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Easiest LINUX to use on an older computer?

H

hans030390

Diamond Member
For no reason, I'd like to try out Linux, but on my older computer. Its a 500mhz (Celeron), 128mb ram compy with a 4gb hard drive.

Which linux would be easiest to install and use, and would run ok on that system?

Also, would it be able to completely format my hard drive before installing? So, could I remove windows 98 from it completely and just use Linux?

I'm a newb, so forgive me.

Oh, and it needs to be free. And preferably something that can fit on one cd.
 
Take a look at Vector Linux or Xubuntu. And maybe DSL (Damn Small Linux) as a last resort.

They should all allow you to reformat before installing.

My mom's computer ran Ubuntu decently as a livecd until I realized I forgot to setup a swap. She has a 667 mhz celey and only 64 megs of ram. But I dunno. If you can get Ubuntu or a derivitive of Ubuntu (like Xubuntu) installed that'd be the best way to go.
 
Most distros should run fine on that setup. Pick what you want. Although a full on desktop environment like Gnome or KDE may seem sluggish.

It depends a lot on your expectations and usage.

Try out a minimal window manager like fluxbox or something that is designed to be speedy like 'xfce'. Go ahead and install whatever you want.. if it's not running then it only uses up disk space. (oh, I forget.. Xubuntu is Ubuntu with XCFE by default)

Formatting and such should be taken care of during the install time.
 
Sheesh, I run SuSE 10.1 on a 400MHz Pentium 2. You should be able to game on that system, at least the ones that come with the distribution. 🙂
 
I switch between the two of them actually. Haven't really decided which I like. KDE is easier and well-groomed, gnome is sleaker and geekier.
 
DSL (damn small linux) might work. i have an Ubuntu live cd that works great and i can also use it on the older computer in school.
 
I'm having trouble installing Xubuntu on my computer. it usually freezes (or at least it seems to) when it comes to the partition manager part...what should I do? Do I need to set something up first? Can I install Xubuntu without trying it live?
 
Well I'm not sure what the error is, but Ubuntu derivitives are somewhat buggy right now. You could try to use the GParted LiveCD to partition your hard drive and then just retry to install Xubuntu without repartitioning. Just select the already made partitions and continue.

Or instead of the desktop cd, try the alternative install cd of Xubuntu. This doesn't drop you into a desktop environment. It allows you to install using an ncurses based installer and is usually quite stable.
 
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