Light Linux Distributions - Hardware Testing (RAM)

[snowpine]

Great work and thanks for posting.

However, nothing was mentioned about performance when running applications. I have read in some forums that Lubuntu is the lightweight Ubuntu. Thought I give it a try (Lubuntu 12.10)on my aging netbook; I couldn't play movies (using latest VLC) and browse the internet at the same time (using Chromium that came with OS). The movie will lag like crazy. And browser will display in sections and parts like it's being refresh.

During that time, the CPU usage will be 90-100% while 1gb RAM is only using probably 5-10%.

Anyone has any recommendations for a 2nd life of that netbook that will only be used for movies and web browsing?

Thanks

What are your hardware specs?

If it is an aging Celeron or Atom netbook with integrated graphics then your results are typical in my experience. These do not have the "oomph" for a high quality multimedia experience at the same time you are web browsing. The CPU usage at 90-100% strongly implies you have reached the limits of your hardware's performance.

[Paddy Landau]

Lubuntu is the lightest of the official Ubuntu distributions. Bodhi is even lighter, although it is not an official Ubuntu distribution.

However, I think that snowpine is right, and changing your distro from Lubuntu to an even lighter distro is unlikely to change anything.

But, of course, you can try: load Bodhi using a Live CD or Live USB, and see how well it works.

[noob_jul11]

Thanks, I'll try Bodhi.
Unfortunately, I can't remember the specs on top of my head. The netbook is at home and I'm at work right now.

I used to run the last version of Ubuntu LTS without such issue (was it 10.04?). Made the mistake of upgrading to 12.04 LTS and it hasn't been the same since. And I installed the 10.04 LTS from USB and not CD; and reformatted the USB by now.

[mörgæs]

The purpose of this thread is collecting advice regarding light distros, not troubleshooting a specific installation.

Posts concerning light distros in general are welcome here.

[mörgæs]

Bump to keep the thread from auto-close.

[sudodus]

Nice thread, that I had not seen before! Thanks for bumping it

If you are interested in this thread, you might also be interested in a thread about Old Hardware

[gilligan216]

we compared Lucid Puppy Linux to Slacko Puppy Linux;
well both are good stable mini systems with surprising features!
i would suggest that every linux fanatic (like myself) look into Puppy!
Slacko Puppy Linux seems to be tailored around multimedia use. it even has a stand alone graphic equalizer!
Lucid Puppy Linux seems more like Ubuntu in minimizing extras to afford that "TRUSTY" feeling.

[andrew210]

all of these distros should work on my hp pavilion ze4900, its only a few years younger than me im 16

[mörgæs]

Another bump to keep the thread open.
The contents is still valid and people's contributions are welcome.

[DougieFresh4U]

I put 'ToriOS' on an old old laptop and it came back to life!
They are currently working on 'ToriOS' so it may be worth a look.