hi there! first off im new to the Linux thing (buddy recommended i give it a try) and have this old dell diemention e521 (found it in the trash, cant beat free)
and i made a live usb flashdrive for both, they both boot to the menu (ubuntu freezes past that). but it only works on mint if i press (run in configuration mode) anything else and it freezes with this error {end kernal panic - not syncing:IO-APIC + timer dosent work} try with apic=debug (no idea what that means ) and send a report. then try booting with the 'noapic' (again what, me no understand.)

so any help would be appreciated!
if you need more details let me know, ill be happy to post!

this is a more than 10 years old hardware. You might want to try different distros: http://www.linuxandubuntu.com/home/5...-old-computers (especially Lubuntu?)

ill try that when i get home!
this will just be a web browser, theres no way it will play any games

I have an X1300 Radeon that came from an e521. I don't remember ever getting it to freeze when I use it. Right now I just have it stored in a box for testing if and when needed. It mostly normal functionally, but has an annoyance, temporarily blanking the screen with a loud noise whenever xrandr is used, or video mode is changed.

Have you opened up that e521? Is it clean? If not clean it, then inspect for obviously failed capacitors, those that are leaking and/or have convex tops as can be seen on badcaps.net. If you find any, either replace the bad ones, as explained on badcaps.net, or stop wasting your time with the e521. Do the same with the inside of the power supply. Bad caps can cause many kinds of bad behavior, including kernel panics and other freezes.

it is clean, it runs windows xp FANTASTICLY. i even replaced the 3v motherboard battery.
i think this system is just incapable with linux sadly
but i still have a android phone! so i guess that counts
im just going to give up and run it on xp, ill try linux on another old cumputer when i get the chance

I have Debian testing running great on 13 year old Dell XPS, the age of the computer may not be the issue. What those instructions are saying is you need to try passing kernel arguments when booting the live media. When you get to the menu, hit the "e" key to edit boot parameters, you may need to do this on different menu options till you can edit the kernel parameters. Below is a sample code of a line you will want to edit. You will use the arrow/scroll keys and backspace keys to edit it, then you'll boot using the appropriate key mentioned at the bottom of the screen, likely F10 or something.

You'll look for a line similar to this one below:
And change it to add the suggestions as in the examples below:

When you see the boot menu, hit the <Tab> key like it says. Use the arrow keys to get to the end of the line and add the word noapic before the 2 dashes - see if that runs.
It's just the kernel is trying to use "advanced" (the A in APIC) facilities, and your hardware ain't ...

Crossposted with Brains - note those instructions are for an already installed system, not a liveCD.

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its working (i think)
right now its on the blue lubuntu screen with the 5 dots. hope this works!

after restarting my pc IT WORKS THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR HELPING ME!!!!!
now i can try linux!
(but i have to get internet on it first )