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Which Linux to install
Hello, I've got an old laptop (Toshiba Satellite 1805, 1.1 Intel Celeron, 256mb Ram) that I would like to install Linux on to get a feel for it and play around with, before I purchase a new laptop. I'm doing this to see if I want to use Linux with the new laptop. So what would be a good version or flavor of Linux to try? Thanks.
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Welcome to LQ dude
Your gonna get alot of suggesstions on that one. Mostly, it depends on your Linux experience level?? Are you a beginner or know some stuff? |
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You may be better off searching the Internet for the model of laptop you're interested in buying and how well that one works with Linux. It may have proprietary hardware known not to work OR work well.
You might also check out http://distrowatch.org |
OK
so, you sound like you know more than most(me) Persosnally, I prefer them all Its like having a different gal every night LOL not really I like Debian Unstable/Ubuntu alot Slack is the best for learning about configuring your system, etc I mostly run the "frugals" this would include: slax grml hag tinycore debian-live-remaster partedmagic puppy(s) canabix-fluxbox canabix-lxde and I run all those and more from my Ultimate Edition 2.3 partition:) their all persistent of course for 256mb I would go for ah-hem(modestly) My grml-magix found in ThorsHammer http://multidistro.com/fluxboxp/fluxboxp.html http://multidistro.com/hammer/fluxboxp.html http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...83#post3662683 in short heres the iso and zip http://multidistro.com/downloads/ham...mer-090109.iso md5sum 13a06dd53cff5f593a601ba830009bc0 here's the zip, remember, it's the same as the iso just in zip form for those who don't have access to a cd burner or just wanna install to usb/hd http://multidistro.com/downloads/ham...mer-090109.zip zip md5sum c19cc79151a09a4976c1055c4551492c just dont use the "toram" option, it uses(grml-magix) about 170mb in live mode other good ones are vector linux 6.0 light crunchbang-lite grml-medium tinycore a debian minimal net install using fluxbox openbox, etc a slackware xfce install would be good too How big is the HD? you could install many if its like 20gb + |
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You can run Debian minimal with a lightweight WM or LXDE
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If you are going to purchase the new laptop regardless, I would recommend you test out Linux with the new laptop instead of the your old one. Linux has come along a long way and a newer laptop (assuming hardware/software compatibility) will give you a nicer Linux experience.
That being said, I would recommend Puppy Linux LiveCD for you old laptop. Go with the Xvesa option when you try to bring up the Desktop. If you get a new laptop, I would recommend Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE. Once you get more comfortable with Linux, you can go check out www.distrowatch.com for additional Linux distributions you can test out. |
Trying out Live distributions is a best way to test your hardware compatibility. It also gives you a way to tinker around with the distro and get accustomed to it before you install and if you seriously dislike just reboot and start off fresh with new distro.
All said, your old laptop really lacks resources you would need to redeem the full power of Linux. You would not be able to do much on this laptop and it would be a different experience on your newer one. Here you can try DSL, Puppy, or something lite may be Debian with LXDE or XFCE. But you better tell us what your new laptop would be so that you can get better responses according to it. |
Ok I went w/ Xubuntu and it looks good. But...the highest display setting I can get is 800x600 when I have 1024x768 in XP. So i have about a 1" black border around my Linux desktop instead of full screen. How do I change to a higher resolution?
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