Linux Ubuntu question for my older windows laptop.

4-6-14 | Me

[Mad Dawgg]

I got an older Compaq Presario Laptop and I've been toying with the idea of putting Ubuntu on it. I was wondering if I would need to totally wipe the HD to get Ubuntu to run properly or can I install it while leaving Windows 7 on and it will still run OK.

I am going to get a new laptop eventually but am in no hurry so it would be nice to still keep windows But I can manage for now without it being I use my Entertainment System Computer most of the time.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and tips.

[dhs12345]

And make backups of the backups.

[martin_fierro]

Here's my current Ubuntu experience:

• Currently running Xubuntu (basically Ubuntu with a "lighter user interface") on:
  • an 8 year-old Acer Celeron laptop with 2GB RAM
  • a 10 year old old Toshiba P4 laptop with 2GB RAM
  • a 4 year old Acer Netbook

• Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and is a good/easy to use alternative

• If you're going to run both Windows 7 and Linux on separate partitions, make sure that you fully defrag Windows before installing Ubuntu on its own partition.

[martin_fierro]

20 other flavors of Ubuntu

[daniel1212]

That is not that old a machine, nor OS. Why would you want to try Linux? You can, and Linux Mint would run on it, though Xubuntu would be faster.

But besides the learning curve sometimes needed even for some things you can easily do in Windows (despite hype to the contrary: spend some time reading Linux forums), know also that many multimedia codecs are proprietary, and thus are not included by default in some Linux distros, and are illegal to use in the USA and some other countries (even W/8 does not play DVDs natively except by buying the prop pack), though this is a contentious issue , with some holding that if you have a valid Windows copy on your PC then you are covered. Most just dismiss any concerns, as if writing code is not a profession fit for recompen$e.

You can but them and a DVD player from Fluendo .

[daniel1212]

No so fast .

[daniel1212]

Machine name: HAL

Model please.

[Mr. K]

At least that’s what I heard

[Mad Dawgg]

So goggle is a bunch of libtard leftists who want to discriminate against conservatives?

Now I want their money even more so I can use it against them! (Guerrilla warfare 101!)

[RckyRaCoCo]

I've got a REALLY OLD Acer 730TXV(PIII450/512mb mem.)running XP(slow).

Thinking of either trying Linux(just to mess with it)...

...or just take it to Best Buy for their current recycle promotion($100 towards a new 'puter for turning in a working XP/laptop...looking at a $99+tax Chromebook/after promo discount).

[Mad Dawgg]

I will be buying another Laptop in the near future. I want to use this one for research and writing. All I need is open office and a decent web browser. If I can get it to work with a printer great, but I have 5 other computers in the house hooked to my network that can do the printing if need be.

The idea is to have a bare bones laptop that is lean with no extra programs other than what is needed to get my work done AND if it gets stolen or damaged beyond repair it is no great loss. My research job takes me into some fairly bizarre situations like going down in a coal mine or crawling inside a cement mixer truck once (I'm never doding that one again!), or into a sewer system etc...

I never worried so much about it in the past because I had strong legs and good balance and rarely had problems getting about but Arthritis is getting the better of me and I finally had to admit I was headed for a heartbreak if I kept dragging an expensive laptop around in those situations.

This one I have now is slowing down a bit and I don't want to buy a new one just to get more speed if I can instead put Linux on it and get the job done.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Model please."

Sure, no problem...

[martin_fierro]

I've got a REALLY OLD Acer 730TXV(PIII450/512mb mem.)running XP(slow).

Dang -- for a system like that you might try Puppy Linux or DSL

[daniel1212]

While a breathtaking testament to special creation, and a blessing for her husband to behold and no other man else, that is not what God meant by "modest apparel."

[daniel1212]

And can post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3141470/posts?page=51#51 be removed from pings to me? She may be Eve but i am a man born after the Fall.