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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Which lightweight Linux Distribution with GUI would you recommend for an old Laptop ? (self.linux)

submitted 1 year ago by Fungus to c/[email protected]

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I have an old Subnotebook (at least 10 years old I think) which runs Windows 7 atm. I would like to run Linux on it. I‘m a Linux noob, but would like to try and learn a few things. Any recommendations?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I recomend you to max out the ram, replace hdd with ssd and thermal paste while cleaning the dust with compressed air. It'll work with Linux faster than ever.

You can try out different distros in Live-mode (no installation/format requirements) if you just format your biggest usb stick with Ventoy2Disk and drag and drop any .iso-file you want to try: https://www.ventoy.net/en/doc_ventoy2disk.html

I don't say what distro you should use. But if you're considering Linux Mint then try LMDE5 instead and here's why: https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=374128

[–] Fungus 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Thank you for your recommendation, but I really don’t want to spend any money at all on it. I’d like it to be a toy to learn a bit about Linux, not a daily driver 😁

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

then void linux would be the perfect fit for you
its highly tinkerable and has a smooth learning curve

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The 128 gb ssd's are like 20-30 bucks and used probably even cheaper. Used ddr2 or ddr3 ram sticks are like 5-10 bucks each.

Thermal paste should be replaced every 2-3 years into every computer. Because the cpu isn't modern nor fast in today's standards, cleaning the dust and replacing the thermal paste will make cpu to thermal throttle way less which means faster run overall.

But obviously the choice is yours and I'm not forcing you. Happy Linux learning times!

[–] Fungus 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks 😁