What's the best distro for a 32-bit Core 2 Duo laptop?
 

Hi,

I'm a total noob at Linux. To make a long story short, I would like to run Linux on an old Dell PP37L "Vostro." To start, all I want to do is surf the Web and do word processing. I would like to get up and running with a GUI and then start learning the more serious Linux stuff from there. Any suggestions other than time-consuming trial-and-error? Thanks.

AntiX - https://antixlinux.com/ :)

Start with the 'full' version, (I use 'base' which has fewer programs).

Hi
There is also Nutyx
http://www.nutyx.org/en/downloads
There is a 32bit rolling release

Antix is good, but your computer could probably manage something not so light-weight. I'd try MX Linux, which is produced by the same team as Antix, but is aimed at mid-range computers. You'll find its GUI is closer to what you're used to. NuTyX looks reasonable — I've never tried it — but it has a very small English-language user base, so there are few people at its forum to help if you have problems.

Core 2 Duo was 64-bit. You don't need to limit your choices to 32-bit distros.

The original Core Duo was 32-bit.
Ed

Ihtuun,

I second DavidMcCann's advice to use MX Linux since your 64-bit Dell is capable of running it. I have nothing against antix, but you will probably find yourself more at home with MX Linux.

I've just read the manual for that computer and it says "processor address bus 32 bits" and also gives instructions for using the Dell 32 Bit Diagnostics in the utility partition — so not 64 bits.

This. All Core 2 {solo,duo,quad} are 64-bit. Use whatever you like. Even if you don't have enough ram to take advantage of 64-bit ram access, if it's a core 2, it's compatible.

Thanks for all the help. I've D/L'd Antix and MX, so when I get some more play time I'll let you know how it went.

Also have Core2Duo in a laptop, and running Ubuntu 16.10
I did upgrade to 128GB SSD, which made a huge difference.

Oh yeah; from what I've seen, an SSD makes any computer fly. How expensive was it?

Maybe the "final answer" on whether a Core 2 Duo is 64 or 32 bit? https://www.dell.com/community/Lapto...t/td-p/2432400

Don't get confused. Your Vostro is newer than my Latitude D630, but I run 64bit distros with maxed out RAM at 4GB and a cheap 120GB Neo Forza SSD. It doesn't run bloated distros with KDE to my satisfaction, and I'd stick with non-systemd distros (this precludes the latest and 'greatest' 'buntus and mints). You can max out your RAM, but single biggest performance tweak would be a SSD. And if you want to run 64bit, have at least 4GB RAM.

Recently I've switched back to 32bit distros on the D630 simply because they perform quicker.

Choices are narrowing, but they are still out there. Do a search on 'non-systemd 32bit distros.'

Have fun!

Okay, before I got sp331yi's post I booted up the laptop with MXLinux 64 bit off a flash drive. Looking good so far. It connected to the router immediately with a cable, but can't really access the Internet because the date and time are way off. I can't see how to reset them. Also, how do I create a partition and install MX on the hard drive? I looked at the manual but it didn't really help. Do I need to be working from the command line?

You can create your partitioning scheme, set the time & date, & connect your wifi, using the installer.

I suggest having a separate /home partition, which makes it easy when upgrading, or re installing, (if you ever need to).