lighter Linux distro would be more adviseable but if it must be Ubuntu" because that's what the OP asked about, and furthermore the OP sounds like knowledgeable enough to know what he wants... and it's not like he's going to use the computer for important computing activities. You should read the complete thread, not just the parts you can use to build-up on.

And since you feel so knowledgeable on Linux with just 2 more best answerw than I, give me a few text codes to customize Lubuntu, Semplice, or ZorinOS. It should be easy for you right?.

delaro · Jul 14, 2015

Chicano :

Did you even look up any of those Distros? All of them will run on a Rasberry Pi and that is a 900mhz CPU with 512mb of RAM.

How to Theme Up Lubuntu
https://www.maketecheasier.com/theme-up-lubuntu/

A Tour of the Zorin Lite LXDE Desktop
http://www.linuceum.com/Distros/osDesktopZorinLite.php

Semplice, its far less popular, check their Forums for information on that.

If you have a modern computer why would you run a light Distro?

McHenryB · Jul 14, 2015

And since you feel so knowledgeable on Linux with just 2 more best answers than I

My post was not predicated upon the fact that in seven months of posting I have provided 2 more best answers than you have in nearly 4 years. Best answers are irrelevant.

I base my replies on over twenty years of experience with Linux in both home and business environments; so yes, I do consider that I have a moderate amount of knowledge on the subject. When you find yourself marching to a different beat from everyone else you might like to consider the possibility that you are out of step, not the rest of the world.

I see that delaro has already given you a little lesson in customizing those particular Linux distributions, so I'll leave you to read and digest those links.

skittle · Jul 14, 2015

Chicano :

I still have no idea what kind of 'customization' you want that that LXDE/Openbox does not provide with lxappearance or obconf don't already offer. In addition openbox is directly editable through its configuration file.
http://openbox.org/wiki/Help:Configuration

Check out what people have accomplished on the unixporn subreddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/search?q=lxde&restrict_sr=on
https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/search?q=openbox&restrict_sr=on

Chicano · Jul 15, 2015

skittle :

In Ubuntu: System / Preferences / Appearance or Right click on the Desktop / Change Desktop Background /
You can change the theme with different folder icon colors and active bar colors.

Try that in Lubuntu or other light distros. Openbox achieves the same but new users may not find it so easy to do, and light distros are not as rich in settings and options. They may be available through Terminal or installation if the user cares enough to learn it but appearance settings should be readily available and easy to use.

Take this only as response to your last answer, not as a reccomendation I am only pointing out the differences and their convenience.

skittle · Jul 15, 2015

Chicano :

LXDE uses openbox as a window manager.
LXDE has the 'lxappearance' to change theme, icons, cursor, widget, window border colors, and font settings.
Lubuntu also has rightclick -> desktop preferences to change wallpaper settings. LXDE can also use the file manager, pcmanfm, to change the wallpaper.
'obconf' further customizes openbox to any one of 1000's of different styles and change window and openbox desktop settings.

You are really grasping at non existent straws here. I can only assume you have not ever extensively explored using LXDE.

huss987 · Jul 15, 2015

Ladies, don't argue. I am going to find a way to close off this thread, or if a mod could kindly do so it would be appreciated

aranda · Jul 22, 2015

This is an interesting question. I have run earlier UBUNTU's on Dell Optiplex GX240, 270 and 280. More recent light distros' iso's have refused to burn onto CD's requiring DVD's and sometimes DL DVD's.

On more than one occasion, in Firefox, I had to toggle "gfx.xrender.enabled" in "about:config" to see address bar contents.

So this is a factor on older 512 machines (presumably with CD ROMs). Also using older UBUNTU's leads to complexities linking to repositories.

Lubuntu 15.04 iso burns on a CD and works fine, but did not identify correctly my monitor (Viewsonic).

I am very impressed with UBUNTU MATE, LXDE, and LXLE 12.04.5 (in particular) on GX270 or 280.

Another trial of Simplicity Linux suffered a frozen browser on GX270.

Which Ubuntu version is right for me

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