I am building an htpc for use as a divx player (off a hard drive), media storage server and pvr. I have heard that Linux is much to better to use on a low end system. It seems that the most user friendly version out there is ubuntu or kubuntu, but the requirements are 256mb of ram which is the same as xp.
I have a legal copy of xp that I can install and am wondering if I am better of sticking with that.
I have a older socket 370 mobo that I am using for now (733 celeron) that I will probably upgrade to something over 3Ghz within a year.
I don't plan on using it as a gaming machine, but I have read that Linux has very little commercial game support.
2007-02-21 10:58:53 · 7 answers · asked by bjmarchini 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
On my Win XP system, currently there is 521,240kb of ram being used. Keep in mind that I have shut off most of the Windows services, so if you haven't done this your system will be using considerably more ram.
I have a standard install of Edgy Eft running on a similar PC; I haven't tried to optimize this machine or alter any software that the system automatically runs. Currently there is 191,600kb being used.
Without a doubt, XP always requires more memory. I am using a machine at work that has the same amount of memory as yours and the ram is full of operating system; so any program I use has to store data on the hard drive swap space which makes it incredibly slow and makes me miserable. If you install XP, you will have the same situation unless you add ram.
There is little game support for Linux. If you want to game, Windows is the only choice. You won't be able to play new games on your PC in it's current configuration.
2007-02-22 18:54:32 · answer #1 · answered by GTMCFARLAND 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You won't be gaming much with your machine anyway (unless you get rid of lots of stuff inside it and replace with higher-end components), so Ubuntu would be the natural choice, because it is free, and relatively easy to use, but....
Since you have a legal copy of WinXP, use it. Compatibility with hardware is one of the best points of WinXP. Ease of use and less headaches about missing hardware drivers and such would be less.
On the other hand, consider buying a new system with Windows Vista that comes with it. Socket 370 is near dead, and there isn't many upgrade options for it (The best you can get is a Pentium III, I think). Being stuck with an obsolete system is not great.
2007-02-21 11:19:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Windows XP would run your system resources to the max if you let it, Ubuntu on the other hand ... much lighter, smaller footprint on the drive and with your older machine you want to get the most out of it.
Load in Ubuntu, it is simply the best, easiest and friendliest linux around.
2007-02-21 11:05:40 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It truthfully will improve really older computers with confined sources (in evaluation to renowned criteria). i might want to recommend setting up Ubuntu, besides the undeniable fact that customarily with a twin boot if there might want to be besides the undeniable fact that concerns that you want to have homestead windows for. maximum persons that do not seem confident with replacing to Linux are so when you think about that they offer the effect of being to ignore that Linux is something distinct than homestead windows.
2016-10-17 08:26:53 · answer #4 · answered by pellenz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the Unbuntu site and look at the xubuntu download.
It is easier on a system
2007-02-21 11:19:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to consider MythTV (http://www.mythtv.org/modules.php?name=MythFeatures), which is an open source Lunux-based PVR.
2007-02-21 12:33:58 · answer #6 · answered by Rose D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
xp by far
2007-02-21 11:02:46 · answer #7 · answered by bsmith13421 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋