Ubuntu
ubiquity package

Advice for low powered netbook, thanks

Asked by briansmichaud

I do not know about computers but have used ubuntu successfully on another PC.

I would like to breathe new life into a slow Fujitsu lifebook p1120. specs here: http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/fujitsu-lifebook-p1120-8/4507-3121_7-30012172.html?tag=mncol;subnav

summary specs:
currently windows XP service pack 3
Processor Transmeta Crusoe TM5800 800.0 MHz
Cache L2 cache - 512.0 KB - Write-Back
Memory RAM 256.0 MB Technology SDRAM
Storage Hard Drive 30.0 GB

The copmputer is running very slow. I do not believe it is infected (to any great extent at any rate) or too many processes running...it just seems like it is trying it's best but is limited due to age. I have used chrome and firefox, both sluggish.

I would like to simply use the computer for Internet and maybe open office like word or powerpoint; mostly want Internet usage.

Would Lubuntu be a good choice? or xubuntu? If Lubuntu is good down to 128 RAM, would this not give me some extra room to breathe? or is it not that simple?

Additionally, I have read that you cannot boot from the USB? I thought any PC with a USB is bootable from the USB with an ISO file? Can you get around this via the PLOP file I read about?

I have a lot of HD space...should I look to partition so I am non-committed if I mess something up? Could I permanently ruin my Lifebook?

Lastly, is the Android x86 something I should look into?

thank you all!

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Answered
For:
Ubuntu ubiquity Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

I suggest you install LXDE and use that, it is a lot lighter than the default desktop. Worth a try.

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#2

If you install Lubuntu you will get LXDE by default.

Revision history for this message
primefalcon (primefalcon) said : 		#3

Lubuntu is about the best choice you can get for a slower pc, LXDE uses only half of the resources of XFCE.... and is a lot more user friendly than a lot of other light desktops

Revision history for this message
marcus aurelius (adbiz) said : 		#4

if it's only 800 mHz, the laptop is SLOW compared to machines today. it's not because the machine is old but because of old technology

Revision history for this message
Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#5

I have 10.04 LTS running on a 600MHz Celeron OK. Later releases need more CPU but Lubuntu would be a very good choice. I don't know about whether the machine will boot from USB, but it should be possible to use a bootloader like plop in the external floppy drive that will start the boot from the USB, but first investigate if you can set the BIOS to boot off the USB.

Chris

Revision history for this message
briansmichaud (briansmichaud) said : 		#6

Thanks all. I got it downloaded but I am running into a few snags. is there some type of chat area somewhere on the net where I can tell people what messages are coming up and they can walk me through some of the steps?

I ended up using the plop program and it looks like I am very close to getting Lubuntu to work...just a couple glitches.

thanks

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#7

You can install pidgin or xchat and connect to irc.freenode.net

You can then join #ubuntu and chat live with helpers and users to fix issues.

Revision history for this message
briansmichaud (briansmichaud) said : 		#8

okay, i will try that. i am on windows 7 on this PC...which do you think is better; pidgin or xchat?

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#9

Neither is better, they are both as good as each other...

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#10

I use pidgin but its an 11 year habit. There is also mirc and hydrairc for windows too.

Can you help with this problem?

Provide an answer of your own, or ask briansmichaud for more information if necessary.

To post a message you must log in.