old laptop : which version should I use ?

[lindenb]

Hi All,
I'm about to try installing a linux on an old laptop :

• FIC 5600
• currently (slowly) running under Window XP
• proc : x86 265Mhz
• physicial Memory: 2.25 Mo
• physical Memory available: 23.36 Mo
• virtual memory: 2Go
• virtual Memory available: 1.96 Mo

I would like to use this old PC for C/C++ programming, so, all I need his a version of gcc/g++ and a text editor

Which version of ubuntu (or any other linux) should I use ?

Many thanks !

[cqc]

Hi All,
I'm about to try installing a linux on an old laptop :

• FIC 5600
• currently (slowly) running under Window XP
• proc : x86 265Mhz
• physicial Memory: 2.25 Mo
• physical Memory available: 23.36 Mo
• virtual memory: 2Go
• virtual Memory available: 1.96 Mo

I would like to use this old PC for C/C++ programming, so, all I need his a version of gcc/g++ and a text editor

Which version of ubuntu (or any other linux) should I use ?

Many thanks !

try xbuntu or lbuntu

[joco1500]

i would use wubi.

it is a program that lets you install and uninstall any ubuntu variants that you would like

you just have to keep win xp

[kurt18947]

A lot of people speak highly of Puppy on older/weaker machines. I tried it, it works quite well as a live install but I was never able to get it to boot from the hard drive. I also didn't spend much time on it.

[mastablasta]

what is your CPU, GPU, RAM?

[ing.tani]

The latest versions of ubuntu are too heavy. Try an older version (even if it is not supported), like xubuntu 10.04 or even 8.04. Try it with live usb or cd and if it is ok install it. Remove XP.

[lkraemer]

Your best bets are one of the following Distro's:

REF:
http://distrowatch.com

Good LiveCD choices are:
1. Debian 6 "SQUEEZE" (Gnome 2.x) (XFCE LXDE Installs from CD) Supports I486
Install as Minimum Install & select the 486 Kernel
2. TinyCore 4.x (XFCE)
3. Vector 7 (XFCE)
4. Slitaz
5. AntiX M11 IceWM Rox Default (Fluxbox, wmii and dwm also installed)
6. Arch Linux (XFCE) i686
7. Porteus 1.2 RC2 (XFCE)
8. Puppy

There's lots of options. Burn some of the LiveCD's on a CDRW and give them a test. (Arch is a Source Distrbution......Well worth a test! GREAT Wiki/Forum & Documentation)

The best i486 choices are:
1. Antix M11
2. Tinycore
3. Arch Linux i686
4. Porteus
5. Salix OS
6. Semplice Linux
7. Slackware 13.37
8. Vector Linux 7
9. Zenwalk Linux
10. CRUX i686

You might also check out Mephis, but I'm not sure about the Minimum specifications for Mephis right now. The LiveCD should work fine.

Once you make your decision from the LiveCD testing, and Minimum Requirements for the Distro, Install it and see how it goes.


Larry