Ubuntu

Old computer, which version should I download and will I be able to run it efficiently?

Asked by Austin Nill

Hi!
I've never ran an Linux system before, and I'm planning on taking an older hard drive and running Ubuntu on it.
I'm running a Celeron 1.1( I know, really old), 2 gigs of ram, 512mb video card and an 80 gb hd.
The main problems are:
1. Which version of Ubuntu should I download and install, and what programs would you recommend with them.
2. Will my systems lack of power limit my abilities to use the software efficiently, I'm currently running WinXp.

Thanks alot guys!

Austin

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Jim Hutchinson
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Jim Hutchinson (jphutch) said : 		#1

That hardware might run the regular version of ubuntu just fine with all that memory and if it can run XP then it can run ubuntu. Ubuntu is less resource intensive than XP (or probably any version of windows). If you want a bit more speed you could try xubuntu. That's the "lightweight" version of ubuntu. With either version you will a complete OS - meaning most of the apps you will need are included.

Enjoy. Ubuntu rocks.

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Austin Nill (gcdrumfiend08) said : 		#2

Now, does Xubuntu use the whole multiple desktops thing? Or is that an add-on or something that I'll have to install as well? Finally, what would I need to use Beryl?

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Best Jim Hutchinson (jphutch) said : 		#3

You want a lightweight desktop but you want to run beryl? Actually, it would probably work fine with your graphics card. Is it nvidia? ATI seems a bit more troublesome but doable. To run beryl you will need to install the proprietary driver for your video card and then install the various beryl bits. There are some good how-tos on the ubuntuforums web site and the ubuntu wiki for both of those.

Yes, xubuntu has multiple desktops. It might not have open office by default but you could add it. I think you have sufficient memory to run most apps. There may be some other apps missing too. I've only installed it along with regular ubuntu so I don't know what a xubuntu only install might lack. However, if it lacks something, like open office, it will have an alternative. It is a comparable desktop but not an exact copy of ubuntu - for obvious reason.

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Austin Nill (gcdrumfiend08) said : 		#4

Thanks Jim Hutchinson, that solved my question.

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Jim Hutchinson (jphutch) said : 		#5

Glad I could help. Enjoy.