how can I make this PC faster?

[billgoldberg]

I have Ubuntu 8.04 running on my mother's PC, but it's running slow as hell.

The PC's specs:
Celeron processor (I don't know the speed, how can I find it out? System Monitor only says "Celeron (Coppermine)"
256mb 133mhz RAM
ATI Radeon 7000 64mb

edit: The Computer is a Compaq Presario 5300US, if that helps.


I was thinking of upgrading the RAM to 512mb 133mhz, but I'm looking in system monitor, and RAM usage is only like 165mb used for physical and 40mb used for swap, so would more RAM even help?

I have her running a GNOME desktop because it's the most user friendly IMO and she's totally computer clueless, so I need it to be very user friendly. (So sorry, no fluxbox)

Any ideas? We can't afford a new computer right now, so that's out of the question.


edit: P.S. if anyone has any unneeded 128/256mb 133mhz sticks they dont want, I'll gladly take them They're expensive as hell nowadays retail, when you can even find them. Or if you know a place where I can get them at a decent price, that'd be good as well.

You can put almost any WM on there and tweak it to make it easy to use.

I suggest fluxbox.

It will run a lot faster.

--

Change some apps.

Use vlc instead of totem, use sonata (set up mpd first) instead of rythmbox.

Change nautilus for pcmanfm, ...

Remove unneccasary startup items in "system -> preferences -> sessions".

[wolfen69]

computers with those specs, i have installed xubuntu 7.04 (alternate cd) with good success. speed was very acceptable.

[RedSquirrel]

You can put almost any WM on there and tweak it to make it easy to use.

I suggest fluxbox.

It will run a lot faster.

I agree.

@OP:

If Fluxbox is not suitable, try something else. IceWM, or Openbox with fbpanel.

To get the most out of your system while using Ubuntu, build up from a minimal installation, for example:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/minimal#barebones

[F1y3r3]

Openbox is easier to use, gnome is easier to configure but you can do it yourself.
If you won't be able to find a cheap CPU or RAM maybe try this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121342. It uses DDR2 which is cheaper than DDR which is cheaper than SDR.
P.S. If anyone has any unneeded SDR 133mhz sticks or Coppermine PIIIs in Europe, I'll gladly take them as well

[gjoellee]

I will suggest that moving over to Xubuntu will be much better

check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qddueXkD8E

[mikjp]

Ever tried Zen computing?. Or try some other lightweight distro.

Or just remove OpenOffice and install Abiword. Remove Firefox and install Opera. Cut down unnecessary services. Is CUPS really needed? Avahi? Does your mom really need seven virtual terminals (they take up memory)? Turn off all desktop effects. Remove all unnecessary effects from GNOME (hint: gconf-editor). Who needs animated menus? Why delays before showing menu? Does she need Bluetooth services running in the background? Shadows under windows? Transparent menus?

* Tweak Ubuntu for peak performance by Dennis O'Reilly.
* Ubuntu Ultimate. Tweaking Ubuntu Ultimate
* [http://www.ubuntugeek.com/how-to-mak...buntu.html]How to make Gnome menus Faster in Ubuntu[/url]

More ideas?


Greetings,

mikko

[chucky chuckaluck]

I have her running a GNOME desktop because it's the most user friendly IMO and she's totally computer clueless, so I need it to be very user friendly. (So sorry, no fluxbox)

there's nothing user-unfriendly about fluxbox, or openbox. if you were willing to install gnome for your mother, then you could install openbox, or fluxbox. you can set up a right-click menu for her with the apps she uses. what else would she need? gnome is going to stay slow on that machine. openbox, or fluxbox, will be less slow (but still slow).

[mikjp]

Okay, I can get XP running reasonably well on a computer with an old AMD processor and 128 or 256 megs of RAM. I cannot get Ubuntu to even open Firefox in an acceptable time (like, I could run a lap around my house, pour and drink a glass of water, and still get back in time to be pissed off with the load time)

I think there is something seriously misconfigured in your system. Problems with network?

I have no problems in using Firefox on a iBook 600 MHz & 384 MB RAM with Debian.

Greetings,

mikko

[mikjp]

what else would she need? gnome is going to stay slow on that machine. openbox, or fluxbox, will be less slow (but still slow).

Add pypanel to any *box and you have a taskbar. On the other hand, IceWM's default installation has a start menu and taskbar.

[Hallvor]

Extra RAM and a lighter distro will do the trick.

I suggest using TinyMe (with Openbox). It is very light, very easy to use, has the Mandriva Control center and has a GUI for almost everything (including making a full backup of your system to a livecd).

I suggest installing a different browser from the repository than the default Opera. Kazehakase is located in the testing repository and is much lighter and better suited. Firefox is also a little lighter on RAM than Opera, i think.