[aaaa44]

Compaq Presario 5000 Model 5BW220, built 7/19/00, 15G master drive, 40G slave drive, 630 MHz Intel Celeron processor, 512MB RAM, Compaq 06C0 motherboard


I want to switch over to Linux from my current XP o/s. My understanding of computers is basic, so I have several simple questions. How much faster will Linux be for my system? Currently XP runs very slowly on my computer. Can I use the same programs I have now when many of them are particular to XP? Will I be able to download stuff faster? Will videos on dvds or on youtube play smoother; they don't play smoothly now on my computer. I'm having many o/s problems (pop-ups, computer runs slowly, hard drive running all the time, etc.). Will many of these be eliminated if I switch to Linux? Which Linux distro or whatever would be best for my configuration and most resemble Windows? After installing Linux can I then just delete XP? How many Gigs of HD space does Linux take up? Thanks for any replies.

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It will run quite a bit faster, but it is hard to detail specific numbers as it is quite dependent on what you do. I used to run Linux on a 450Mhz machine and it ran quite well.

Most programs will not work since they are compiled for Windoze, not Linux. You can try using Wine to run the programs, but not everything will work.

Downloading may be faster, but most likely not much of a difference if the limiting factor is the connection speed. If your XP machine has issues, then it could be faster. You won't have an issue with popups and things like that.

Videos may play smoother due to not having all the issues and less overhead, but your machine is fairly slow.

Many new Linux users seem to like Ubunto. You can download a free LiveCD to try it before installing.

The amount of space taken up depends on how many optional packages you install. You can run DSL, a Linux version that is around 50Mb total.

You can remove XP afterwards.

[Kemasa]

It will run quite a bit faster, but it is hard to detail specific numbers as it is quite dependent on what you do. I used to run Linux on a 450Mhz machine and it ran quite well.

Most programs will not work since they are compiled for Windoze, not Linux. You can try using Wine to run the programs, but not everything will work.

Downloading may be faster, but most likely not much of a difference if the limiting factor is the connection speed. If your XP machine has issues, then it could be faster. You won't have an issue with popups and things like that.

Videos may play smoother due to not having all the issues and less overhead, but your machine is fairly slow.

Many new Linux users seem to like Ubunto. You can download a free LiveCD to try it before installing.

The amount of space taken up depends on how many optional packages you install. You can run DSL, a Linux version that is around 50Mb total.

You can remove XP afterwards.

[tom7343]

Good for You;
Linux will impress you with the amount of good software available.
Linux is more stable and secure. Windows requires much more of your computers resources which creates a much slower environment to work in.

Example: This older laptop has an 80gb Drive and partitioned 40gb for winxp + 40gb for Linux. While in Winxp it is often quirky and need of constant attention. Runs hot enough that the fan often runs on high.Yet, Linux was easy to install and has not had any stability problems. The fan never comes on, configuration was easy and Software that came with is truly impressive.

Great way to start is Backing up the information on that computer, run the "Disk Defragmentator" 2-3 or more.
When you decide to install Linux have a plan. s/a Do you want to use the 40gb drive for Winxp/Linux combination?
Do you want the Primary 15gb for just Winxp? Do you want the Primary 15gb drive for just Linux?
You really have a unique situation because of these combination.

I picked up a manual at the bookstore called "Beginning SuSe Linux" with a FULL version of 10.1 for $39.00.
Installing was easy as following the recommendations that were offered. I can confidently recommend SuSe Linux because of the Hardware detection and configuration tools that becomes the most important part of the Operating System especially on these older computers. Learning was enjoying and found a Powerful Operating System that configured every thing properly. Now I have "Duel Boot" with Winxp and Linux on the same Hard Drive. Linux is my choice and used more than Winxp. Remember, Configuration of hardware for these older computers will make the difference as to how well you will enjoy. Tried Mandrake Linux, Red Hat Linux and and an earlier version of SuSE 9.1 on an older computer becomes the reason that recommending SuSe for the best configuration. It did it the best. Later moved up to SuSe Ver: 10.1 for this one and a newer Laptop.
A DVD drive is required for this type of installation, However there are a lot of Linux OS on CD.

The first reply has great advise. Inserting your Linux disk in the CD drive and Chose "Run Linux From Disk (in CD) and get a good feel for for it. There will no changes made to your computer so You are completely safe. Also, Google "Linux Wine" to learn about that recommendation. This is the kind of power that Microsoft does not want you to have.
The Linux Community, like these Forums are with a lot of dedicated people that constantly impress me.
Hope you have fun.
tom

[barato]

I currently do a dual boot Ubuntu w/ Windows XP. By far Ubuntu is better. You cannot get that many viruses, my comp speed went up tremendously, and you just have a greater feeling of security. Not only do you have this sense of security , you also have more control over your computer. You can also make your system very unique compared to any other Linux user by customizing it, something I found not easy for XP. Ubuntu also gets you to learn more about how your computer operates and for me boosts my overall computer knowledge.
Have fun and good luck
Barato

[tom7343]

Good for you..
Searching around find many Ubuntu users that love it.

What often impresses me is the over all commitment and dedication to the Linux community that so many have.
One might think of the the people that put Linux on the map. Enabling you and I feel that we are not trapped by the Giant.

This is good for MS as well for they are aware that this Community is winning more in a grass roots nature then all the advertising money could buy. Perhaps in the future they will become better because of.

[unibroue]

Please dont just use Ubuntu cause everybody say so, there's so many good Linux distributions on the market right now, and many of them are as easier to use than Ubuntu. The big problem with Ubuntu, is the security ...

Here how Ubuntu staff works:

- We build a very small kernel (less than 2Mb) and we load everything into kernel modules, and we load ALL the modules even if they aren't needed by the user.

As you might know, viruses are not really common in the Linux world, cause they are un-harmful, but Linux failures come from RootKit, a rootkit is a little applications developped specifically to use a flaw in a kernel module.

So the more kernel modules you have, the more chance to be one day victim of a Rootkit, rootkit can be downloaded like viruses are, from a URL for example. With the popularity of Ubuntu, A LOT of rootkits are available on the WWW and many users have been affected by one already.

I'm not saying, don't use Ubuntu (i use it as my office desktop) but i'm just telling you to try other distribution before ... FedoraCore just release FC9 which is very very nice, and many new features ...

There's plenty of LiveCD on the WWW, so try some and you'll see which one better fit your needs!

Thanks for reading,

[tom7343]

Hello Unibrove;

Thank you for that information, learned something here. This will help others with Ubuntu I am sure.

Have SuSe 10.1 on 2 computers with Duel Boot and love it.
Have information from Novell pertaining to future support with Security Updates for the Ver:10.1 .. Planning to discontinue Security Updates for 10.1 soon. Plan to upgrade to Ver:10.3 next step.

To anyone who has seen this should bring it to the Forums as you brought information forward.
Have the printed notice, However, the Top Heading did not come out so can not make reference directly. Found it on Novell site somwhere.

Unibrove, Was in Montreal during the World's Fair in 67. What a Beuatiful City.
Driving a 37 Hudson, street rod, thru the city admiring the architecture and at each stop little kids would hop on the running boards and with excitment speak in French. My freind spoke French and I asked "What did they want" They wanted the wine we had on the front seat. This went on stop light to stop light.
Granted..This is not the place for this.

Have a lot fun
tom

[trucker]

one thing ive had fun with is trying new linux OP sys I'm no wizz by any means. but some are very easy to use it just takes a little time to figure them out linux puppy is one i like it run totally on your ram. oneand thing ive found that helps me is whats called synaptic package manger this will install the software. so theres no need to compile, puppy dingo 4 has this. the super small distros (as there called) leaves alot up to the user, if you like to read its easy to learn how to put things together puppy is under 100MB and i would be willing to bet it has more software already installed in it then you have in your pc right now. Ubuntu is very good also its a very large disto but again it easy to use. runs on newer hardware very good. its my mainstay. one thing ive found with it I like to burn CD's such. the software is very reliable. with windows i would fill my trash can with burnt disks. so far ive not had a failure. lastly my spelling is horrible this has spell check. works even in chat windows. best of all (ITS ALL FREE) I will never go back to windows