I have a quite old desktop with 64MB ram, 12GB HDD, celeron processor (around 500mhz). is it possible to use linux with this config? i want to try a Live Linux CD, V 5.0.1, or should i try some older version?
2007-03-20 22:18:43 · 8 answers · asked by indigo 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
it is possible to use live CD on that kind of PC ...in-fact the hard disk capacity doesn't matter coz for a live CD it can work without a hdd..
for the RAM though it is abit small but it can still work but at a very low speed (it is more of memory dependent)
for the processor there is no worry that will work ..
basically it will work !!! but it will be too slow ..
even if you get a lower version the problem will still be the same unless you increase the RAM to 128MB
...the basic principle to this is that optical disks are very slow to access hence the only thing that will boost the speed is by loading as much DATA to the RAM ...
2007-03-20 22:34:50 · answer #1 · answered by sekiki2004 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You'll have no problem with your hard drive or processor speed. Memory will be an issue though, especially if you want to use one of the high end desktop environments like KDE. Ubuntu does have a distribution especially designed for older machines, called Xubuntu.
If upgrading the RAM is within your reach, also take a look at the KDE version of Ubunto, Kubuntu.
Mandriva has worked well one some of my older hardware, and in some cases was able to detect things that Ubuntu could not (without some serious tweaking). Like my old Creative Labs SoundBlaster 16.
For REALLY troublesome older hardware, reverting to the grand-daddy that is the father of all these distributions might be worth a shot... Debian. I even got it up and running on an old 133MHz Pentium with only 3 gigs of hard drive space. 128MB of RAM though.
Finally, though Ubuntu and Mandriva both have "live CD" options that will be handy for experimentation before you install to a hard drive, if you're going to REGULARLY be running off the CD or DVD, then have a look at Knoppix... it's specifically designed to run that way, and is faster than the others. Not to mention, the DVD is loaded with pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. It can also be tweaked to run off of a USB drive, so you can just stick it in your pocket and have your whole computer with you whereever you go.
It's kind of fun to see the look on a friends face when you "borrow" their computer to check on a website or some email, and then they have a look at what you're doing and say "what the **** is THAT" (because KDE just looks WAY better than Windows).
A parting note on memory: Though all flavors of Linux will be happier with more RAM, they're all still better than Windows... and that's because of the way the swap file (virtual RAM) works. In a Windows system, the swap file resides all mixed up with your other files, shrinking and growing as needed, and consequently subject to fragmentation, making things slower and slower the more it gets used.
In a Linux system, a separate partition is created for the swap file (typically, twice as large as your RAM). That part of your hard drive is kept completey apart from the rest of the file system, which is far more stable and efficient.
2007-03-23 07:42:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need 128Mb RAM for a good experience with the full-featured Linux desktops. Upgrade to 128 if you possibly can.
Then try PCLinuxOS - the best desktop Linux by far...
http://www.pclinuxos.com
2007-03-20 23:50:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure, Linux will operate easily on your computer.
try gettin Linux mepis, coz it is best for beginners, then after some time upgrade to Ubuntu.
Anyways, u can directly also start Ubuntu, but it is gonna make some problems if you dont know how to use linux.
2007-03-20 22:35:50 · answer #4 · answered by chintu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea you can, if you never ran linux before check out freespire
freespire.org Great operating system! verry easy to use
2007-03-20 22:26:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is possible. There are distros of Linux that target old computers. I think Puppy is the best. http://www.puppylinux.org/
2007-03-24 13:23:24 · answer #6 · answered by bakegoodz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get 128 mb of more ram and install ubuntu linux...the light,easy to use nad good for those who are new to linux...
2007-03-22 18:26:37 · answer #7 · answered by Jassi 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, No, No, No, No, No, NO, NO NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Use a live CD, keep windows, or Dual boot
2007-03-21 00:24:13 · answer #8 · answered by brian ? 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋