What's the best thing to do with of of the SBC CF-29 Toughbooks?

So a few years back I picked up one of the SBC CF-29 toughbooks for a friend. At the time he was doing outdoor work and I figured it was one of the few laptops he wouldn't kill. Well since then he isn't doing field work and really could use a new computer. Still, I would like the CF-29 to be useful. So my question is what do people think is the best way to configure the system. The guy is not computer savvy so it would be best if any setup was very robust for a user who seems to get malware a bit too often. I'm looking to make this sort of a robust computer that could be used in the barn/shop but it will no longer be his office system. I'm going to try to set him up with a desktop and a new laptop.

One thought I had was trying to see if Chrome OS could be installed on the system. I kind of like the idea of an OS that will keep web stuff on the web. Are there any "robust" windows installs that would keep the nasties of the web at bay? A Linux install might work but given how not computer savvy he is I think he would quickly get in over his head. Alternatively, is there a way to do an XP install that really closes up some of the internet security holes even if it limits usability?

Alternatively, it looks like these things are going for $140 or so on ebay, perhaps just selling it and getting him a Chromebook?

I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks!

 

An easy (free) operating system for the CF-29 would be to install Linux Mint 13 LTS New features in Linux Mint 13 - Linux Mint
Alternately, a web based Linux such as Joli 1.2 would work also:
Jolicloud - Joli OS
With Linux operating systems, you do NOT need to use a anti-virus program. Comes standard with Fire Fox browser, but Chromium can be added easily.
You will need to be plugged into a/c, have available internet connection (wireless/wired) and about 6-8 GB of hard drive space.
Easiest install would be download the ISO, and then burn a cd/dvd install disk using Image Burn:
The Official ImgBurn Website
Best regards:hi2:

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you mean the computer will simply need to run on AC power all the time (presumably bad battery life?) or just AC power for the install? I suspect we can get the 6-8GB of free HD space when the time comes.

I think I will convert the drive over to a DVD drive. I have a DVD-Rom drive from a Sony I could use. I also have USB drives if that doesn't want to cooperate.

 

When installing Linux the unit must be powered by a/c. Battery optional.

Mint 13 xfce is good one. I prefer Mint 15 because of the favorites in the menu.

I just now finished installing a Mint 15 xfce in a MK5. Getting ready to run it in a MK1. (SSD by the way.)

MK 3 by itself will install Mint 13 but not 15. PAE issue. When you say SBC I assume MK 3 HTM50BM.

I'll post back in a minute.


edit The MK1 has wireless card issues. (deal w/ that later) I'm running Mint 15 xfce on a HTM50BM. This OS was installed on a MK5. New edit MK1 was out of gas...needed ram ...works great! end edit

 

Be sure to check out the excellent CF-29 FAQ. Scroll down to the DVD/CDROM Drives section. You will need to fiddle with a little soldering to make some DVD drives work with the CF-29.

 

Thanks all! Please let me know if you have other suggestions.

BTW, what does Linux do to the battery life?

 

My experience with Linux Mint is favorable. It seems to find everything and manages quite well. As above, as Sadlmkr said, try the Mint 15 first, either MATE OR XFCE 32 BIT VERSION. The menu "favorites" feature is very nice. If you have troubles (some of the older MK's do not like Mint above 13 lts, just burn an iso onto a disk or usb using 13 instead. Cheers.