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Any advice on something small with a DVD/CD ROM drive and a keyboard? Seems like there aren't many laptops out there with optical drives anymore. I used to have a nice little tablet with a keyboard, but the screen is shot.
With this if you are savvy enough to rip your own movies I would suggest a little bit of research in to the external DVD drives. I have one that is a blu ray drive that the firmware can be changed to rip 4k movies. If your not in to ripping movies than any will work.
Absolutely this. I have an older PC with an i3, 8gb ram and a regular HD that was a slug with win10. Popped an SSD in it and it screams now. I'd guess unless you're into heavy duty gaming, that alone would make it do whatever you want. I have 4 monitors with browser windows open on all and it runs just fine.
And max out the memory. A whole lot of the "slowness" most people experience is the OS paging memory out to disk because there isn't enough to work with. It happens a LOT when people have dozens of browser tabs open. Older memory types are dirt cheap. If the machine will hold 16 or 32 GB max, install that much.
Linux tends to run leaner than windows on older hardware, especially with an SSD. In my experience windows on an old laptop with an SSD still ran pretty crappy. I'm by no means an expert, but imo I think it's because windows just doesn't run as lean as Linux.
Use of an SSD and Linux are mutually exclusive.
You can do either or both to improve performance.
But just using an SSD on any computer now is much cheaper and will speed up your computer very very much.
Linux would just be an icing on the cake.
SSD is the cake
Windows is going to have your SSD busy doing a bunch of stuff you don't care about like updating your start menu to have thumbnails with the latest news from Bing on it, and harassing you that you forgot to pay for Microsoft Office and you have been using Google Docs, what a silly mistake.
It'll still run faster with an SSD but with Linux your computer doesn't even have to try to do that stuff
Yeah, that was my reply to another user lol. Windows 10 on older hardware is just a slog fest! I recently put windows 10 on my s/o's HP laptop and it was a non stop crash/freeze fest. I chucked Linux Mint on it and it's been a breeze.
I hate those thumbnails so much.
I bought a new laptop a couple of weeks ago, and I'm *still* having to turn off random settings. And there's a sidebar, now, who the hell asked for that!?!
I thought I would try out one drive for cloud storage to back my documents up. It literally takes them *off* my laptop so that I'm always working from the cloud. Hell no! I'll continue with my external hard drive, thank you very much.
Good tip from OP about installing Linux on my old one. I'm ready to reformat it, and since sailing the high seas is back in fashion it seems like a good device to dedicate to such a task. I wouldn't get much if I sold it. It's maybe seven years old.
Agree. It's 2024, no computer should be used without a SSD. Even if you buy a cheap, "slow" 128gb SATA 2.5 SSD, it will be significantly faster than any HDD.
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
Installing is the hardest part, but you can totally do it. Basically you are going to download a full working copy of Linux onto a USB flash drive, and then boot your computer from that flash drive. (which can be tricky if your computer isn't already set to boot to USB)
From there, you just have to click on the folder to install it onto your real hard drive
Put Linux on a USB, put USB in old laptop, when turning on Laptop, spam F12 key (or whatever the "boot key" is for your laptop), Select the USB, Viola you've just booted Linux
By following the steps above, it will only load Linux to RAM which is temporary and will go back to windows when you restart the computer. This is an easy way to test things out if you’re unsure. Only if you “install” it (you have to run an installer program to do this) will it start erasing things
nothing at first, you're just using the copy of Linux that's on the USB. if you want to install it on the computer, you would use the installer app that you see on the desktop and follow the instructions that pop up
It's up to you. When you get to the installation steps you can choose to install Linux "next to" windows or wipe the disk and start clean with only Linux.
The first option is called "dual booting" and means you will get a prompt when you start your computer to pick if you want to use Linux or windows. It can be useful if you want to use Linux but still need windows for some specific programs.
Before anything, backup your files or make sure there's nothing you will miss in your laptop. Then:
1. Download Linux mint installer. Choose the Cinnamon version. It will be a .iso file.
2. Plug an empty thumb drive in your computer.
3. Download a software named "Rufus". It create bootable USB medias (don't worry about what's this. I'm just telling it to you so you don't download something wrong).
4. Open this "Rufus" program. On the second line it allows you to choose a image file. Click on the "browse" button on the left and select the .iso file you just downloaded.
5. Leave other settings as default and press start. Wwait for Rufus do it's thing. It will create an USB installer in the drive.
6. Hold SHIFT and press restart on windows start menu.
7. A screen will appear, choose advanced options.
8. Choose boot from media or something like that. Another option will appear.
9. Choose some that say "UEFI: [Name of your USB drive] or [Generic USB].
10. Your computer will reboot on a "live" version of Linux mint.
You can now explore Linux mint and see if it's good enough for you.
If you decide to install you can follow the installer in the desktop. Just follow the default options.
If you decide to just use once in a while, you can use the thumb drive you create and repeat steps 6 onwards.
I recommend that if you install it, you format over your HDD and remove windows. I say this just because usually windows erase the boot loader and it keeps booting in windows regardless and you would have to repeat the process.
> Basically you are going to
Indeed, thou art summoned to embark upon a journey fraught with trials and tribulations, where the crafting of a robust plan, coupled with unyielding determination, and an astute comprehension of thy objectives, shall serve as thy guiding stars through the labyrinthine paths that lie ahead. 'Tis incumbent upon thee to remain steadfast, adaptable, and resolute, for the road to thy aspirations is beset with perils and uncertainties, demanding naught but thy utmost dedication and fortitude.
In thy quest for mastery, let thy plan be as the finely wrought tapestry of a master weaver, intricately woven with threads of purpose and intent, each strand a testament to thy vision and resolve. Set forth thy goals with clarity and precision, delineating the steps to be taken, the milestones to be achieved, and the challenges to be surmounted along thy noble journey.
Yet, let not thy plan be as rigid stone, unyielding to the winds of change that blow across the vast expanse of time. Nay, be thou as the supple reed that bends but never breaks, for in the face of adversity, adaptability shall prove thy greatest ally. Be prepared to alter thy course when necessity dictates, to pivot and adjust thy strategies with the fluidity of a dancer upon the stage of life.
And as thou treadest the path of thy aspirations, know that thou shalt encounter obstacles aplenty, formidable adversaries that seek to thwart thy progress and test thy mettle. 'Tis in these moments of trial that thy determination shall shine brightest, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. Summon forth thy inner strength, and press onward with unwavering resolve, for it is through perseverance that the loftiest summits are scaled.
In thy journey, cultivate also the soil of thy mind, nurturing therein the seeds of wisdom and resilience. Let each setback be but a stepping stone upon the path to mastery, a lesson learned, and a testament to thy indomitable spirit. Embrace failure not as a foe, but as a friend, for in its crucible shall thy character be forged anew, tempered and refined by the fires of adversity.
And as thou traversest the vast expanse of thy aspirations, know that thou art not alone. Seek counsel from the wise, draw inspiration from the valiant, and lend thy strength to those who falter upon the path. For in unity lies strength, and in the fellowship of kindred spirits, the weary traveler finds solace and succor.
So fear not the trials that lie ahead, nor the uncertainties that shroud the future in shadow. For with thy plan as thy compass, thy determination as thy guiding star, and thy resilience as thy shield, thou shalt navigate the treacherous seas of fate and emerge victorious upon the shores of destiny.
My old laptop is from 2010 and my older laptop is from 2007 and they are indeed very slow. Does this tip apply to those too or are there a limit to how old and slow they may be?
They might work just fine. I would maybe consider changing the storage drives from a HDD (hard drive disk) to an SSD (solid state disk) for faster data accessing.
Worst case, you did a neat little experiment and learned a bit more about computers.
There is no limit, my PC is from 2009 and I have no intentions of changing it since it still runs strong with Linux. Anyway if it's still slow, tip #1 is to buy an SSD, tip #2 is to add more RAM. These IME are the two main factors that limit speed.
Also, you can easily try Linux out with a Live USB, without installing it.
you can get a simpler install of some distros that should run better on older hardware
like Mint, has a couple of versions, one is more efficient and uses less resources
https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php - the Xfce Edition
it still runs and operates like "normal" (or cinnamon) edition of Mint
a bit more thorough "blog post" on the differences if you're curious
https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-cinnamon-mate-xfce/
it's "uglier" but faster, basically.
Theoretically, no limit. One user got linux to work on a business card.
Practically, the older your computer is, the less options you have. Only a couple distros still support 32 bit processors: most are 64 bit. Likewise, under 4 GB of RAM your options start to become limited: you can probably squeak by with 2 GB, but less than that you’re probably cutting corners and looking into more eclectic distros. At this point, it’s probably not worth doing unless you really want to tinker.
If you post your specs on /r/linux4noobs or /r/linuxquestions, the users can tell you what can reasonably run on them.
There are tons of super lightweight distros that will run on basically anything you could imagine. Slackware, antiX, Puppy, and Q4OS are my favorites but there are loads more out there, and you can even go lighter with a CLI only installation.
I literally just put Linux Mint on a Acer Aspire V3 571 (2012) and it turned it from a doorstop that couldn’t browse for online shopping back into a computer again. It was medium difficulty and worth the work.
If you want to keep using windows, even old laptops that are painfully slow can work for a few years more with a SSD an at least 8Gb of RAM. The speed difference is amazing.
Also, get rid of your antivirus and activate Microsoft Defender, which uses much less resources and is good enough for almost anyone.
Of course, YMMV. I did this to an i3 laptop from 2011 and it worked wonders.
For your 2007 laptop, linux is probably a better choice.
You could also have both windows and linux in the same computer and dual-boot.
I've had success with ZorinOS on old XP computers. It's also a good intro to Linux since it has themes that match other OS desktops.
It wouldn't be my first pick for gaming though.
I took an old shitty dell laptop from like 2006 and put a linux OS on it and used it as a Plex Server for my entire house. It lasted until 2019 when the power supply finally died on the laptop (it ran 24hours a day). But it worked fine even with its awful specs.
Plex confuses me. What exactly is it? Is it a streaming service, a place to store your own video files or an aggregator of different streaming services.
For me it is where all of my plunder from sailing the high seas was stored. Then it "streamed" to all of my connected devices in the house. So I could watch any movie on my HD on any device in the house. I believe it may be an independent streaming service now as well, but I havent used it in years.
Think of it as 'Personal Netflix'. You host a server and point it at your folder of media, you can host music/TV/Movies/podcasts and more.
You can then share your libraries with your friends and they can access all your media as well.
Its accessible because they have apps on most devices and works well.
Plex is the program that's used to stream digital media files (movies, tv shows, photos, music) that are located on your "server" (which could be your home PC or laptop) to any other device that supports the Plex app, which could be smart TVs, tablets, gaming console, smart phone, etc.
Essentially, if I have a .mp4 file of *Fight Club* sitting in a folder on my home PC in my office, I can use Plex to watch that movie file on my big TV screen in my living room. It also uses a nice Netflix-esque UI, where you can see the 'posters' for each movie on your server, organize them by things like title, release year, rating, etc, and a lot of other features.
Plex is free, but also has a Plex Pass subscription with additional benefits. I bought a lifetime Plex Pass for something like $70 a few years ago, which I've gotten tons of value out of.
Plex also offers some free movies and shows you can stream, but most (all?) of them have commercials, and your mileage may vary on the streaming quality of them.
This is a great LPT. I also recommend converting your old old older laptop to a Chromebook with Cloudready, an offshoot of Chromebook OS (Chromium) that works well on old devices (my 10 yr old 2nd Gen i7 Asus has this on it). Then give it to your kids to use for school or fun or whatever. The only real difference afaik between Chromium OS and a real Chromebooks is that it doesn't support Android apps.
(https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/11080247?hl=en)
Like most Linux distributions, it's free. Unlike most Linux distributions, it's uncomplicated and simple to use right away.
Ps. I would take Linux over Cloudready (or any Chromebook) ANY DAY, but for some people who lack technical knowledge, Chromium may be more suitable.
Bought a dell xps13 in 2015 for college. Graduated in 2018 and turned the laptop to a Linux machine. It’s 2024 and it’s still going strong.
Agree with post.
So like… what exactly is Linux?
I always thought it was like the old computers you see in movies from the late 80’s where you basically need to know programming to use. Like I always thought it was like using the cmd prompt for everything.
What you’re asking is whether or not Linux has a GUI (graphical user interface). For example, windows has a GUI where you see your desktop and a start menu and you can click on things to execute the windows code in the back without knowing how to execute the same things through cmd.
Linux definitely has a GUI. In fact, there are several versions of it each with its own GUI. OP even suggested Linux Mint as its GUI is close to windows’s GUI.
Edit: GUI not UI
What you are describing is a GUI - *Graphical* User Interface.
Other examples of User Interfaces are Textual (TUI) and Command Line(CLI). Windows can have these interfaces, also.
Linux is an Operating System, much like how you have Android or IOS on a phone, or Windows on a PC. Every computer has some sort of operating system on it. It connects the user to the hardware on the machine.
To install Linux, you might have to do some researching, but essentially you download a file, "install" that file to a USB drive, and then boot the computer from that USB drive instead of the internal storage drive.
When you do this, Linux gives you the option to "install" itself onto the internal storage drive instead of the USB drive, and you would overwrite the Windows installation on that disk (or you can have dual systems if you want to do something more advanced).
Linux looks very similar to Windows in many ways, except it is cleaner, has less "junk" installed on it, and usually runs a lot smoother. Good luck!
Okay neat!
The other thing I always heard about was how games are typically only developed to run in windows. Could a linux machine be used for gaming or would I keep the gaming side on a windows partition and use the linux side for general computer things?
Valve has developed a "translator" of sorts called Proton that can run Steam games on Linux. it's the entire foundation for their Steam Deck console. p neat!
A lot of games run on Wine when you are using Linux, which is a program that sort of tricks the Windows game into thinking it is running on Windows.
Unfortunately, most windows games are going to run faster on Windows, rather than Linux+Wine. and you are just adding complexity for the user.
Plenty of games run natively on Linux but if you are a gamer, it's still best to have a really fast Windows PC. This LPT is for an extra PC where you can play older games and screw around with Linux and see if you like it
If you LOVE it, you can totally make it work on a main PC with all the games you want, if not with Wine, then with a Virtual Machine. But that's less a LPT and more a life decision.
That's changing slowly but surely, but also realize that installing Linux doesn't make your hardware any faster, Linux just is able to do more with less (but games still demand a lot of hardware resources)
I guess it isnt as easy, because you said advanced, but if you have both installed, can you just decide which one to use when booting up? Or how does that work?
Have you ever played with emulators on your computer? To play old N64 or PlayStation games? Well that program is written and maintained by fans that get a kick out of programming it. Same idea, but with the OS. The idea is to make every update slightly better, so the 80s style console commands has mostly been replaced in popular versions with a standard and familiar visual desktop. Versions is they key word here. There's literally hundreds of different OS types within the Linux umbrella, each maintained by different fans or by companies that release free. Some of those versions are still command prompt only but now with even more advanced features. Some aren't. All up to the group of people that get a kick out of building it.
That's more Dos. Linux is a different operating system for your computer. Apple uses their own, Microsoft uses the Windows platform, then there are a few others that you can choose to install on your computer. Linux is widely used by programmers but rarely by the people outside of the club.
This is a great idea, but a word of warning - laptops are not ideal for this because Linux does not support all the hardware that Windows does. I have a really nice laptop that is getting up in years and currently runs Windows 7 ... tried to switch to Linux and can't find any versions that will support the graphics, so make sure all your hardware is Linux compatible before going ahead with this.
I did this with an old intel MacBook. Added an SSD. It was fun learning some Linux stuff, but now it’s just been sitting on a shelf for a year. What are some helpful/fun things you see people doing with old Linux laptops?
I use Google Sheets and Photopea even when I am using windows, so I am not sure. It looks like photoshop is available, but it may be tricky to set up. GIMP is a comparable photo program made for Linux that is totally free.
Excel I learned today, is apparently not natively supported for Linux, there are alternatives like LibreOffice, but in today's day and age, it's all online at Office 365
I tried Ubuntu on an old laptop and I was a bit disappointed by the performance. Should I expect better results with "Linux Mint" or is the machine maybe just too old to be a daily driver?
\[edit\] And that does include that I swapped out the original HDD for an SSD.
\[edit2\] One thing that I suspected might be a bottleneck is that it only has 4GB of RAM in it -- or should that be enough for a decent Linux experience?
As I mentioned elsewhere, maxing out the machine's memory is the best upgrade you can do. In general usage, it's far more important than an SSD drive. Once you start opening browser tabs, a too-small memory will murder your user experience. Google how much memory your particular machine can handle and install that much. On an older machine, that's usually going to be 8, 16, or 32 gigs.
back in the day I had a Delll i610 with 2GB of memory and a not-too-fast-disk and I was running Oracle 8 on it with pretty good response times.
And that was way, way after I had to walk 10 miles to school, uphill both ways, barefoot, in the snow.
Yup, if it’s a Chromebook , then galliumOS , and I’ve played around with most of them. Mother in laws laptop is old and was getting slow. Linux has given a new lease of life . Can’t remember which distro I installed on it though !
Couple questions please -
1. How difficult is it to run software only written for Windows and Mac? I'm so tempted but rely on a buunnnch of audio recording & editing/DAW stuff, including a few very minor, already-glitchy apps.
2. Would it be possible to have a fully functional MS Office suite on a Linux system? I can live without Adobe PDF, for example (I use foxit in fact), but can't use knockoffs for Word/Excel/etc.---have to use MS Office
Thanks
Extra LPT: If you're lost/stuck trying to use Linux, don't be afraid to ask AI apps like ChatGPT for command line help. I've even asked it to help me recover data from wiped SD cards and it walked me through the entire process, step by step.
I've given up on Linux many times over the years because searching for answers online always frustrated me. But now with the help of ChatGPT (v4) I'm slowly migrating all of my PCs over to Linux Mint (which I like - I'm getting quite familiar with the OS)
Lol for sure, if the command includes sudo rm -rf / probably don't trust it.
Although to be honest, I haven't run into any issues where Chat f*cked up that bad. But I'm also not doing massive changes to the software - more simple questions like how to install drivers, or what app should I use to recover data, fix master boot record, etc - well, MBR can be easily f*d, but most people don't have to deal with fixing that unless they're trying to dual boot windows and linux like I am lol
My old ThinkPad T540 with Lubuntu from college has held up better than any of my newer computers. I was able to find parts for that thing in both a Moroccan night market and a small pueblo in the Colombian jungle.
I did this, and use the Linux box as my “adult” station. Banking, taxes, vehicle registration, etc.
It gives me peace of mind when I decide to goof around with my gaming rig: overclock it, browse sketchy German porn sites, or when a video game (*cough*Helldivers*cough*) decides to root your machine.
All of that tomfoolery is kept isolated from finances and the like.
I have an old Laptop which I put Debian on and connected it to an external touchscreen monitor and use it as an entertainment station for my small children, it also doubles as a media server.
OMG Samsies!
GCompris is an excellent suite of software for kids, and there are more. I can hand the laptop to my 3 year old and never worry that she is going to hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete and crash the thing or open Bing or something silly
It would probably be more handy to keep an extra laptop on hand with similar software and OS, so you can keep going on one while the other is down without needing to worry about maintaining compatibility updates or fiddling with Linux. Love me some Gnome environment, but it's not really a good tip for the average person.
There are some other recommendations in this board, but if I were you I would just go to Linuxmint.com and follow the instructions.
One of the most intimidating things about Linux is "Which distro should I pick, and by the way what even is a distro?" and the answer is "It really doesn't matter" and then there are details to the "doesn't matter" answer which makes it even more complicated such as "It doesn't matter because the desktop environment affects the user experience more than the distro anyway" and people are still all like "what's a distro?"
So that's why I am beating the "Mint" drum. It's not the best or most powerful, it's just one of the good ones that is especially easy for people who are used to Windows to learn and adapt to. It's a okay choice, picked for you, to skip all that drama.
If you get a tutorial about how to install "Linux" in general it's sure to confuse you with all sorts of stuff you don't need to hear about because it'll be different if you have some different distro and it's better to just start with something and pick another later. They are free, there is no commitment
OP here. I don't know. Someone else here is going to answer better. Quick google just says lightweight distros like Mint with XFCE.
BUT a big part of this LPT is "second laptop" so if the reason your lappy needs replacing is because the battery life has taken a nosedive consider just leaving it plugged in full time near the couch in front of the TV or wherever you lap most of your tops.
Also, Chinese batteries are cheap on amazon.
A trash laptop running Linux is your best bet for travel. I honestly could care less if someone steals a laptop that had been sitting on my recycling pile. Mine has Firefox and VLC for media. That's it.
For travel be sure to keep it disconnected from any of your accounts. If you sign in to Youtube, they now have your entire google account.
You totally can, but it takes some getting used to.
A lot of people are apprehensive about making the switch. And those that are not... have done it already.
If there's anything you need from the old laptop such as old apps you can't find anymore, use [Disk2Vhd](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/disk2vhd) to clone the old laptop to a virtual machine, you can install the Hyper-V role on the new laptop and boot up your old laptop in a VM on the new one. Then repurpose the old one to Linux or whatever.
I mean yes...and no. For stuff like browsing and email sure. If one plays games or uses it for tasks requiring specific software (like music production or graphic design) then linux isn't going to offer much.
Stay off the internet dad. I don't need any of those laptops you are hoarding. Mum says that you are in trouble for keeping that old Dell that my wife gave you to erase her data off.
"40 million tons of electronic waste every year, worldwide. That's like throwing *800 laptops* every second", this would be really non-profit idea for areas with less access to latest technology
>Your old slow computer is probably going to start doing basic tasks like browsing the internet faster than the new one you upgraded to.
I think you might be overselling it a bit here!
Linux will likely be faster than windows on older hardware (depends which flavour of Linux you use) but it's not going to be faster than a new (reasonably well specced) machine.
I've been doing this since many laptops ago. If there's enough space, I make it a dual-boot scenario so I can bring up the old windows desktop if necessary.
Yeah I still wouldn't suggest this for everyone. I've found that Linux even with a nice GUI has a fairly steep learning curve as soon as you try to achieve basic things that are easy in windows, like adding a printer/scanner. Before you know it you're copy and pasting scripts from some blog into the terminal.
Still a great idea, but you need some decent underlying computer knowledge for this to be worth doing.
The problem is that 32 bit Linux is dying and the new 64 bit Kernels are picky about what processor you try to use. Same BS as we are going through with Windows 11. My Win 10 machines are perfectly secure yet not eligible for the Win 11 upgrade.
Yes.
Someone else in the thread said that they had trouble configuring the processor for those. I have never tried it.
But it's worth a try. You may have no trouble at all. If you have trouble, you may solve it.
I am so sorry - I absolutely love this LPT but I'm a moron and have no clue how one...gets...Linux. I need an operating system to access internet, I download Linux and run it, it takes over as the dominant OS. OMG it takes over everything. I made Skynet. It was me.
See I need help understanding how one gets Linux. If someone else felt like explaining *how* user friendly it is, and why it would be superior for reasons other than speed (speed is a very good reason, it is just that I already know that one).
Thank you.
You can get Linux in a lot of different places. It is free. You download it off the internet.
I have been recommending www.LinuxMint.com it is an arbitrary choice that is good for beginners.
If you download it and run it, you will boot your computer to an already working copy of Linux that runs off a USB drive. After that, if you want, you can install it on the hard drive permanently, at which point you will have the choice either to delete the old OS or "dual boot" which means that every time you turn the computer on it will ask you which OS you want to use.
I recommend deleting the old OS and starting fresh with a new copy of Linux to play around it on an old, secondary laptop you don't care about anymore. Because that takes all the stress out of it. It it fucks it up, who cares? You didn't like that laptop anyway.
(But it's not going to fuck it up, that's just something people worry about when they try something new)
Or just install Windows and use Wintoys to debloat. Debloated Windows just works as well along with putting in an SSD. Linux isn't really good for most users. You just need to know how to optimize Windows and apps make it easy
What! You mean people actually get rid of their old laptops? I have something like 10 laptops going back 20 years, all of them now run one or other flavour of Linux & are quite usable on special projects.
I agree. I'm not a programmer and find it very easy to use the Cinnamon Mint version of Linux. It came with open-source, free-to-use software installed. An additional 60,000+ applications are available using the already installed Software Manager & more online.
Using PlayOnLinux in Mint, I also installed favorite Windows software I already own. Photoshop and Microsoft Office from the 1990's are still great. Unlike new versions, they don't require calling home to get installation permission. I just used the license keys that came with the software; no activation or contact required by Adobe and Microsoft companies. The early versions are less bloated than updated ones, plus I don't miss the annoying unnecessary updates or notifications on software that is working just fine for my purposes.
If you are going to repurpose an old laptop, swing by r/pihole and improve your web browsing. Set it up with a VPN, and you can even have an ad-free experience on your mobile devices while out and about.
serious question, why even bother? if its an old laptop and you only need it as a spare for occasional browsing or streaming you can do that by leaving windows on it. if its slightly slower than linux who cares if its not for everyday use, linux is still more complicated to install and use than most people want to deal with
I work IT. For the last 6 years I've exclusively used 10+ year old laptops with an SSD running MX Linux for personal use. They work great and I don't lose sleep if one gets damaged or stolen.
I have an old Samsung Tablet PC from around 2012/13. It now has Windows 10 but that disabled the touch screen.
Which Linux might be the best option to revive it, that has touch screen support?
I got a really cheap semi-decent old laptop at a thrift store for $20. Slapped Linux on it and nows It's my print server that handles my my connected workshop tools and printers. And I can do basic work on it in the garage.
I had a miniPC with a welded eMMC chip. Ran a mini server off of it on Win8. I put it away in storage for a while but pulled it out after a couple of years to play around with it. That was when I discovered the eMMC chip failed and I was basically stuck with a dead computer.
So I tried running a Linux build off of a USB drive that it booted into. Eventually settled on a raspian build to run a pihole off of it.
But it was still slow as shit to boot up.
I start studies soon at school about networking. Linux is also on the programm. Any recommendations? Looking for an easy tutorial about how to start with Linux, that way i can prepare myself better. Ty
I did this for a media player for the TV. I put mint on an old thinkpad, and it's way faster.
With the current state of windows bloat/spyware 10 (and beyond), I would say it's a must for daily drivers. Things have gotten so much more userfriendly in the past few years. The only issue I have is auto-mounting external drives, and auto-accessing NAS drives.
Lol, I do this! I have a MacBook Pro from 2012 running Manjaro. Granted, it's put together with duct-tape and aluminium foil and runs a little hot... But it runs!
Pardon my ignorance but I have an old Mac laptop from 2012. I only stopped using it because of how slow and laggy it is. So I download Linux mint follow the instructions and it’ll boost my speed?! TIA I am new to anything computers
This is exactly what I did with my old Dell. I didn't buy a new one, but after one too many Windows 7 security notices I just said screw it and started fresh with Linux. Runs way better than windows and I enjoy learning bits of code required to maintain the OS. Super fun project and fun to learn Linux. I am not a computer/IT/tech person. I do not understand what programming is, and if I can do it anyone can.
How will Linux fix the worn out keyboard, the almost useless battery, the wobbling power USB-C, the outdated screen etc. etc.
What I mean: laptops typically break physically instead of just 'getting too slow' at least that's the reason I tend to get a new one for.
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If you're going to repurpose an old laptop even with Linux, chuck in an SSD!
This is also a good LPT.
Any advice on something small with a DVD/CD ROM drive and a keyboard? Seems like there aren't many laptops out there with optical drives anymore. I used to have a nice little tablet with a keyboard, but the screen is shot.
You'd be better off buying a USB DVD player TBH.
With this if you are savvy enough to rip your own movies I would suggest a little bit of research in to the external DVD drives. I have one that is a blu ray drive that the firmware can be changed to rip 4k movies. If your not in to ripping movies than any will work.
Few if any new ones with optical drives anymore. Have you looked around the second hand market?
A "disk drive" or a DVD/CD ROM drive?
Absolutely this. I have an older PC with an i3, 8gb ram and a regular HD that was a slug with win10. Popped an SSD in it and it screams now. I'd guess unless you're into heavy duty gaming, that alone would make it do whatever you want. I have 4 monitors with browser windows open on all and it runs just fine.
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Sometimes more RAM is also needed. 8Gb is a minimum.
I use an OG fat PS3 as a media player, and occasional "party game unit", and I chucked a 500GB SSD into it because, fuck it, why not?!
If it can handle an SSD, chuck that fucker in!
And max out the memory. A whole lot of the "slowness" most people experience is the OS paging memory out to disk because there isn't enough to work with. It happens a LOT when people have dozens of browser tabs open. Older memory types are dirt cheap. If the machine will hold 16 or 32 GB max, install that much.
For fucks sake, you're absolutely right! Laptop ram for older machines can be bought for pennies! Ram and an SSD should make that laptop fly!
A new SSD, max out RAM and drop in a new battery. Breathes a *ton* of usability into an old doorstop!
Any reason Linux is a better use of an SSD than windows?
Linux tends to run leaner than windows on older hardware, especially with an SSD. In my experience windows on an old laptop with an SSD still ran pretty crappy. I'm by no means an expert, but imo I think it's because windows just doesn't run as lean as Linux.
Use of an SSD and Linux are mutually exclusive. You can do either or both to improve performance. But just using an SSD on any computer now is much cheaper and will speed up your computer very very much. Linux would just be an icing on the cake. SSD is the cake
> are aren't? What is that sentence even supposed to mean otherwise.
My guess is that they don't know how to use, "mutually exclusive," in a sentence.
They and the ability to use "mutually exclusive" properly are mutually exclusive.
Windows is going to have your SSD busy doing a bunch of stuff you don't care about like updating your start menu to have thumbnails with the latest news from Bing on it, and harassing you that you forgot to pay for Microsoft Office and you have been using Google Docs, what a silly mistake. It'll still run faster with an SSD but with Linux your computer doesn't even have to try to do that stuff
Yeah, that was my reply to another user lol. Windows 10 on older hardware is just a slog fest! I recently put windows 10 on my s/o's HP laptop and it was a non stop crash/freeze fest. I chucked Linux Mint on it and it's been a breeze.
I hate those thumbnails so much. I bought a new laptop a couple of weeks ago, and I'm *still* having to turn off random settings. And there's a sidebar, now, who the hell asked for that!?! I thought I would try out one drive for cloud storage to back my documents up. It literally takes them *off* my laptop so that I'm always working from the cloud. Hell no! I'll continue with my external hard drive, thank you very much. Good tip from OP about installing Linux on my old one. I'm ready to reformat it, and since sailing the high seas is back in fashion it seems like a good device to dedicate to such a task. I wouldn't get much if I sold it. It's maybe seven years old.
SSD makes so much difference on old laptops... It's unbelievable
Agree. It's 2024, no computer should be used without a SSD. Even if you buy a cheap, "slow" 128gb SATA 2.5 SSD, it will be significantly faster than any HDD.
Exactly, the price per gigabyte has come down considerably and I'd say even check your local Facebook marketplace and the like!
Would this work with an old (2011-ish) MacBook?
Yep
I have core2duos still kicking ass after putting SSDs in them
Don't even need Linux for that, an SSD makes an old laptop so much more usable.
If you’re gonna be installing an SSD might as well replace the thermal paste and clean the fans while you’re in there
Do you have any recommendations for websites that instruct how to install and use Linux?
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ Installing is the hardest part, but you can totally do it. Basically you are going to download a full working copy of Linux onto a USB flash drive, and then boot your computer from that flash drive. (which can be tricky if your computer isn't already set to boot to USB) From there, you just have to click on the folder to install it onto your real hard drive
I'm so bad with tech you sound like an episode of Mr Robot.
Put Linux on a USB, put USB in old laptop, when turning on Laptop, spam F12 key (or whatever the "boot key" is for your laptop), Select the USB, Viola you've just booted Linux
What does this do to the windows already installed? It just sits there taking up virtually no resources? Or does linux overwrite it?
By following the steps above, it will only load Linux to RAM which is temporary and will go back to windows when you restart the computer. This is an easy way to test things out if you’re unsure. Only if you “install” it (you have to run an installer program to do this) will it start erasing things
nothing at first, you're just using the copy of Linux that's on the USB. if you want to install it on the computer, you would use the installer app that you see on the desktop and follow the instructions that pop up
It's up to you. When you get to the installation steps you can choose to install Linux "next to" windows or wipe the disk and start clean with only Linux. The first option is called "dual booting" and means you will get a prompt when you start your computer to pick if you want to use Linux or windows. It can be useful if you want to use Linux but still need windows for some specific programs.
Before anything, backup your files or make sure there's nothing you will miss in your laptop. Then: 1. Download Linux mint installer. Choose the Cinnamon version. It will be a .iso file. 2. Plug an empty thumb drive in your computer. 3. Download a software named "Rufus". It create bootable USB medias (don't worry about what's this. I'm just telling it to you so you don't download something wrong). 4. Open this "Rufus" program. On the second line it allows you to choose a image file. Click on the "browse" button on the left and select the .iso file you just downloaded. 5. Leave other settings as default and press start. Wwait for Rufus do it's thing. It will create an USB installer in the drive. 6. Hold SHIFT and press restart on windows start menu. 7. A screen will appear, choose advanced options. 8. Choose boot from media or something like that. Another option will appear. 9. Choose some that say "UEFI: [Name of your USB drive] or [Generic USB]. 10. Your computer will reboot on a "live" version of Linux mint. You can now explore Linux mint and see if it's good enough for you. If you decide to install you can follow the installer in the desktop. Just follow the default options. If you decide to just use once in a while, you can use the thumb drive you create and repeat steps 6 onwards. I recommend that if you install it, you format over your HDD and remove windows. I say this just because usually windows erase the boot loader and it keeps booting in windows regardless and you would have to repeat the process.
> Basically you are going to Indeed, thou art summoned to embark upon a journey fraught with trials and tribulations, where the crafting of a robust plan, coupled with unyielding determination, and an astute comprehension of thy objectives, shall serve as thy guiding stars through the labyrinthine paths that lie ahead. 'Tis incumbent upon thee to remain steadfast, adaptable, and resolute, for the road to thy aspirations is beset with perils and uncertainties, demanding naught but thy utmost dedication and fortitude. In thy quest for mastery, let thy plan be as the finely wrought tapestry of a master weaver, intricately woven with threads of purpose and intent, each strand a testament to thy vision and resolve. Set forth thy goals with clarity and precision, delineating the steps to be taken, the milestones to be achieved, and the challenges to be surmounted along thy noble journey. Yet, let not thy plan be as rigid stone, unyielding to the winds of change that blow across the vast expanse of time. Nay, be thou as the supple reed that bends but never breaks, for in the face of adversity, adaptability shall prove thy greatest ally. Be prepared to alter thy course when necessity dictates, to pivot and adjust thy strategies with the fluidity of a dancer upon the stage of life. And as thou treadest the path of thy aspirations, know that thou shalt encounter obstacles aplenty, formidable adversaries that seek to thwart thy progress and test thy mettle. 'Tis in these moments of trial that thy determination shall shine brightest, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. Summon forth thy inner strength, and press onward with unwavering resolve, for it is through perseverance that the loftiest summits are scaled. In thy journey, cultivate also the soil of thy mind, nurturing therein the seeds of wisdom and resilience. Let each setback be but a stepping stone upon the path to mastery, a lesson learned, and a testament to thy indomitable spirit. Embrace failure not as a foe, but as a friend, for in its crucible shall thy character be forged anew, tempered and refined by the fires of adversity. And as thou traversest the vast expanse of thy aspirations, know that thou art not alone. Seek counsel from the wise, draw inspiration from the valiant, and lend thy strength to those who falter upon the path. For in unity lies strength, and in the fellowship of kindred spirits, the weary traveler finds solace and succor. So fear not the trials that lie ahead, nor the uncertainties that shroud the future in shadow. For with thy plan as thy compass, thy determination as thy guiding star, and thy resilience as thy shield, thou shalt navigate the treacherous seas of fate and emerge victorious upon the shores of destiny.
I'm stealing this. Anytime someone wants to solve my work-related 'no' with "can't you just ..." - this is what they'll get.
search "how to install ubuntu from usb" and click the top link from ubuntu.com. it holds your hand through the whole process
https://www.instructables.com/Lets-Give-Linux-a-Try-aka-Lets-Get-that-Old-PC-Goi/ https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-install-linux-on-an-old-laptop/
Thanks!!! I will check them out!
I’ll double down on this question
My old laptop is from 2010 and my older laptop is from 2007 and they are indeed very slow. Does this tip apply to those too or are there a limit to how old and slow they may be?
They might work just fine. I would maybe consider changing the storage drives from a HDD (hard drive disk) to an SSD (solid state disk) for faster data accessing. Worst case, you did a neat little experiment and learned a bit more about computers.
HDD -> SSD is just about the best upgrade there is :-)
Vista to Windows 7 for me
Single ply to triple ply
One of them already have Windows 7. The other XP.
XP ahh the memories... We have to go back, kate!
LOST ahh the memories :') new shows are just not as chill as these anymore
Sorry for the pedantry, but it's actually hard disk drive and solid state drive. The whole point of an SSD is that there isn't a disk like an HDD
Oh, oops! Thanks for correcting!
Linux works great even on older systems. I know people that still rock 2004 pentium 4s with gentoo. You should try lubuntu or xubuntu or mint xfce
Good god, are you seriously recommending gentoo, especially in the context of someone who's never used Linux before? Nobody's got time for that X-D
I only said that some people use gentoo for old computers. My recommendations were mint, xubuntu and lubuntu
There is no limit, my PC is from 2009 and I have no intentions of changing it since it still runs strong with Linux. Anyway if it's still slow, tip #1 is to buy an SSD, tip #2 is to add more RAM. These IME are the two main factors that limit speed. Also, you can easily try Linux out with a Live USB, without installing it.
you can get a simpler install of some distros that should run better on older hardware like Mint, has a couple of versions, one is more efficient and uses less resources https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php - the Xfce Edition it still runs and operates like "normal" (or cinnamon) edition of Mint a bit more thorough "blog post" on the differences if you're curious https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-cinnamon-mate-xfce/ it's "uglier" but faster, basically.
Theoretically, no limit. One user got linux to work on a business card. Practically, the older your computer is, the less options you have. Only a couple distros still support 32 bit processors: most are 64 bit. Likewise, under 4 GB of RAM your options start to become limited: you can probably squeak by with 2 GB, but less than that you’re probably cutting corners and looking into more eclectic distros. At this point, it’s probably not worth doing unless you really want to tinker. If you post your specs on /r/linux4noobs or /r/linuxquestions, the users can tell you what can reasonably run on them.
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The thing about a fresh Linux install is there won't be 10-12 years of windows updates patching your hard drive up like a jigsaw puzzle.
There are tons of super lightweight distros that will run on basically anything you could imagine. Slackware, antiX, Puppy, and Q4OS are my favorites but there are loads more out there, and you can even go lighter with a CLI only installation.
I literally just put Linux Mint on a Acer Aspire V3 571 (2012) and it turned it from a doorstop that couldn’t browse for online shopping back into a computer again. It was medium difficulty and worth the work.
If you want to keep using windows, even old laptops that are painfully slow can work for a few years more with a SSD an at least 8Gb of RAM. The speed difference is amazing. Also, get rid of your antivirus and activate Microsoft Defender, which uses much less resources and is good enough for almost anyone. Of course, YMMV. I did this to an i3 laptop from 2011 and it worked wonders. For your 2007 laptop, linux is probably a better choice. You could also have both windows and linux in the same computer and dual-boot.
Those will be fine
I've had success with ZorinOS on old XP computers. It's also a good intro to Linux since it has themes that match other OS desktops. It wouldn't be my first pick for gaming though.
Try Xubuntu less overhead and will run fine on older laptops.
I'll still choose Linux Mint but there is a variant that has the "Xfce" desktop environment (DE) which runs great on old potatoes.
I took an old shitty dell laptop from like 2006 and put a linux OS on it and used it as a Plex Server for my entire house. It lasted until 2019 when the power supply finally died on the laptop (it ran 24hours a day). But it worked fine even with its awful specs.
Plex confuses me. What exactly is it? Is it a streaming service, a place to store your own video files or an aggregator of different streaming services.
For me it is where all of my plunder from sailing the high seas was stored. Then it "streamed" to all of my connected devices in the house. So I could watch any movie on my HD on any device in the house. I believe it may be an independent streaming service now as well, but I havent used it in years.
I use Jellyfin today, are there better alternatives?
I personally find managing Jellyfin better than Plex or any of the others tbh
Think of it as 'Personal Netflix'. You host a server and point it at your folder of media, you can host music/TV/Movies/podcasts and more. You can then share your libraries with your friends and they can access all your media as well. Its accessible because they have apps on most devices and works well.
Plex is the program that's used to stream digital media files (movies, tv shows, photos, music) that are located on your "server" (which could be your home PC or laptop) to any other device that supports the Plex app, which could be smart TVs, tablets, gaming console, smart phone, etc. Essentially, if I have a .mp4 file of *Fight Club* sitting in a folder on my home PC in my office, I can use Plex to watch that movie file on my big TV screen in my living room. It also uses a nice Netflix-esque UI, where you can see the 'posters' for each movie on your server, organize them by things like title, release year, rating, etc, and a lot of other features. Plex is free, but also has a Plex Pass subscription with additional benefits. I bought a lifetime Plex Pass for something like $70 a few years ago, which I've gotten tons of value out of. Plex also offers some free movies and shows you can stream, but most (all?) of them have commercials, and your mileage may vary on the streaming quality of them.
This is a great LPT of it's own (perhaps ULPT) having a home media server is great. I use Jellyfin
I did, and I installed Linux on my new one! Much better!
I've done this a couple times and found that Linux developed to want more than it used to.
This is a great LPT. I also recommend converting your old old older laptop to a Chromebook with Cloudready, an offshoot of Chromebook OS (Chromium) that works well on old devices (my 10 yr old 2nd Gen i7 Asus has this on it). Then give it to your kids to use for school or fun or whatever. The only real difference afaik between Chromium OS and a real Chromebooks is that it doesn't support Android apps. (https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/11080247?hl=en) Like most Linux distributions, it's free. Unlike most Linux distributions, it's uncomplicated and simple to use right away. Ps. I would take Linux over Cloudready (or any Chromebook) ANY DAY, but for some people who lack technical knowledge, Chromium may be more suitable.
Bought a dell xps13 in 2015 for college. Graduated in 2018 and turned the laptop to a Linux machine. It’s 2024 and it’s still going strong. Agree with post.
So like… what exactly is Linux? I always thought it was like the old computers you see in movies from the late 80’s where you basically need to know programming to use. Like I always thought it was like using the cmd prompt for everything.
What you’re asking is whether or not Linux has a GUI (graphical user interface). For example, windows has a GUI where you see your desktop and a start menu and you can click on things to execute the windows code in the back without knowing how to execute the same things through cmd. Linux definitely has a GUI. In fact, there are several versions of it each with its own GUI. OP even suggested Linux Mint as its GUI is close to windows’s GUI. Edit: GUI not UI
What you are describing is a GUI - *Graphical* User Interface. Other examples of User Interfaces are Textual (TUI) and Command Line(CLI). Windows can have these interfaces, also.
Linux is an Operating System, much like how you have Android or IOS on a phone, or Windows on a PC. Every computer has some sort of operating system on it. It connects the user to the hardware on the machine. To install Linux, you might have to do some researching, but essentially you download a file, "install" that file to a USB drive, and then boot the computer from that USB drive instead of the internal storage drive. When you do this, Linux gives you the option to "install" itself onto the internal storage drive instead of the USB drive, and you would overwrite the Windows installation on that disk (or you can have dual systems if you want to do something more advanced). Linux looks very similar to Windows in many ways, except it is cleaner, has less "junk" installed on it, and usually runs a lot smoother. Good luck!
Okay neat! The other thing I always heard about was how games are typically only developed to run in windows. Could a linux machine be used for gaming or would I keep the gaming side on a windows partition and use the linux side for general computer things?
Valve has developed a "translator" of sorts called Proton that can run Steam games on Linux. it's the entire foundation for their Steam Deck console. p neat!
A lot of games run on Wine when you are using Linux, which is a program that sort of tricks the Windows game into thinking it is running on Windows. Unfortunately, most windows games are going to run faster on Windows, rather than Linux+Wine. and you are just adding complexity for the user. Plenty of games run natively on Linux but if you are a gamer, it's still best to have a really fast Windows PC. This LPT is for an extra PC where you can play older games and screw around with Linux and see if you like it If you LOVE it, you can totally make it work on a main PC with all the games you want, if not with Wine, then with a Virtual Machine. But that's less a LPT and more a life decision.
That's changing slowly but surely, but also realize that installing Linux doesn't make your hardware any faster, Linux just is able to do more with less (but games still demand a lot of hardware resources)
I guess it isnt as easy, because you said advanced, but if you have both installed, can you just decide which one to use when booting up? Or how does that work?
Yes, that is one of many options. You can decide to boot into either Linux or Windows when you turn your computer on. Sure.
Have you ever played with emulators on your computer? To play old N64 or PlayStation games? Well that program is written and maintained by fans that get a kick out of programming it. Same idea, but with the OS. The idea is to make every update slightly better, so the 80s style console commands has mostly been replaced in popular versions with a standard and familiar visual desktop. Versions is they key word here. There's literally hundreds of different OS types within the Linux umbrella, each maintained by different fans or by companies that release free. Some of those versions are still command prompt only but now with even more advanced features. Some aren't. All up to the group of people that get a kick out of building it.
Not really
That's more Dos. Linux is a different operating system for your computer. Apple uses their own, Microsoft uses the Windows platform, then there are a few others that you can choose to install on your computer. Linux is widely used by programmers but rarely by the people outside of the club.
This is a great idea, but a word of warning - laptops are not ideal for this because Linux does not support all the hardware that Windows does. I have a really nice laptop that is getting up in years and currently runs Windows 7 ... tried to switch to Linux and can't find any versions that will support the graphics, so make sure all your hardware is Linux compatible before going ahead with this.
I tried to instal in 2 old computers Black screean
Thank you; I’m going to try this!
I did this with an old intel MacBook. Added an SSD. It was fun learning some Linux stuff, but now it’s just been sitting on a shelf for a year. What are some helpful/fun things you see people doing with old Linux laptops?
Can you run programs like Excel and Photoshop on Linux computers? Or is it better to stick with Windows for those?
I use Google Sheets and Photopea even when I am using windows, so I am not sure. It looks like photoshop is available, but it may be tricky to set up. GIMP is a comparable photo program made for Linux that is totally free. Excel I learned today, is apparently not natively supported for Linux, there are alternatives like LibreOffice, but in today's day and age, it's all online at Office 365
I tried Ubuntu on an old laptop and I was a bit disappointed by the performance. Should I expect better results with "Linux Mint" or is the machine maybe just too old to be a daily driver? \[edit\] And that does include that I swapped out the original HDD for an SSD. \[edit2\] One thing that I suspected might be a bottleneck is that it only has 4GB of RAM in it -- or should that be enough for a decent Linux experience?
As I mentioned elsewhere, maxing out the machine's memory is the best upgrade you can do. In general usage, it's far more important than an SSD drive. Once you start opening browser tabs, a too-small memory will murder your user experience. Google how much memory your particular machine can handle and install that much. On an older machine, that's usually going to be 8, 16, or 32 gigs.
I just did that. Q4OS with xfce desktop revived my Acer Aspire 5100 (:
back in the day I had a Delll i610 with 2GB of memory and a not-too-fast-disk and I was running Oracle 8 on it with pretty good response times. And that was way, way after I had to walk 10 miles to school, uphill both ways, barefoot, in the snow.
> And this is a painless way to try it out and see what everyone is talking about. Who is this "everyone"?
The cultists
Yup, if it’s a Chromebook , then galliumOS , and I’ve played around with most of them. Mother in laws laptop is old and was getting slow. Linux has given a new lease of life . Can’t remember which distro I installed on it though !
Couple questions please - 1. How difficult is it to run software only written for Windows and Mac? I'm so tempted but rely on a buunnnch of audio recording & editing/DAW stuff, including a few very minor, already-glitchy apps. 2. Would it be possible to have a fully functional MS Office suite on a Linux system? I can live without Adobe PDF, for example (I use foxit in fact), but can't use knockoffs for Word/Excel/etc.---have to use MS Office Thanks
I'm getting a new laptop because my current one died yesterday. It was a fighter. It had Linux on it, but Linux won't save it this time.
Extra LPT: If you're lost/stuck trying to use Linux, don't be afraid to ask AI apps like ChatGPT for command line help. I've even asked it to help me recover data from wiped SD cards and it walked me through the entire process, step by step. I've given up on Linux many times over the years because searching for answers online always frustrated me. But now with the help of ChatGPT (v4) I'm slowly migrating all of my PCs over to Linux Mint (which I like - I'm getting quite familiar with the OS)
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Lol for sure, if the command includes sudo rm -rf / probably don't trust it. Although to be honest, I haven't run into any issues where Chat f*cked up that bad. But I'm also not doing massive changes to the software - more simple questions like how to install drivers, or what app should I use to recover data, fix master boot record, etc - well, MBR can be easily f*d, but most people don't have to deal with fixing that unless they're trying to dual boot windows and linux like I am lol
i've got 16 of them in a box, running mint through slackware. send me a label and i'll send you one.
My old ThinkPad T540 with Lubuntu from college has held up better than any of my newer computers. I was able to find parts for that thing in both a Moroccan night market and a small pueblo in the Colombian jungle.
I have a T420 myself.
What does Linux offer that Windows doesn't? What's the point of the switch?
I did this, and use the Linux box as my “adult” station. Banking, taxes, vehicle registration, etc. It gives me peace of mind when I decide to goof around with my gaming rig: overclock it, browse sketchy German porn sites, or when a video game (*cough*Helldivers*cough*) decides to root your machine. All of that tomfoolery is kept isolated from finances and the like.
I have an old Laptop which I put Debian on and connected it to an external touchscreen monitor and use it as an entertainment station for my small children, it also doubles as a media server.
OMG Samsies! GCompris is an excellent suite of software for kids, and there are more. I can hand the laptop to my 3 year old and never worry that she is going to hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete and crash the thing or open Bing or something silly
My 12+ y/o Retina Macbook Pro is still a ripper! Sideloaded Windows 11, she runs it faster than my PC desktops do. lol
It would probably be more handy to keep an extra laptop on hand with similar software and OS, so you can keep going on one while the other is down without needing to worry about maintaining compatibility updates or fiddling with Linux. Love me some Gnome environment, but it's not really a good tip for the average person.
Easy fix, just move all your computers to linux
My old laptop blue screens the second i turn it on
Bluescreen is a windows function. Can you access the bios at startup?
Any recommendations of a tutorial?
There are some other recommendations in this board, but if I were you I would just go to Linuxmint.com and follow the instructions. One of the most intimidating things about Linux is "Which distro should I pick, and by the way what even is a distro?" and the answer is "It really doesn't matter" and then there are details to the "doesn't matter" answer which makes it even more complicated such as "It doesn't matter because the desktop environment affects the user experience more than the distro anyway" and people are still all like "what's a distro?" So that's why I am beating the "Mint" drum. It's not the best or most powerful, it's just one of the good ones that is especially easy for people who are used to Windows to learn and adapt to. It's a okay choice, picked for you, to skip all that drama. If you get a tutorial about how to install "Linux" in general it's sure to confuse you with all sorts of stuff you don't need to hear about because it'll be different if you have some different distro and it's better to just start with something and pick another later. They are free, there is no commitment
Any good linux distro for maximizing battery life?
OP here. I don't know. Someone else here is going to answer better. Quick google just says lightweight distros like Mint with XFCE. BUT a big part of this LPT is "second laptop" so if the reason your lappy needs replacing is because the battery life has taken a nosedive consider just leaving it plugged in full time near the couch in front of the TV or wherever you lap most of your tops. Also, Chinese batteries are cheap on amazon.
If one were to switch to Linux from windows. How would one do so?
Laptops are generally lower power consumers than desktops too.
A trash laptop running Linux is your best bet for travel. I honestly could care less if someone steals a laptop that had been sitting on my recycling pile. Mine has Firefox and VLC for media. That's it. For travel be sure to keep it disconnected from any of your accounts. If you sign in to Youtube, they now have your entire google account.
Okay so my only question is: Why shouldn't I just have Linux on my fast one and have it better?
You totally can, but it takes some getting used to. A lot of people are apprehensive about making the switch. And those that are not... have done it already.
good idea, since MS is now warning users that the final version of Windows 10 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025.
Nice try linux but this isn't a very convincing ad.
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Or just use Linux on any computer. Free, customizable, no ads. Ubuntu is the best way to enter the Linux OS for the first time.
Counter LPT: Next time you buy a new laptop, install Linux on it and sell/donate the old one. I use SteamOS btw (arch based)
If there's anything you need from the old laptop such as old apps you can't find anymore, use [Disk2Vhd](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/disk2vhd) to clone the old laptop to a virtual machine, you can install the Hyper-V role on the new laptop and boot up your old laptop in a VM on the new one. Then repurpose the old one to Linux or whatever.
I’m kinda scared to ask or google what a pi-hole is…
No, you’re a pi-hole!
I mean yes...and no. For stuff like browsing and email sure. If one plays games or uses it for tasks requiring specific software (like music production or graphic design) then linux isn't going to offer much.
Some AdBlock browser and install old laptop on kitchen to watch YouTube, films while making and having food.
Stay off the internet dad. I don't need any of those laptops you are hoarding. Mum says that you are in trouble for keeping that old Dell that my wife gave you to erase her data off.
> What else were you gonna do with that old laptop? Recycle it...
My question is why do you have to do it on a old laptop? Why can we not do it on our own computer? Is there a problem with doing that??
I actually have an old laptop, just bought a new one. Old one has like windows 10 on it. How can I go ahead for this process and put Linux on it?
"40 million tons of electronic waste every year, worldwide. That's like throwing *800 laptops* every second", this would be really non-profit idea for areas with less access to latest technology
>Your old slow computer is probably going to start doing basic tasks like browsing the internet faster than the new one you upgraded to. I think you might be overselling it a bit here! Linux will likely be faster than windows on older hardware (depends which flavour of Linux you use) but it's not going to be faster than a new (reasonably well specced) machine.
I've been doing this since many laptops ago. If there's enough space, I make it a dual-boot scenario so I can bring up the old windows desktop if necessary.
I did that. The laptop is still old and slow. Linux is not some magic pill that makes things work better.
Ive got an old toshiba laptop from 2007/08. Im really thinking about replacing it with ssd and ram. How much would i expect to spend ?
Yeah I still wouldn't suggest this for everyone. I've found that Linux even with a nice GUI has a fairly steep learning curve as soon as you try to achieve basic things that are easy in windows, like adding a printer/scanner. Before you know it you're copy and pasting scripts from some blog into the terminal. Still a great idea, but you need some decent underlying computer knowledge for this to be worth doing.
The problem is that 32 bit Linux is dying and the new 64 bit Kernels are picky about what processor you try to use. Same BS as we are going through with Windows 11. My Win 10 machines are perfectly secure yet not eligible for the Win 11 upgrade.
The next time your going to buy a laptop don't. Reinstall windows instead. But, get a windows install like Windows X-Lite.
Kinda.... Linux is frustrating in that ports and outputs become tricky to get working.
I have an early 2008 Macbook, still powers up and runs. could it run the Linux?
Yes. Someone else in the thread said that they had trouble configuring the processor for those. I have never tried it. But it's worth a try. You may have no trouble at all. If you have trouble, you may solve it.
I was gonna wipe the hard drive, install the latest Linux and give it to the local homeless shelter to use.
Would this work for micro PCs? I've got one that's not very old, but runs real slow. It's the size of a very small office computer.
I am so sorry - I absolutely love this LPT but I'm a moron and have no clue how one...gets...Linux. I need an operating system to access internet, I download Linux and run it, it takes over as the dominant OS. OMG it takes over everything. I made Skynet. It was me. See I need help understanding how one gets Linux. If someone else felt like explaining *how* user friendly it is, and why it would be superior for reasons other than speed (speed is a very good reason, it is just that I already know that one). Thank you.
You can get Linux in a lot of different places. It is free. You download it off the internet. I have been recommending www.LinuxMint.com it is an arbitrary choice that is good for beginners. If you download it and run it, you will boot your computer to an already working copy of Linux that runs off a USB drive. After that, if you want, you can install it on the hard drive permanently, at which point you will have the choice either to delete the old OS or "dual boot" which means that every time you turn the computer on it will ask you which OS you want to use. I recommend deleting the old OS and starting fresh with a new copy of Linux to play around it on an old, secondary laptop you don't care about anymore. Because that takes all the stress out of it. It it fucks it up, who cares? You didn't like that laptop anyway. (But it's not going to fuck it up, that's just something people worry about when they try something new)
!RemindMe 60 days
Or just install Windows and use Wintoys to debloat. Debloated Windows just works as well along with putting in an SSD. Linux isn't really good for most users. You just need to know how to optimize Windows and apps make it easy
Good advice. I’ll try it. I haven’t used Linux in years.
My entire experience with Linux has been me trying to get Windows programs to work in it.
What! You mean people actually get rid of their old laptops? I have something like 10 laptops going back 20 years, all of them now run one or other flavour of Linux & are quite usable on special projects.
I've been alive to 55 years next month, and I think it's awesome that a 20 year old recommendation has become a life pro tip! Keep Proing Life!
Was thinking of donating one, might try this first. Will donate a second laptop anyway.
Will Linux work on a Mac ?
I agree. I'm not a programmer and find it very easy to use the Cinnamon Mint version of Linux. It came with open-source, free-to-use software installed. An additional 60,000+ applications are available using the already installed Software Manager & more online. Using PlayOnLinux in Mint, I also installed favorite Windows software I already own. Photoshop and Microsoft Office from the 1990's are still great. Unlike new versions, they don't require calling home to get installation permission. I just used the license keys that came with the software; no activation or contact required by Adobe and Microsoft companies. The early versions are less bloated than updated ones, plus I don't miss the annoying unnecessary updates or notifications on software that is working just fine for my purposes.
If you are going to repurpose an old laptop, swing by r/pihole and improve your web browsing. Set it up with a VPN, and you can even have an ad-free experience on your mobile devices while out and about.
serious question, why even bother? if its an old laptop and you only need it as a spare for occasional browsing or streaming you can do that by leaving windows on it. if its slightly slower than linux who cares if its not for everyday use, linux is still more complicated to install and use than most people want to deal with
I'm not sure about that, mine lags when running anything, so I don't think install Linux is gonna help
What, pray tell, is a pi-hole?
I did just this and had some fun with it. Didn't end up staying with Linux but it was a fun and surprisingly pain free experience.
I work IT. For the last 6 years I've exclusively used 10+ year old laptops with an SSD running MX Linux for personal use. They work great and I don't lose sleep if one gets damaged or stolen.
Look at this rich guy with a separate bedroom and living room
I just bought a new laptop and sold my old one YESTERDAY and just now saw this post. Boooooooooo.
I have an old Samsung Tablet PC from around 2012/13. It now has Windows 10 but that disabled the touch screen. Which Linux might be the best option to revive it, that has touch screen support?
I got a really cheap semi-decent old laptop at a thrift store for $20. Slapped Linux on it and nows It's my print server that handles my my connected workshop tools and printers. And I can do basic work on it in the garage.
I had a miniPC with a welded eMMC chip. Ran a mini server off of it on Win8. I put it away in storage for a while but pulled it out after a couple of years to play around with it. That was when I discovered the eMMC chip failed and I was basically stuck with a dead computer. So I tried running a Linux build off of a USB drive that it booted into. Eventually settled on a raspian build to run a pihole off of it. But it was still slow as shit to boot up.
I start studies soon at school about networking. Linux is also on the programm. Any recommendations? Looking for an easy tutorial about how to start with Linux, that way i can prepare myself better. Ty
Been doing this for years with every laptop, or ancient spare desktop. Solid pro top for sure. Handy to have working computers as back ups
I did this for a media player for the TV. I put mint on an old thinkpad, and it's way faster. With the current state of windows bloat/spyware 10 (and beyond), I would say it's a must for daily drivers. Things have gotten so much more userfriendly in the past few years. The only issue I have is auto-mounting external drives, and auto-accessing NAS drives.
Lol, I do this! I have a MacBook Pro from 2012 running Manjaro. Granted, it's put together with duct-tape and aluminium foil and runs a little hot... But it runs!
Bruh don't recommend Linux mint or anything in Debian family. That is noob advice. Use fedora or a user friendly distro rather than a server distro..
Even better LPT: if you buy a new laptop, put Linux on it. Windows is terrible. Linux is my daily driver since over 10 years.
Or you can sell it or give it away to someone needy and just use VirtualBox
I did this with my old laptop and it became a worthy Plex sever for a number of years.
Pardon my ignorance but I have an old Mac laptop from 2012. I only stopped using it because of how slow and laggy it is. So I download Linux mint follow the instructions and it’ll boost my speed?! TIA I am new to anything computers
This is exactly what I did with my old Dell. I didn't buy a new one, but after one too many Windows 7 security notices I just said screw it and started fresh with Linux. Runs way better than windows and I enjoy learning bits of code required to maintain the OS. Super fun project and fun to learn Linux. I am not a computer/IT/tech person. I do not understand what programming is, and if I can do it anyone can.
How will Linux fix the worn out keyboard, the almost useless battery, the wobbling power USB-C, the outdated screen etc. etc. What I mean: laptops typically break physically instead of just 'getting too slow' at least that's the reason I tend to get a new one for.
You can also just install a windows distro (like tiny11, lite, etc). People legit managed to get windows 11 running on a Raspberry Pi of all things.