So after a break, I am getting back to the project of Linux on the old laptop. In my last post, I introduced Linux base concepts and talked about distributions, or distros. With that in mind, and knowing my hardware limitations I headed over to http://distrowatch.com/ to take a look at some options.
My immediate thought was to download Puppy Linux because of its known compatibility with older hardware and low resource requirements. I downloaded the Live CD and was on my way.
Once the live cd loaded, I was surprised at how slow and sluggish everything felt. I am talking about the menus, seup and everything, not just online content. I was hoping to render the old laptop useable for basic functionality such as playing preschool games for young kids and printing recipes and using it as an online access point to browse for recipes and such.
However, I was seriously disapointed. I thought that by using a minimalist operating system and not expecting to access highly graphical content, I would be able to put the old laptop to good use. Quite frankly, the end result is that it becomes a typewriter, with limitations. I thought about installing windows XP, but I figure that since it is no longer updated or supported it will become a security threat if I connect it to the net.
Other than that, I do not see how I can use the old laptop, within the spectrum of my interests and work. So in the end, I will bring the device to a recycling centre as I would feel ashamed to give it to someone. Because today being able to access online content is the root of using a computer or other such device, this old laptop no longer cuts it.
If all you want to do is type letters and listen to mp3’s then may be you would be ok, if not then get even the most basic tablet or laptop and you will be much better off.
No comments:
Post a Comment