You should check the hardware requirements based on your old computer in
order to match it with a distro that will work. There is no use my advising
you to install Ubuntu if you have less that 256 RAM for example. There are
distributions that will install in 64 or less RAM, but for that you get less
of an OS which I hope is understandable.
Most distributions have their niche and ardent followers. You will get
different advice from different people. In the end you are the one using it
and must choose.
Ubuntu: most popular, most online help, uses GNOME as its desktop, comes out
with a new version like clockwork every six months, the biggest repositories
(aka most programmes), has PPAs which allow for third party repositories,
Debian package manager, 64 and 32 bit OS, multimedia works out of the box as
of October 10th release, easy and fast to install, more Mac-ish
Kubuntu: Ubuntu but with KDE as its desktop
Mint: an Ubuntu derivative that has many of the things Ubuntu has going for
it, but it is developed afterwards, has a different theme, menu and a few
extras, multimedia works out of the box, KDE and GNOME versions
Fedora: the development branch of Red Hat, meant for desktop users, has both
GNOME and KDE versions, comes out with a new version every six months,
bleeding edge, requires more hands on knowledge, but community is large and
helpful, fewer packages, uses RPM package management
Mandriva: slick RPM based OS that works a bit differently, it has a pay for
version and free version, the free version has no support and the community
is smaller, usually a KDE distro, but you can install GNOME
openSuSE: from Novell, big in business world, not as popular for desktop
users, well supported, frequent releases, KDe and GNOME, RPM based, fewer
packages
SimplyMEPIS: Debian based distro, smaller, slow release cycle, well
supported, small but strong community, lots of packages, 64 and 32-bit, KDE
and GNOME
PCLinuxOS: RPM based but uses Debian package manager, forked from Mandriva
(years ago), small community, slow release cycle and fewer packages, 32-bit
only, KDE based
AntiX: MEPIS for older computers, uses Fluxbox as desktop
Puppy Linux: derived from Ubuntu (recent), for older computers, solid
support, works great
I have left out some notables such as Debian. It has the most flexibility in
terms of architecture and it is very stable, but the community can be
fractious and difficult for newbies to get help. I also left out Sabayon and
ones like it because it is high end and this is for an older computer. I
left out Arch and other roll your own distros because you are a newbie.
There are hundreds more. Go to Distrowatch for a list of the top 100.
I have tried to be unbiased. I have installed and used just about
everything. I currently have half a dozen distros installed on my computers
and use many regularly.
I use Kubuntu (desktop) and Ubuntu (netbook) everyday, but also like Fedora,
MEPIS, PCLinuxOS and Mandriva. As I said you will get different advice
depending on who you ask. Ubuntu is a good starting point and you can now
download Ubuntu 10.10 beta which comes out in two weeks. It is stable enough
to use everyday. I have not experienced any crashes anyway. That way you
won't have to install then upgrade in a couple of weeks. Or you can stick
with 10.04 which is a Long Term Support release and not upgrade for three
years.
Roy
On 28 September 2010 02:41, dbneeley <dbnee...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> There's nothing wrong with Mepis--and it is generally quite good at
> hardware recognition, which may be an issue with an older box.
>
> That said, I'd be concerned with any memory limits in your old desktop.
> Unless I am mistaken, it probably has a relatively small amount of RAM.
> Thus, one distribution I would seriously consider is Lubuntu. It is an
> Ubuntu variant, but uses the LXDE graphical environment, which is much less
> RAM-hungry than the larger Gnome or KDE variants. Because it's a flavor of
> Ubuntu, though, it has all the resources and ease of use of the Ubuntu
> family in general.
>
> As for "Fairpoint not supporting Linux"--that is highly unlikely, although
> they may not have help or official support, Internet connectivity is not
> generally dependent upon which operating system you use.
>
> Look in your area to see if there are any Linux user groups. Many have
> "install fests" where they will get you up and running with the distribution
> of your choice. Also, many individual Linux enthusiasts will help in a case
> like this--ask around, or maybe post an ad in a local free want-ad paper or
> website. You might be surprised at what you'll find.
>
> David
>
>
> --- In LINUX_Newbies@yahoogroups.com <LINUX_Newbies%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "papasmurf" <papa.smu...@...> wrote:
> >
> > HI FOLKS:
> > Am retired senior. Have very old, slow, tired Gateway desktop. Seeking
> good used AMD dual core tower, to finally bring my home pc into the 21st
> century. When I find one, was pondering installing Linux on old pc, so I can
> spend time familiarizing myself with the system. Is this a good way to go?
> > Am in the dark on how to access the internet on a Linux-based pc. Live in
> New England and have Fairpoint Communications for home phone/ internet
> service and they don't support Linux. Is there a way around this?
> > Having answer to these questions will help to get me started.
> > Just read about a program called Mepis and it seemed like a good starting
> point. Comments on this?
> > Thank You in advance. TTFN. Old Tom aka papasmurf
> >
>
>
>
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