Which version should I put on this machine?

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 12:26 AM

Well, I have a Laptop that I want to install Linux on. The specs are:

1.4 GHz Intel P4
256MB RAM
Onboard Graphics
40GB Hard drive

I plan on using it for programming for class as well as taking notes. I'll also probably put some of the "time waster" games on it. I was trying to set up Slackware, but realized that I currently do not have the time to devote to it, so I wanted to try out Ubuntu, Kubuntu or Xubuntu. Which do you think would be the best choice for this machine? I like the look of Kubuntu, but I've heard it's much more system intensive... Thanks in advance.

{BBI}Nexus{BBI} · 10-03-2007, 12:31 AM

If you're concerned about performance then Xubuntu uses the lightest desktop.

2damncommon · 10-03-2007, 01:03 AM

Your processor is not bad but your RAM sucks for full featured current versions. If it is possible to upgrade the RAM your choices expand. Both KDE and Gnome desktops eat RAM.
Did Slack work? 12.0 was fairly easy for me to configure. What problems did you have?

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 01:06 AM

Eh, it's not that I couldn't have gotten it to work, it's that with my schedule at school I really can't devote more than 2-3 hours to setting this PC up, and I figure it will take longer than that to get it working. So, you'd suggest going with Xubuntu until I can upgrade the ram?

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 01:16 AM

Oh, one more quick question. I have worked with Linux before, but not dealt with setting it up ever (so maybe K/X/Ubuntu would be better for me at this point). My question is that if I'm running Xfce (with Xubuntu) would I still be able to install games that are supposedly specific to Gnome or KDE? I mean, I've seen games online that say "Requires KDE," but is that the DE or just the libraries?

2damncommon · 10-03-2007, 01:20 AM

I asked what problems you had with Slack because if you know where to look you are talking a couple evenings VS months if you don't. For that matter knowing where (or when not to look) is most the battle for any install.
My understanding is that the *buntu installer is also not to kind on RAM but that Xubuntu will run lighter than the KDE or Gnome versions once installed. Try Ubuntu first if you have some time. Lighter desktops can be installed or you can just move to Xubintu if you desire.
Debian and Slack are going to be the easiest big distro choices. You can consider things like Vector Linux or Absolute Linux.
With that low RAM you are looking at extra setup time if a default install does not do it for you.

2damncommon · 10-03-2007, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

Oh, one more quick question. I have worked with Linux before, but not dealt with setting it up ever (so maybe K/X/Ubuntu would be better for me at this point). My question is that if I'm running Xfce (with Xubuntu) would I still be able to install games that are supposedly specific to Gnome or KDE? I mean, I've seen games online that say "Requires KDE," but is that the DE or just the libraries?

If I have a KDE desktop I can run Evolution or Pan.
If I have a Gnome desktop I can run Kworldclock or K3b.
I believe you are correct that you need the libraries and perhaps more but but can run the app from any desktop you choose.

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 01:35 AM

Well, when I was trying Slack, I kept getting the error:

Code:

Installpkg error #1
There was a fatal error attempting to install /var/log/mount/slackware/a/e2fsprogs-1.39-i486-1.tgz. 
The package may be corrupt, the installation media may be bad, or 
something else has caused the package to be unable to be read without 
error. You may hit enter to continue if you wish, but if this is an 
important required package then your installation may not work
as-is.

But, every time I tried it (even with the same set of CDs) it would be a different package that would be corrupt.

2damncommon · 10-03-2007, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

But, every time I tried it (even with the same set of CDs) it would be a different package that would be corrupt.

Check the MD5 sum of the ISO, burn at the slowest speed possible, do a RAM check.

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 01:43 AM

Did all of those already. Even tried multiple sets of media.

2damncommon · 10-03-2007, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

Did all of those already. Even tried multiple sets of media.

Sorry, thats all the "quick fixes" I know.

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2damncommon

Sorry, thats all the "quick fixes" I know.

Which is why I decided to go for an easier distro now and try slack/debian again later, when I have more time.

2damncommon · 10-03-2007, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

Which is why I decided to go for an easier distro now and try slack/debian again later, when I have more time.

Okay, but your comments point to more than setup or configuration errors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

Eh, it's not that I couldn't have gotten it to work, it's that with my schedule at school I really can't devote more than 2-3 hours to setting this PC up, and I figure it will take longer than that to get it working.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

Well, when I was trying Slack, I kept getting the error:
Installpkg error #1
There was a fatal error attempting to install /var/log/mount/slackware/a/e2fsprogs-1.39-i486-1.tgz.
The package may be corrupt, the installation media may be bad, or
something else has caused the package to be unable to be read without
error. You may hit enter to continue if you wish, but if this is an
important required package then your installation may not work
as-is.
But, every time I tried it (even with the same set of CDs) it would be a different package that would be corrupt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptir

Did all of those already. Even tried multiple sets of media.

Raptir · 10-03-2007, 02:21 AM

You think it could be a hardware issue, even though I reinstalled XP on the machine less than a week ago?