[SOLVED] Distro choice for beginner on old laptops (I'm reviving my old laptops because I want to give them away to people in need)

2damncommon · 05-03-2020, 07:31 AM

I run Q4OS on an old laptop circa 2001.

DavidMcCann · 05-03-2020, 10:34 AM

Here's a useful guide, which gives hardware suggestions:
https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/

MX is more user-friendly for a beginner. The absolute minimum requirements would be 512 MB RAM and at least a Pentium Pro — 1 GB and a P4 would be a lot better.
https://mxlinux.org/

WideOpenSkies · 05-03-2020, 07:33 PM

You can't go wrong with Debian.

jefro · 05-04-2020, 02:41 PM

The hardware you have is a range of what might be minimal to supported in modern distro's.

You need to test the most minimal system for what might work. 1G ram isn't really much today.

https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=lxle might be a consideration.

2damncommon · 05-09-2020, 12:51 AM

Probably belongs in another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

Sig:Statistically speaking Covid is not affecting 1-20 year olds. Why not?

[Off topic link deleted]

rtmistler · 05-14-2020, 07:50 AM

Please keep the discussion on topic.

@2damncommon,

Please note that there is a separator line before LQ signatures. Person's signatures are what they are. There are options to not show signatures in LQ user settings.

rokytnji · 05-14-2020, 10:42 AM

Pick the 32 bit if unsure,Then install a pae kernel if needed. It will grab the extra ram if present.

Since you say old gear. Not whether old gear is xp, vista, or windows 7.

If you pick the the 64 iso and try to boot on 32 bit system. Screen will tell you computer is not compatible because it is 32 bit.

2damncommon · 05-14-2020, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtmistler

Please keep the discussion on topic.

@2damncommon,

Please note that there is a separator line before LQ signatures. Person's signatures are what they are. There are options to not show signatures in LQ user settings.

My comment:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2damncommon

Probably belongs in another thread:

...was meant to apply to my entire reply and not just to the signature.
Past that, roger.