Minimum specs for Ubuntu?

Hi guys.

After watching a few videos on youtube about ubuntu and being in awe of the cool UI's, I kind of have the desire to install linux.

One question is, I'm going to do this on a really old laptop (i dont want to experiment on my currently used computer), and Im not sure if there it meets the specs needed to install ubuntu.

The laptop specs are:
P3 1000 Mhz
256 Ram
Currently running XP with SP1 installed (prety slow though).

i dont think it has a dedicated vid card either.

But anyways, with this setup, could install linux and possibly beryl to get the cool looking effects?

thanks

 

Yes, you can. Ubuntu will run fine on those specs.

 

You may want to give Xubuntu a try, which is Ubuntu with a more lightweight desktop environment (Xfce). GNOME (the desktop environment of Ubuntu) is built on GTK+, as is Xfce, so they look similar, but Xubuntu is less strenuous (128 MB of RAM req'd, instead of 256 MB).

Ubuntu may run fine, but Xubuntu will definitely run fine (which may be what you're looking for).

 

if you meant running beryl/compaz (those fancy 3d cube desktops with special effects)...then you will need a nice decent video card

 

You'll need a Radeon 7000/GeForce 3/Intel i810 or above to run Beryl.

 

Given the specs of the machine, I doubt that any of those is really likely. By the time all those GPUs came around, most processors were at the 1.5GHz PIII or higher area, though it is still possible. So basically, I doubt that you'll be able to run Beryl or Compiz on the machine, but Ubuntu should run fine.

 

I run Ubuntu just fine on my 7 year old laptop.

Specs:
466MHz Celeron
192MB RAM
4GB HD

Your comp will do just fine

 

Linux itself will run fine on the OP's machine, buy Beryl/Compiz probably will not.

 

I concur. I'd consider looking into a memory upgrade if you really want to use the machine, though. 256 is on the lower end of acceptable any more, especially with Beryl/compiz.