How to choose a Linux distro for your old PC-gctid220203

[Ajamu]

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-choose-a-linux-distro-for-your-old-pc/

How to choose a Linux distro for your old PC

Looking to resurrect or transform a laptop or desktop? There are lots of versions of Linux to choose from, all of them free (and awesome). Here's how to decide which one is right for you.



Ready to give your old computer a new lease on life? Even if it's several years old and slow as molasses, you don't have to consign it to the junk heap. Instead, install a new operating system and put it back into the rotation.

Forget Windows, though: Linux is an open-source (and free) OS that's just as capable, but with lower system requirements and fewer security issues. Deploy it and your old desktop or laptop will feel very much like new.

For most users venturing down this road for the first time, the biggest challenge lies in deciding which version (aka distribution, or "distro") of Linux to choose. There are literally hundreds of them, all with similar underpinnings but often vastly different user interfaces, application bundles, update frequency, support options and so on. So how do you pick?

Make a plan for the PC

What's your end goal for the system? Are you planning to give it to someone else, perhaps a young or older user who has limited computing experience? In that case, you might want to look for a distro that's beginner-friendly.

Do you want to closely replicate the Windows experience? Some distros borrow heavily from Microsoft's user interface, the idea being to smooth your transition. Or maybe you plan to put the PC to work as a file server or network-attached storage (NAS) box, in which case a more advanced distro might be the better pick.

That said, whatever goal you have in mind, there's one logical place to start...

The obvious choice: Mint

Although Ubuntu is arguably the Linux poster-child, Mint is the most widely used distro, and definitely an all-around great option.

However, right from the jump you're faced with a potentially confusing decision: Which desktop to choose? Mint is available with four interface options: Cinnamon, KDE, Mate and Xfce. Although each one gives you the same core Linux -- the same kernel -- the UIs are a bit different.

Most users should opt for Cinnamon. Mate has a more old-fashioned interface, while KDE will appeal to users who want more menu-configuration options. Xfce is a good choice for older computers, as it's a more "lightweight" version that can run smoothly on slower hardware.



The user-friendly choice: Elementary OS

True to its name, Elementary OS puts simplicity above all else. Instead of trying to duplicate Windows (or serving up one of the many common Linux desktops), it relies on a streamlined, icon-centric interface and "carefully curated" selection of apps.

Indeed, Elementary makes your PC feel a bit more like a tablet, with large icons directing you to things like email, photos and music, and an app store for adding all manner of extra programs.

Even with its seemingly lightweight UI, however, Elementary recommends at least a Core i3 (or compaAmwle) processor, so it might not work well on older machines. What's more, the OS is donationware: The developers request a minimum of $5 for your download, though it is possible to choose a custom amount and make it $0.



The privacy-obsessed choice: Tails

Want to operate a PC that's effectively invisible to the outside world? Tails was designed to live on removable media -- a flash drive, memory card or even DVD -- so you can operate with total privacy. (How total? Tails is the OS Edward Snowden used to sidestep the NSA.)

Based on the popular Debian version of Linux, Tails comes preloaded with basic tools: browser, email client, instant messenger and so on. But it routes all online traffic through Tor, which renders the user anonymous and invisible.

So, yeah, a great option for spies, but also for folks who don't like the idea of being watched online -- even if it's just by Google.


The audio-production option: KXStudio

KXStudio sounds like a piece of software, but it's actually a complete Linux distro -- one created with audio production in mind. Thus it comes loaded with custom audio applications and utilities, open-source plug-ins and access to both Debian and Ubuntu software repositories. It's definitely one of the more specialized distros out there, but still capable of doing everything a more traditional Linux can.


The Windows (and Mac!) lookalike: Zorin OS

Most versions of Linux employ a familiar graphical user interface (UI), but Zorin OS goes a step further. Its desktop does a pretty spot-on Windows impression, but can also transmogrify into something Mac users will recognize.

So, for example, in Windows mode you get something akin to the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen, and a programs list and search tool that pop up when you click it. In the lower-right corner there's a notification area, clock, volume control and so on.

Zorin comes preloaded with a lot of useful software, including Wine, which allows many Windows apps to run inside the OS. Just take note, though, that although Zorin may look like Windows, it's mostly just a paint job. Ubuntu runs underneath, and, as with any version of Linux, things can get a little less familiar the deeper you go.


Don't like your choice? Try another one

In reality, just about any version of Linux will meet most basic (and many advanced) computing needs, so it's hard to make a bad choice. And because you can boot the OS from a flash drive and test-drive it before installing, you can experiment before making a final decision.

Even if you decide later that you don't like the version you've chosen, it's a fairly simple matter to start over. (Stay tuned for a separate guide to creating a Linux distro drive, booting the OS and, when you're ready, installing it.)

Looking for more distros? Look no further than DistroWatch, a great source for all things Linux.


Don't choose Linux at all: Choose Chromium

If Linux feels like overkill for your needs, there's another option: Chromium, the Google-designed OS at the heart of Chromebooks. But there's no special hardware needed for it -- Chromium can run just as well on a laptop or desktop that previously ran Windows.

To learn more about that option, check out Turn your old laptop into a Chromebook.

========================= Article Comments ================================

1 - One extremely important thing that the writer of the article failed to include is that many distros are dropping support for 32-bit hardware.
Therefore, it is essential to make sure whether your hardware is 32-bit or 64-bit to aid you in picking a distro to try and/or install.

2 - As to software Libre Office is a nice solution, no it's not MS Office but it will get job done 95% of the time. This is a robust OS compared to Chromium which can do a lot more in terms of running applications.  

3 - As to security you have to go out of your way to have your system compromised.

4 - Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Bottom line. I have had a fantastic experience with Lubuntu. It's fast, stable, and has everything I need. It also has a smaller RAM footprint, between 250-300 MB. It was the best choice for me, but YMMV. I have tried other Linux flavors like Mint, Ubuntu, and Red Hat but keep coming back to Lubuntu.

5 - Linux is very nice and while I adore it the truth is its still not as good as Windows 7 on the desktop. No matter what Linux lovers say.   Its also safer on-line in general then Windows.   Uses fewer resources and is often faster.   I've never had a hard disk fragment while using Linux.   Windows 10 is better then 7 so its still MUCH better then Linux.  
However if what you mostly do is Facebook and Twitter and shop or do office work its great but not so much for the enterprise world.

6 - I had an old netbook that would just crawl under windows.  I took a different rout and put android on it. Specifically the x86 version of Remix OS.
now it runs just fine and has all the apps i need.

7 - Shame shame shame.  I installed Zorin based on your specific recommendations. Any claims that it works like a Mac is inaccurate at best.  Any claims that it is as stable as windows is inaccurate.  Bad call.

7b - I don't know that it "works like a Mac", but it can look like one. If you want something to work like a Mac, use a Mac. But, the software library for Linux has adequate replacement to most apps. As stability goes, and I can't claim this as universal for all distros, Linux is incredibly stable and kept up to date in a way that puts Windows and Mac to shame. I prefer Lubuntu to most distros, however. It is similar enough to Windows that I hardly felt the transition. I will say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion,and I am grateful to have an open source option.​

[Kwadwo Tòkunbọ̀]

Ajamu;220203 wrote: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-choose-a-linux-distro-for-your-old-pc/

How to choose a Linux distro for your old PC

Looking to resurrect or transform a laptop or desktop? There are lots of versions of Linux to choose from, all of them free (and awesome). Here's how to decide which one is right for you.



Ready to give your old computer a new lease on life? Even if it's several years old and slow as molasses, you don't have to consign it to the junk heap. Instead, install a new operating system and put it back into the rotation.

Forget Windows, though: Linux is an open-source (and free) OS that's just as capable, but with lower system requirements and fewer security issues. Deploy it and your old desktop or laptop will feel very much like new.

For most users venturing down this road for the first time, the biggest challenge lies in deciding which version (aka distribution, or "distro") of Linux to choose. There are literally hundreds of them, all with similar underpinnings but often vastly different user interfaces, application bundles, update frequency, support options and so on. So how do you pick?

Make a plan for the PC

What's your end goal for the system? Are you planning to give it to someone else, perhaps a young or older user who has limited computing experience? In that case, you might want to look for a distro that's beginner-friendly.

Do you want to closely replicate the Windows experience? Some distros borrow heavily from Microsoft's user interface, the idea being to smooth your transition. Or maybe you plan to put the PC to work as a file server or network-attached storage (NAS) box, in which case a more advanced distro might be the better pick.

That said, whatever goal you have in mind, there's one logical place to start...

The obvious choice: Mint

Although Ubuntu is arguably the Linux poster-child, Mint is the most widely used distro, and definitely an all-around great option.

However, right from the jump you're faced with a potentially confusing decision: Which desktop to choose? Mint is available with four interface options: Cinnamon, KDE, Mate and Xfce. Although each one gives you the same core Linux -- the same kernel -- the UIs are a bit different.

Most users should opt for Cinnamon. Mate has a more old-fashioned interface, while KDE will appeal to users who want more menu-configuration options. Xfce is a good choice for older computers, as it's a more "lightweight" version that can run smoothly on slower hardware.



The user-friendly choice: Elementary OS

True to its name, Elementary OS puts simplicity above all else. Instead of trying to duplicate Windows (or serving up one of the many common Linux desktops), it relies on a streamlined, icon-centric interface and "carefully curated" selection of apps.

Indeed, Elementary makes your PC feel a bit more like a tablet, with large icons directing you to things like email, photos and music, and an app store for adding all manner of extra programs.

Even with its seemingly lightweight UI, however, Elementary recommends at least a Core i3 (or compaAmwle) processor, so it might not work well on older machines. What's more, the OS is donationware: The developers request a minimum of $5 for your download, though it is possible to choose a custom amount and make it $0.



The privacy-obsessed choice: Tails

Want to operate a PC that's effectively invisible to the outside world? Tails was designed to live on removable media -- a flash drive, memory card or even DVD -- so you can operate with total privacy. (How total? Tails is the OS Edward Snowden used to sidestep the NSA.)

Based on the popular Debian version of Linux, Tails comes preloaded with basic tools: browser, email client, instant messenger and so on. But it routes all online traffic through Tor, which renders the user anonymous and invisible.

So, yeah, a great option for spies, but also for folks who don't like the idea of being watched online -- even if it's just by Google.


The audio-production option: KXStudio

KXStudio sounds like a piece of software, but it's actually a complete Linux distro -- one created with audio production in mind. Thus it comes loaded with custom audio applications and utilities, open-source plug-ins and access to both Debian and Ubuntu software repositories. It's definitely one of the more specialized distros out there, but still capable of doing everything a more traditional Linux can.


The Windows (and Mac!) lookalike: Zorin OS

Most versions of Linux employ a familiar graphical user interface (UI), but Zorin OS goes a step further. Its desktop does a pretty spot-on Windows impression, but can also transmogrify into something Mac users will recognize.

So, for example, in Windows mode you get something akin to the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen, and a programs list and search tool that pop up when you click it. In the lower-right corner there's a notification area, clock, volume control and so on.

Zorin comes preloaded with a lot of useful software, including Wine, which allows many Windows apps to run inside the OS. Just take note, though, that although Zorin may look like Windows, it's mostly just a paint job. Ubuntu runs underneath, and, as with any version of Linux, things can get a little less familiar the deeper you go.


Don't like your choice? Try another one

In reality, just about any version of Linux will meet most basic (and many advanced) computing needs, so it's hard to make a bad choice. And because you can boot the OS from a flash drive and test-drive it before installing, you can experiment before making a final decision.

Even if you decide later that you don't like the version you've chosen, it's a fairly simple matter to start over. (Stay tuned for a separate guide to creating a Linux distro drive, booting the OS and, when you're ready, installing it.)

Looking for more distros? Look no further than DistroWatch, a great source for all things Linux.


Don't choose Linux at all: Choose Chromium

If Linux feels like overkill for your needs, there's another option: Chromium, the Google-designed OS at the heart of Chromebooks. But there's no special hardware needed for it -- Chromium can run just as well on a laptop or desktop that previously ran Windows.

To learn more about that option, check out Turn your old laptop into a Chromebook.

========================= Article Comments ================================

1 - One extremely important thing that the writer of the article failed to include is that many distros are dropping support for 32-bit hardware.
Therefore, it is essential to make sure whether your hardware is 32-bit or 64-bit to aid you in picking a distro to try and/or install.

2 - As to software Libre Office is a nice solution, no it's not MS Office but it will get job done 95% of the time. This is a robust OS compared to Chromium which can do a lot more in terms of running applications.  

3 - As to security you have to go out of your way to have your system compromised.

4 - Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Bottom line. I have had a fantastic experience with Lubuntu. It's fast, stable, and has everything I need. It also has a smaller RAM footprint, between 250-300 MB. It was the best choice for me, but YMMV. I have tried other Linux flavors like Mint, Ubuntu, and Red Hat but keep coming back to Lubuntu.

5 - Linux is very nice and while I adore it the truth is its still not as good as Windows 7 on the desktop. No matter what Linux lovers say.   Its also safer on-line in general then Windows.   Uses fewer resources and is often faster.   I've never had a hard disk fragment while using Linux.   Windows 10 is better then 7 so its still MUCH better then Linux.  
However if what you mostly do is Facebook and Twitter and shop or do office work its great but not so much for the enterprise world.

6 - I had an old netbook that would just crawl under windows.  I took a different rout and put android on it. Specifically the x86 version of Remix OS.
now it runs just fine and has all the apps i need.

7 - Shame shame shame.  I installed Zorin based on your specific recommendations. Any claims that it works like a Mac is inaccurate at best.  Any claims that it is as stable as windows is inaccurate.  Bad call.

7b - I don't know that it "works like a Mac", but it can look like one. If you want something to work like a Mac, use a Mac. But, the software library for Linux has adequate replacement to most apps. As stability goes, and I can't claim this as universal for all distros, Linux is incredibly stable and kept up to date in a way that puts Windows and Mac to shame. I prefer Lubuntu to most distros, however. It is similar enough to Windows that I hardly felt the transition. I will say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion,and I am grateful to have an open source option.​

Great post.  I am considering trying this.  Question is will other apps like Microsoft Office, Skype, and other apps work the same
If I install Linux distro?  Which browsers will work?

"Pan-Kmtywism or Perish....." Nana John Henrik Clarke

[Kwadwo Tòkunbọ̀]

I am looking at Zorin as my choice.

"Pan-Kmtywism or Perish....." Nana John Henrik Clarke

[Ajamu]

kevlew;220206 wrote: Great post.  I am considering trying this.  Question is will other apps like Microsoft Office, Skype, and other apps work the same
If I install Linux distro?  Which browsers will work?

"Pan-Kmtywism or Perish....." Nana John Henrik Clarke

You would usually use MS alternatives like LibreOffice instead of MS Office (though there are ways to use MS software in linux).

https://www.abibitumikasa.com/forums/showthread.php/179706-In-pictures-Free-fantastic-Office-rival-LibreOffice-5-2-beefs-up-its-pro-features?highlight=libreoffice

https://www.abibitumikasa.com/forums/showthread.php/135549-LibreOffice-Heads-To-The-Cloud-With-LibreOffice-Online?highlight=libreoffice


FireFox, Chromium  are probably the most typical browsers. Might have to put in a little work to install Chrome.

Never tried it, but i see there's info out there on installing Skype.

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12120/getting-started-with-skype-for-linux



https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=skype+on+linux&tbs=qdr:y

There's a little learning curve on how/where to do stuff (kinda like using the AppStore to install apps (packages)) or in some cases getting to a command line (by opening a terminal window) and typing commands to download and install software (packages).

https://www.abibitumikasa.com/forums/showthread.php/106799-Beginner-Geek-How-to-Install-Software-on-Linux?highlight=Beginner+Geek%3A+Install+Software+Linux

[Ajamu]

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-install-linux/

How to install Linux

OK, you've settled on which version of Linux you want to load on your old PC. Here's how to make it happen.

by Rick BroidaFebruary 9, 2017 12:43 PM PST

Nothing makes me happier than resurrecting an old, slow, useless Windows PC by installing Linux on it.
The result is a system that will almost always run faster, with almost zero chance of malware infections, and that affords all the computing basics. (Many of the latest computing advances, too.)

Before you begin, read my tips on choosing a Linux distro, arguably the most challenging part of the equation (if only because there are so many). Once you've made that decision, all that's left is to actually install the operating system.

Choose a boot option

But, first: This is a proceed-at-your-own-risk tutorial. Also, note that I'll be referring to the old PC as the "destination system."

Here's the overall process in a nutshell:

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• Step one: Download a Linux OS. (I recommend doing this, and all subsequent steps, on your current PC, not the destination system. Although the latter is an option if it's malware-free and in decent working order, everything will get done faster and more easily on your primary machine.)
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• Step two: Create a bootable CD/DVD or USB flash drive.
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• Step three: Boot that media on the destination system, then make a few decisions regarding the installation.
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The first part is easy: Just download Linux from Mint or Ubuntu or whatever site hosts the version you want. That download will likely consist of a single ISO file. Note: An older computer may have a 32-bit processor, which won't work with 64-bit versions of Linux.

The second part -- creating boot media -- requires a little thought. The fastest, easiest method is to use a flash drive, even if the destination system has a CD/DVD drive. Indeed, the only reason not to go the flash-drive route is if the destination system won't boot (or boot properly) from one. (I've encountered this problem a few times, even after tweaking the BIOS boot settings and actually selecting "USB drive" from a pop-up boot menu.)

My advice: Try a flash drive first. If it doesn't work, you can always use that same ISO file to create a bootable CD later.

How big a drive do you need? It depends on the size of the Linux distro. The latest versions of Mint and Ubuntu run about 1.8GB and 1.5GB, respectively, so a 2GB drive should suffice. Make sure it doesn't contain any important data, as it'll need to get wiped as part of this procedure.

Build your boot drive


Enlarge Image
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETOnce you've downloaded your Linux ISO, you'll need a utility that can create a bootable flash drive. I'm partial to Rufus, which is fast, free and easy to use.
Download the portable version; there's no need to actually install it, because most likely you'll just run it once.

Step 1: Plug in your flash drive (ignoring or closing any prompts that pop up), then run the Rufus utility.

Step 2: In the Device field, at the very top, make sure your flash drive is the one selected. If not, click the pull-down and select it.

Step 3: Near the checkbox marked "Create a bootable disk using," click the little disk icon and navigate to the Linux ISO file you downloaded. It's most likely in your Downloads folder. Click it, then click Open.

Step 4: If you like, you can change the "New volume label" field to something like "Linux," but it's not necessary. Click Start, then wait while the drive is formatted and the ISO installed.

Get ready to boot

Now it's time to turn your attention to the destination system. It doesn't matter what condition it's in or even if it's riddled with malware; you just need it to be able to boot from a flash drive.

That may mean venturing into the BIOS and changing the boot order, which by default almost certainly puts the hard drive first. Some systems do offer a pop-up boot menu that lets you choose what device to boot from without having to monkey with the settings. If yours does, count yourself lucky.

For example, I did some testing with a years-old HP Pavilion dm1z. When you first power it on, there's no boot menu -- just a blank screen and then the Windows startup screen. So I did a quick web search for "Pavilion dm1z boot menu" and learned that I need to press either F1 or F10 immediately after powering on the machine. (Turns out it was F10.)

That's pretty common, though based on past experience, it might also be F2, F9, F12 or even the Delete key. Depends on the system.

Once you've found your way into the BIOS, find the boot or startup menu and make sure "flash drive" or "USB drive" is first in the boot order. Then save and exit (usually by pressing F10, but, again, this varies).

One OS or two?


Enlarge Image
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETAs you probably know already, Linux can boot and run right from the flash drive -- no actual installation required. That's a great way to test-drive a distro, but this tutorial is about installing the OS, so let's focus on that option.

The big decision you'll need to make is whether you want to install Linux alongside your existing OS, which would result in a dual-boot setup, or reformat the hard drive and run only Linux. The former is worth considering if the system has a large drive and can easily accommodate both operating systems, or you still have need for Windows.

This following instructions may vary a bit from one distro to the next, but they're based on my installation of Linux Mint.

Step one: Boot from the flash drive directly into Linux.

Step two: Double-click the Install Linux icon on the desktop.

Step three: Make any requested selections regarding language, installation of third-party software and so on. Then choose your OS installation preference: alongside the existing OS or erase-and-install.


ge Image
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET

After you make your choice, just sit back and wait while Linux does its thing. The installation might take some time, especially if the computer is on the older, slower side.

Now that you're up and running, hit the comments and let us know which Linux distro you chose and how the installation went!

[Kwadwo Tòkunbọ̀]

Gonna try this after this weekend.  Hopefully it can open my legacy word docs in libreoffice or something

-------------------------------------------
"The day will come when history will speak. But it will not be the history which will be taught in Brussels, Paris, Washington or the United Nations...Kmt will write its own history and in both north and south it will be a history of glory and dignity".
Nana Patrice Lumumba.