[SOLVED] Have 2 old XP and vista laptops both have dual processers. Which Mint best for them?
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Question: What is a minimum partition for windows? I read a lot of different answers.
And you'll no doubt get even more here. That's because there are different minimums. A minimum minimum would be where you have the up-to-date operating system and no additional user programs at all, use Ccleaner to delete unnecessary files, and leave some extra space so that your filesystem isn't chock-a-block full.
I have a Windows XP VM with an anti-virus program, some basic tools and some older Windows programs that don't work on newer versions. It's 10GB in size and uses 9GB of that.
But a better question would be for me to ask you: how much space is your Windows filesystem allotted, how much of this is currently used, and what plans do you have for your Windows XP system in the future? It certainly won't grow any larger due to Windows updates, that's for sure.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zupe
All automatic, far easier then installing on Windows, I didn't even need to sue the installation CD.
Good, it's always best not to get the lawyers involved.
IsaacKuo: Thanks for the clarification! I thought that was the case but couldn't quite find it spelled out in print plus the obvious clue, 2x32=64
Aardvark; I was considering Linux Mint 17.1 xcfe for my XP but when I looked at documentation I found this page from 2015. It seems the xfce documentation is historically only in Hungarian! I like having a book around or at least having two computers so I can have access to information. I am continually amazed at the depth of support available for Linux Mint and especially encouraged by the quick responses on this forum. Thanks to all!
I have downloaded Linux Mint 18 xcfe and decided to give it a go. Even if the xp runs less then optimally I will switch to something else later maybe Debian 8 Jessie?? But I want to get a stable start with one before I do the second laptop. The xp can be my practice run.
I googled linux "sandwich install" and think it means piecemeal versus a clean complete from CD of new installation. Like I can even think of being creative at this point in my learning?? NOT! Clean installs, step by step, by the guide!
Thanks, I'll report back my results. I won't have a good chunk of time to work on Mint until after this Thursday. Cya!
+1 for Debian. I am using Debian 8.2 Jessie, personally I prefer it over Mint 18.
Questions I have regarding set up: Right now I am using same a Rocketfish Mouse switching back and forth between the two laptops. I understand that sometimes one mouse can interfere with another if kept in close proximity. If I order from another company such as Logitech Do you think they will be less likely to fight for dominance?
Hi...
I'm not sure but if they do, from what I understand, you can (or should be able to) change the RF channel which should resolve this problem. Please see here and here.
Report on results with Windows XP Dell computer turned into Linux Mint, 18 Sarah XCFE;
review of computer specs:
Dell Latitude D630 Windows xp OS 32 bits
BIOS Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A09
Intel® Corel ™ 2 Duo CPU
T9300 @ 250 GHZ
772 Mhz 1.99 GB of RAM
I'm really happy with this Linux Mint 18 Sarah 64 bit on this admittedly old, old Dell computer. Runs way faster then the windows OS did and I had no problem adding my HP printer and uBlock Origin and Reddit Enhancement Suite to Mozilla. Any alternative suggestions appreciated.
I found the Easy Linux Tips Project guide invaluable and I plan to donate for additional freebies. I didn't find any similar guides for Debian 8.2 Jessie and lots of references to Debian being less user friendly to newbies. I am self taught which means I knows somethings in some depth about computers but have troublesome gaps in my knowledge. That step by patient step guide is very reassuring.
My Windows xp did indeed turn out to be 32 bit but as Isaackuo said the Core 2 Duo processor was backwards compatible. SO no problem going with 64 bit.
No problem with two mouses in the same household sitting side by side on the couch.
I realize I sounded a bit silly saying I wanted a "light builds allowing for all possible speed with potential to learn and customize" THEN saying I love the bouncing Cow screen saver... Kind of contradictory use of limited processing power, but tough I still love it. Cheers me us to walk into a room and see it bouncing.
I have run into a snag with partitioning my Vista laptop but I plan to take the problem to a new question. Once I sort it out I will return here to report. Thank you Linux community!
Last edited by Zupe; 09-17-2016 at 01:29 PM.
Reason: I'm a klutz and clicked by accident
John W. I used Linux Mint 18, 'Sarah' 64 bit, XFCE downloaded from Kernal.org
I did download Sarah, Mate as well but decided to go with the lightest build possible since it seems to have everything I need and more. I have spent the past weeks gingerly exploring and feel like I'm learning a lot. If I had to sum up my experience, its that Mint is a OS that performs like windows but puts all the controls at the users finger tips to tweak at will. Kind of a blend of familiarity and ease of use with lots of ability to delve deeper into the inner workings. Having a dual boot allows me to retreat to a safe shore and start over if I really tweak it wrong and my boat sinks.
I am having problems with partitioning the Vista Laptop so I can't even do a live boot yet. I'll post as another question when I figure out what to ask.
John W. I used Linux Mint 18, 'Sarah' 64 bit, XFCE downloaded from Kernal.org
I don't quite understand. kernal.org is a Christian site, while kernel.org is the home site of the main Linux kernel. How did you download Mint from there?
Edit: I can see how this was misinterpreted - my bad. I was teasing a bit by asking about kernal.org (I knew it was a misspelling ) but by "there", I meant both kernal.org and kernel.org.
Okay, Okay So besides a newbie, I am post 60 years of age, could not find my preferred reading glasses for the computer and dyslexic. Always a creative speller, I rely heavily on the little red squiggle line for help but Kernal slipped by...
Cheap enough to want to resurrect an old xp and having lived with Vista since release, I've stockpiled heaps of humble pie. Wait until spring, there will be more of us.
Okay, Okay So besides a newbie, I am post 60 years of age, could not find my preferred reading glasses for the computer and dyslexic. Always a creative speller, I rely heavily on the little red squiggle line for help but Kernal slipped by...
Cheap enough to want to resurrect an old xp and having lived with Vista since release, I've stockpiled heaps of humble pie. Wait until spring, there will be more of us.
You misunderstand. I'm an oldie as well. But where do you download Mint from kernel.org? I didn't know you could download distros from there...
I changed the boot order but my linux Mint 18 XFCE DVD that successfully installed on my XP wouldn't do anything. So I tried to partition but got spooked at the lack of space. I am also concerned about my over stuffed, bright red recovery D:
hydrurga: We are Legion!
edit: I was also teasing: Legion referring to legions of Christians, noob Vista users and Anonymous
One last update.
The Dell Latitude running xp is running smooth as can be with LM Sarah 18 Xfce. Very zippy and no problems at all to install. SO that is solved very easily. Again Easy Linux Tips Project was mucho helpful. Thanks Pjotr!
The other laptop Dell Studio 1737 64-bit Vista OS has run into a difficult snag. I can't partition the hard drive to free up more then 4 GB and that is in two chunks. I suspect its a problem unique to my specific computer's hard drive. A thread discussing this is new problem is here
I am going to keep at it but hope is fading fast. I will likely search out other options. So this thread is only half solved. Sorry for the inconvenience if you read this far to find out about the Vista Laptop.
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