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Which Linux distro will work for me?

distro memory install

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#1
*J*

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I am almost completely clueless when it comes to computers and totally dumbfounded by linux OS requirements. Giving up Windows XP (support ended), I'm trying to install a linux based OS. Two days have gotten me no further to understanding and finding the OS that works for me! I'll outline my pathetic computer specs (it's a dinosaur) and what I would like to be able to do. Then I would be extremely grateful for suggestions! Remember, I'm a newbie and don't understand all the lingo so please dumb it down for me. I'd prefer any installation involving DVD-R. I bought ten so I could use one to load UBUNTU (not enough space).

My computer:

COMPAQ-Presario-SR1500NX

3000+ AMD Sempron Processor

256MB-PC2700 memory

80GB-7200RPM hard drive

 

What I would like to do:

Surf the web (Firefox)

Use GIMP

Use INKSCAPE

Use AUDACITY

(basically, use open source freeware stuff)

Download music/movies

(basically, everything I could do on WINDOWS XP)


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#2
Lemurian

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Try Ubuntu. it's the easiest Linux distro for beginner.

Just read the instructions carefully. And be prepared to study lots of new stuff.

 

just download the image from their site,

http://www.ubuntu.com/download

burn it to the dvd-r, boot from it and answer the questions.

 

Have fun!


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#3
*J*

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Try Ubuntu. it's the easiest Linux distro for beginner.

Just read the instructions carefully. And be prepared to study lots of new stuff.

 

just download the image from their site,

http://www.ubuntu.com/download

burn it to the dvd-r, boot from it and answer the questions.

 

Have fun!

Looks like you didn't read that I started with Ubuntu and it won't work on my older computer...need a smaller OS suggestion.


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#4
Lemurian

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It runs also from live-dvd, so you can first try it without installing. If you won't get scared of that, go on installing.


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#5
Lemurian

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how much real space for linux do you have? if evrth is so bad, try DamnSmallLinux.

Is it really impossible to free some space at 80 GB drive? 


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#6
*J*

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how much real space for linux do you have? if evrth is so bad, try DamnSmallLinux.

Is it really impossible to free some space at 80 GB drive? 

See, I'm not sure...is that the space it refers to? I thought it was the 256MB part...I replaced XP with Ubuntu, thinking that would work.


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#7
Lemurian

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There are also very small ubuntu distributions https://help.ubuntu....ation/MinimalCD


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#8
*J*

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After installing Ubuntu, I kept getting the "low graphics mode" window and read that was because my system wasn't up to snuff.


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#9
*J*

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Soooo...I still need some ideas of which distro may work for me...please.


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#10
Trevorever

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Yes, ubuntu is too resource needy for that pc. Try Lubuntu. Any other distribution with lower system requirements you will not find very user friendly.
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#11
*J*

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Yes, ubuntu is too resource needy for that pc. Try Lubuntu. Any other distribution with lower system requirements you will not find very user friendly.

Thanks, man! That's all I needed...to whittle down the list so I'm not still trying distros out next year! So, that is my new request..."User Friendly", low resource distro suggestions!


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#12
sakamx

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Any other distribution with lower system requirements you will not find very user friendly. 


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#13
Babbzzz

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You can always try Arch Linux.

 

https://wiki.archlin...tallation_guide


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#14
MS-Free

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You can always try Arch Linux.

For a rookie? Really? Arch, as I understand it, is great if you've had previous Linux experience. Considering its basically a bleeding-edge, rolling release, I wouldn't exactly call it a great starting point, even if you can customize it in such a way as to be low-resource.

Maybe consider installing Debina - 5G hardrive and 128 MB (512 recommended) for minimum requirements, should be able to satisfy most, if not all of your requirements. (In general: Look for distributions that come with LXDE/XFCE for a desktop environment, avoid Gnome and KDE if possible.)
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#15
Babbzzz

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He never said he didn't want to try something of that sort.

 

I agree. It's not for a rookie. But rookie's can always learn the hard way. That's the way I did. Some like them, some don't.


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