[SOLVED] Should I use Ubuntu on this computer?

[Fc1032]

hello all!,

I have considered putting ubuntu onto my older computer. But I have a slight concern, I do not think tht Ubuntu will run fast on the computer though.

COmputer specs:
Pentium 4 2.6 GHZ
256mb ram
40GB Hard Disc

I already have xubuntu on an old laptop. I know that xubuntu would be a better option; But I really do prefer Ubuntu.

Can anyone please recommend or suggest if i should put ubuntu on this computer? If not, any other options besides xubuntu?

Many thanks!

[Bucky Ball]

You could try installing Ubuntu from the text only alternate cd to bypass problems with the low amount of ram. Same as, except you don't use a friendly GUI for the install. Having said that, you may have to settle with Xubuntu in the end. Give it a go though and let us know how you went.

[Fc1032]

Can you tell me how much ram ubuntu uses regularly for normal web surfing and some multimedia?

I am quite sure it will still be faster tan running XP on it =P

[-random]

my beautiful monster-quad brOke!

So.. I'm using my ooold p4 celeron 1.7 with 512 ddr400 and it works fine with hardy. A tad slow on the graphics so i'm considering using a lightweight window manager instead.

Also think you might have some trouble with the low ram in your system, but then again, I installed ubuntu on a virtual machine with only 192 ram...

[Bucky Ball]

I would recommend Xubuntu. You may be lucky enough to get Ubuntu on there but it could be s l o w and graphics a problem. Minimum is 384Mb for Ubuntu (from memory) and Xubuntu 192Mb.

[tangibleorange]

Can you tell me how much ram ubuntu uses regularly for normal web surfing and some multimedia?

I am quite sure it will still be faster tan running XP on it =P

well how much RAM Ubuntu uses is dependent on how much RAM you have, if that makes sense. If you have lots of RAM, Ubuntu will simply cache more stuff in RAM to make your system run faster. Less RAM will obviously make the system less efficient - I think 256 will be fairly unusuable, but it will probably work - just not very well. i would reccomend Xubuntu.

if you do decide to go ahead with regular Ubuntu, make sure to make a swap partition/file that is at least 512MB in size - swap space is crucial for low memory machines. also, as mentioned above, you'll need to use the alternate CD to install.

[Bucky Ball]

my beautiful monster-quad brOke!

So.. I'm using my ooold p4 celeron 1.7 with 512 ddr400 and it works fine with hardy. A tad slow on the graphics so i'm considering using a lightweight window manager instead.

Also think you might have some trouble with the low ram in your system, but then again, I installed ubuntu on a virtual machine with only 192 ram...

You have twice the RAM as the OP and running on a virtual machine ... slightly different circumstances ...

[Fc1032]

Ok, thanks everyone!

All your answers were prompt! I'll try Ubuntu and report how it turns out! I probably WILL have to end up using xubuntu (which of course is still fine =D)

I will have a 'report' tomorrow

Thanks again!

[kokkus]

It should work fine as long as you do not activate your graphic card.
Do not run many programs at the same time, and use the default gui theme.
It should work fine for normal work things like surfing the web, using open office etc.
But I would uninstall programs you don't need before you start using the system.

[Bucky Ball]

Can you tell me how much ram ubuntu uses regularly for normal web surfing and some multimedia?

I am quite sure it will still be faster tan running XP on it =P

My mistake, thought you were talking minimum ram for install in my reply a couple posts ago. I'll learn to read one of these days! lol