The least demanding Linux distro?

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ThatsABigOne

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
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I want to install a distro on a 10 year old laptop that still does it job at browsing pretty well. I want to learn more about Linux, as it is going to be my first OS install. I am a windows user all my life.

Any ideas on the least-demanding Linux distro available while being a little user friendly at the same time?
 
Nothinman

Nothinman

Elite Member
Sep 14, 2001
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Memory and disk speed will have a huge impact on performance, so what kind of drive and how much memory does it have?

I'm a big Debian fan, but the work upfront to set it up is a little bit higher than something like Ubuntu.
 
ThatsABigOne

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
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The laptop has 384mb of ram, meaning there is 256 and 128 ram sticks. It is PIII 850mhz.

I have heard of Debian as a good F@H OS for Bigadv proteins.
 
lxskllr

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
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I like Puppy and SliTaz. Dennilfloss may roll through and recommend TinyMe. Those are all very light and relatively easy. When you get to the ultralights though, corners have to be cut, and they won't be the easiest to use. The easiest without considering weight is Ubuntu imo.

Edit:
I just read your clarification. I'd give straight Ubuntu a try. It won't be super fast, but I think it'll be acceptable on that machine.
 
lxskllr

lxskllr

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Nov 30, 2004
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ThatsABigOne said:
What about Arch. Any feedback on this?
Click to expand...

Arch is a very advanced distro, and it has security risks. I wouldn't recommend that for anyone. If you don't necessarily want the easiest, than I'd use Debian. It isn't terribly difficult, and it can be as light or heavy as you choose.
 
ThatsABigOne

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
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With Debian, I can select to install the small package and let internet connection install the rest?

How would the wireless card on this laptop be recognized? I am really sorry for being soo noobish...
 
lxskllr

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
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It might not get recognized. It's better to be hard wired for the initial setup. Also, Debian is using a 100% free kernel now. There's no proprietary drivers in the kernel. They have a non-free kernel available, but I haven't been on the site in awhile to see how it all works. Your best shot for working out of the box is probably Ubuntu, but depending on your wifi card you may have to put some work into getting it going.
 
dennilfloss

dennilfloss

Past Lifer 1957-2014 In Memoriam
Oct 21, 1999
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dennilfloss.blogspot.com
lxskllr said:
Dennilfloss may roll through and recommend TinyMe. The easiest without considering weight is Ubuntu imo.
Click to expand...

:D

TinyMe is the one that works best on my old Celeron 600 lappy but each hardware configuration has one distro that fits it best. Gotta try and see which one works on yours. As for ease of use, I found PCLinuxOS to be the easiest to use coming from Windows.
 
Barfo

Barfo

Lifer
Jan 4, 2005
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Why don't you download some of the distros recommended here, put them in a bootable usb flashdrive with universal usb installer, and then decide which one you like best?

I personally like Puppy a lot.
 
vcsx

vcsx

Member
Jun 1, 2010
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If you the just gonna use it to browse the web, I recommend Puppy Linux too.
 
Last edited:
O

oynaz

Platinum Member
May 14, 2003
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I run Ubuntu on my old P2 laptop with 512 MB RAM. No problems, and very easy to setup.
 
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