Windows Secrets Touts Puppy Linux...!
Posted 03-22-2009 at 12:48 PM by SrDorothy
Tags old hardware, puppy linux, win 98, windows secrets
As I was reading Windows Secrets today, which I subscribe to since we still use a number of Windows machines, I came across a discussion of Windows 98 on old machines and using it for special purposes--but someone was asking about whether Win 98 supports USB. I immediately thought of Puppy Linux which we are using on an old machine --and here is part of Fred Langa's response (the March 19, 2009 Windows Secrets newsletter):
"If you use old hardware for normal day-to-day tasks — including going online — there may be a better option than running an obsolete version of Windows. For older, anemic hardware, consider any of the special-purpose, small-footprint Linuxes.
"The oddly-named Puppy Linux fits in just 93MB and includes an up-to-date OS and a suite of reasonably current Office-style applications, plus built-in networking, CD burning, USB support, and more. The OS comes with a firewall and can run standard Linux antivirus software.
"Puppy Linux is very easy to get going and is free, though it's not a fire-breathing package by any means. Still, this is an excellent way to extend the life of older hardware without the security risks that afflict obsolete software. (For more info, see the Puppy Linux site.)"
Fred goes on to say that he prefers Windows on modern hardware...who knows why? Later in the newsletter there is an article about Vista and the "black screen of death"...! This sometimes occurs, apparently, when rebooting after applying a patch. We are still using Windows, but are slowly moving toward Linux--and "slowly" is mostly due to the search for Linux-compatible software to replace specialty software we use now.
"If you use old hardware for normal day-to-day tasks — including going online — there may be a better option than running an obsolete version of Windows. For older, anemic hardware, consider any of the special-purpose, small-footprint Linuxes.
"The oddly-named Puppy Linux fits in just 93MB and includes an up-to-date OS and a suite of reasonably current Office-style applications, plus built-in networking, CD burning, USB support, and more. The OS comes with a firewall and can run standard Linux antivirus software.
"Puppy Linux is very easy to get going and is free, though it's not a fire-breathing package by any means. Still, this is an excellent way to extend the life of older hardware without the security risks that afflict obsolete software. (For more info, see the Puppy Linux site.)"
Fred goes on to say that he prefers Windows on modern hardware...who knows why? Later in the newsletter there is an article about Vista and the "black screen of death"...! This sometimes occurs, apparently, when rebooting after applying a patch. We are still using Windows, but are slowly moving toward Linux--and "slowly" is mostly due to the search for Linux-compatible software to replace specialty software we use now.
Total Comments 2
Comments
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I heartily approve of re-using 'old' hardware a suggested. However, there should be a warning that the anaemic hardware mentioned will probably seem blazingly fast compared to a brand new system with the 'V' word on it. LOL.
Posted 03-22-2009 at 02:08 PM by rich_c -
Posted 05-03-2009 at 08:25 PM by SrDorothy