I need an advice on what is the best possible choice to install a distro on old laptop that i bought back in 2007.
Without further ado, here’s the techincal specifications:
Linux mint 32 bit debian edition
Not much other choice on 32bit and its updated runs fine on older machines i know as i hzve it on a netbook of the same age and only 2gb memory
I’d also recommend Debian, but with LXDE, which is a more lightweight desktop, probably fits better into the constraints of that machine.
I have serious doubts, how that machine’s performance will do the job in our current world of web…
I would pay attention to what @kovacslt has stated!!! Even if you find a Linux Distro that will run on this machine, it will still have issues with todays websites, been down that road.
If you are still running W7, and I do on one of my machines, the Brave browser can still be installed and used, but there will be no other browser updates, but it will still get one on the internet.
Yes, but it comes with Cinnamon, which is definitely not a light DE.
If the choice would be LMDE, I’d patiently install it (the 64 bit version) using defaults, then I’d install LXDE, something like apt install task-lxde-desktop, then I’d remove the Cinnamon, something like apt purge cinnamon* && apt autoremove --purge.
This should result in an LMDE installation with LXDE instead of the Cinnamon.
I already did this with an LMDE, that time I installed XFCE instead of Cinnamon, I think it would work for LXDE too.
Edit:
I still think this machine requires a very light DE on whichever distro.
It’s going to behave bearable for offline works, such as working with documents, spreadsheets, viewing pictures and such.
But it is going to be highly stressed running any (!!!) of todays browser, and opening any todays webpage, including itsfoss.com.
What i have in mind was something light on resources and for a newbie like myself, easy to install and learn.
Also, a distro with great support and free of charge.I was inclined to AntiX but i’m open to more suggestions.
Thanks.
Among the light on resources distros, Peppermint is probably the easiest for a beginner, then Bodhi or Linux Lite, then Antix.
There is not much difference. If you choose Antix, the full install is a lot easier than base or core or net.
With Antix you also get to choose between sysVinit or runit
init systems. I use runit. Either is OK.
It looks like you can use 64 bit. You should try… 32 bit is likely to disappear soon and there are already problems with some packages not being available.
My last post was done in a hurry.I don’t have internet access at home, i use a public space to do so.
Anyway(and to wrap this up), what i’m looking for is a distro that gives my computer the functionality and stability of Win7 without the specs needed to run it.
Up until now, i was convinced that only 32-bit editions were best suited but since i found out that the CPU supports a 64-bit edition,what i want to know is:among the several distros out there, who’s the one, on a 64-bit edition, light enough to run on a laptop like my own?Because if i understood correctly, a 64-bit will consume all the CPU resources,leaving little to run an application,like a browser.You’re the experts,you tell me.
To finish this,i just wanna add this: i’m not interested in something fancy or visually appealing.Functionality and stability comes first, so a minimalist approach is welcomed.
These days, i use my laptop basically to surf the net,watch videos on Youtube and occasionally, some gaming.That’s pretty much it.
I hope i clarified things here.
Thank you.
My opinion is that this makes you choose a light DE, I think any distro offering that will be OK. For example LXDE, or as @nevj suggested i3wm.
This sounds like you want Debian.
Probably you could gain some more “lightness” having an init system other than systemd, so Devuan may worth of consideration.
@Luis_Cardoso
I have a Devuan with Xfce and runit init system… but it is in a powerful computer. For your purposes , if you are going to go with Devuan, you would need to use LXDE or ICEwm, and I think sysVinit woukd be an easier option than runit for a beginner… just because Devuan works better with sysVinit that it does with runit.
Antix would be much lighter than Devuan. Antix is still Debian based, but it comes with several light install options.
To get a light install of Debian or Devuan, you need to use a network install and only add what you need… a full install ( called a DVD in Debian) will not be light.
Dont forget Linux Lite… it is an Ubuntu derivative.
@Luis_Cardoso
I do not know the full history of your Acer 5715Z/5315 but all the info I can gatther that Acer started life with Windows Vista, Home Basic 32bit and 1GB ram and a max of 2GB ram, with a1 core Celeron 540 CPU running a HDD drive. Now just because that CPU has 64bit instruction does not mean that system will boot any Linux 64bit.
My opinion is that about the only Linux that machine will or could possibly run would be either Puppy Linux or EasyOS running from a USB stick, These old Vista era PC,s are getting old and are not very compatible with Linux or anything else, except with what the machine is running. Good Luck!!!
