Is Panasonic Toughbook CF72 OK for Linux

dlchapman · 11-15-2013, 11:31 AM

I have a Panasonic Toughbook CF72 Pentium4 786MB RAM on WinXP.
I would like to install Linux 32 bit would I be wasting my time on this old equipment?

snowday · 11-15-2013, 12:24 PM

What are your goals? What do you hope to use the computer for? Do you have any budget for new hardware, or are you stuck with the Toughbook?

I'm sure there are many different Linux distributions that can run on a 768mb Pentium 4.

Only you can decide if it's a "waste of time." If it is a fun educational/DIY project and you have the time/energy, then go for it! But, if you are on a tight mission-critical deadline, don't know how to use Linux, and have a $10,000 budget for hardware upgrades... then yes, probably a waste of time.

rokytnji · 11-15-2013, 01:06 PM

My Cf-48 lcd ribbon cable is on the fritz but runs Linux just fine with a external LCD.

http://antix.freeforums.org/post24426.html#p24426

Code:

~$ inxi -z -F
System:    Host: bikertest3 Kernel: 3.3.3-antix.1-486-smp i686 (32 bit) 
           Desktop: IceWM 1.3.7 Distro: antiX-M11-686 Jayaben Desai 12 April 2011
Machine:   System: Matsushita product: CF-48V4HLUQM version: 004
           Mobo: Matsushita model: CF48-4 version: 001 Bios: Phoenix K.K. version: V4.00L13 date: 12/12/2002
CPU:       Single core Intel Pentium 4 Mobile CPU (-UP-) cache: 512 KB flags: (sse sse2) clocked at 1200.00 MHz 
Graphics:  Card: ATI Radeon Mobility M7 LW [Radeon Mobility 7500] X.Org: 1.11.1 driver: radeon Resolution: 1024x768@60.0hz 
           GLX Renderer: Rasterizer GLX Version: 2.1 Mesa 7.11
Audio:     Card: Intel 82801CA/CAM AC'97 Audio Controller driver: snd_intel8x0 Sound: ALSA ver: 1.0.24
Network:   Card-1: Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG [Calexico2] Network Connection driver: ipw2200 
           IF: eth0 state: up mac: <filter>
           Card-2: Realtek RTL-8139/8139C/8139C+ driver: 8139too 
           IF: eth1 state: down mac: <filter>
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 100.0GB (21.6% used) 1: /dev/sda FUJITSU_MHU2100A 100.0GB 
Partition: ID: / size: 29G used: 4.3G (17%) fs: ext3 ID: swap-1 size: 1.55GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap 
Sensors:   System Temperatures: cpu: 74.8C mobo: N/A 
           Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A 
Info:      Processes: 99 Uptime: 2 min Memory: 203.9/1262.7MB Client: Shell inxi: 1.7.33

So it sits in a bag till hell freezes over or I spring for a inverter to lcd cable. XP may become a WASTE of time soon also.

dlchapman · 11-16-2013, 08:24 AM

Thing is I have two CF72 (least has 512MB RAM), they both work slow on XP. Really (sorry to say) I am not sure of my goals or what these computers could be used on Linux for. But would start being educational. Budget not important, just a shame to see old equipment unused. Is it possible to point me to a project that could be considered worthwhile, then I could branch out from there. Thanks for your reply.

dlchapman · 11-16-2013, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokytnji

My Cf-48 lcd ribbon cable is on the fritz but runs Linux just fine with a external LCD.

http://antix.freeforums.org/post24426.html#p24426

I will give antix a look, thanks for your reply, Good to see software for 486 updated to 2013.

snowday · 11-16-2013, 10:38 AM

Thing is that Windows XP was released in 2001, when the average computer had about 128mb of RAM. So a full-featured Linux distro from 2013 (like Ubuntu) will probably not be any faster than Windows XP, in fact it might be much slower or not even work at all.

So you will probably get best results with a "lightweight" distro designed for older hardware. AntiX was already mentioned, and I think it is a great choice! A few others worth trying are: CrunchBang, Puppy, SliTaz.

Keep in mind the main strain on a computer is not the operating system, but the software you run on it. So lots of Linux distros will probably run just fine on your hardware, but where you will run into problems is if you try running multiple applications simultaneously or surfing lots of websites like Facebook that eat up all your RAM. For example as I check my RAM usage right now, just my Firefox web browser alone is using more RAM than you have in your entire computer (simultaneously checking email, Facebook, linux forums, etc.)! On older computers, you can significantly improve your web-browsing experience if you install browser plugins like: adblock, no script, flash block.

If you want to run a text-only Linux system (for example to practice your server-admin skills) then I think your hardware specs are more than adequate. Here are some fun suggestions of projects for old computers: http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/09...-old-computer/

dlchapman · 11-17-2013, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowpine

Thing is that Windows XP was released in 2001, when the average computer had about 128mb of RAM. So a full-featured Linux distro from 2013 (like Ubuntu) will probably not be any faster than Windows XP, in fact it might be much slower or not even work at all.
CUT
Suggestions of projects for old computers: http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/09...-old-computer/

WHAT I DID
On one CF72 I loaded AntiX to whole hard disk and I have internet hardwired working and finding my way around.

Thanks for pointer to Puppy I decided to try 486 no pae on a Gateway Solo PIII I used puppy 5.7.1 working from live CD with file save to USB, deciding whether to completely install to Hard Disk. Was able to get wifi (ASUS pcmia) working (this laptop has no wired LAN connection except also by pcmia card).

I seem to be getting what I would call the original speed back on these laptops instead of weighed down with continually updated XP offerings.

I quickly read through the projects you gave the link for and might do something after I get to grips with what I have done at the moment.

I have so much old equipment (running XP or 2000 on 4 laptops and 3 desktops) that it appears I don't scrap anything. In the past I have tried Ubuntu 12.04 on a Pentium IV Dell desktop but seemed slow, I will have to try Puppy after deleting Ubuntu.

I have also been looking for a recommended system spec for Ubuntu, but it seems I cannot nail one down, and I don't want to buy anything that would be a waste of money - I will put this on hold as I have enough to play with.
Thanks

Germany_chris · 11-17-2013, 03:58 PM

You could send me one I'd love to have a toughbook! It could be my new Gentoo project