Linux for a linux newbie - sorry for the really basic questions!

Hey guys

I'm trying to select the OS for a really rather slow machine by today's standards. We're talking P3 and sd ram here. I thought Linux might help me maximise my few resources.

The machine will be used for:

playing video, dvd and maybe some music files, dvd, avi (codecs - vlc media player etc.), mp3, wma etc.
browsing the internet
msn messenger

I was thinking Ubuntu as that (I think) is the easiest to get installed and running? I was hoping that you lovely people could answer a few questions for me:

Am I likely to be able to find drivers in Linux for a 7 year old thinkpad? (I know you can get graphics)

Are there applications I can download for linux that will let me do the tasks I wish.

Considering I am a total software idiot will I be able to get Linux running on this thing without writing command code and programming stuff?

My other OS option is win 98 SE as the machine has a key for it.........

Thanks for any help


Jess - total linux newbie

 

You can try finiding your Thinkpad model here. Might even find a detailed instoalation guide:
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ibm.html

I think most things you need will work out of the box. Might have some problems with the modem and pcimcia slot but you dont really need them for what you are doing. Powersaving and so on might be a bit more difficult to setup.

Pretty much all distrubutions come with a movie player and browser so thats all you need. Might have to install the codecs for wma after but the rest should be there on after the first boot.

 

You could also check out www.tuxmobil.com. They have a lot of laptops on there with guides on installation and how to get stuff working.

Ubuntu will be pretty easy to install. Old hardware is usually well supported since it has been around long enough for people to get good solid drivers written for it. The benefit with Ubuntu is that you can use Automatix ( www.getautomatix.com) to install all the necessary codecs and media applications really easily. Some distributions such as PCLinuxOS come with DVD codecs and applications installed, but consequently will likely run rather slowly on old machines.

The real key here is how much RAM you have. If it's 128MB or less, you'll likely not be looking at something like Ubuntu, as it will run pretty slowly. You'll be looking at stuff more like Xubuntu or more advanced distributions like Gentoo and Arch, and then you'll be pairing them with desktop interfaces that aren't as noob-friendly as you'll get with (K)Ubuntu or PCLinuxOS, etc. But if it's running 256 or more, you should be pretty good.

 

I have 192MB of ram, but I know there's a pc133 sodimm sitting around somewhere that if I can find i'll stick in and if it's supported we'll be on 320MB of ram.

I think Win 98SE might be the way to go on this one for these reasons:

1. I have a product key
2. My partner found a 98SE install CD
3. I'll need a wireless usb dongle or pcmcia card which usually come with a win98 drivers cd
4. I can download win98 drivers off the lenovo website really easily


Unless I can find a copy of 2000 I think it'll be 98 SE.



Thanks for the input though!

 

Well, if you're still considering Linux, I say give Xubuntu a try. It's pretty light-weight and the hardware in it should be pretty well-supported.

- Trip

 

In my opinion the reasons you gave for using 98SE aren't really valid.

1) You can get a 98 key basically anywhere. Craigslist is a good example.
2) You can also get an install disc from a few torrents and downloading programs. Hell, the Goodwill Computers near my house sells them pretty cheap
3) If your computer is 7 years old, then the USB and PCMCIA slots are probably covered with drivers in Linux.
4) For the most part many distros have full hardware support at boot especially since your comp is so old. You don't even have to go to some website to download the proper driver packs.

I'd say give Linux a try. It's free so if you don't like it you've wasted no money and maybe an hour of your time. At least give it a shot before you decide that Windows is better.

 

Go for Xubuntu. Ubuntu is just Xubuntu with a more resource hungry window manager. You will be able to run the same apps in both. 198MB will be fine.

I'm running debian on my old inspiron 500Mhz Celeron 128MB ram. Ubuntu/Xubuntu are debian derivatives.

 

I am running Fedora Core3 on my old 1999 Thinkpad, P3 400mhz 382mb RAM. I'm using KDE. The newest Firefox is runs pretty slow on it, but otherwise it's doing great.

Greg

 

OK, a mate has convinced me to try Xubuntu, just burning the 7.04 cd now. I'll let y'all know what I think and how things go when I have all the necessary hardware to get the laptop up and running.

 

Try taking the test in the sticky section - it's how I identified my first dist.