Which linux system for an old Thinkpad

pedrothefish

Hi All
I have been given an ibm thinkpad 2367 20gb harddrive and 256gb ram, on which I would like to try a linux software package.
A couple of questions
1. Do I need to wipe the hard drive first?(it has XP) if so what is the best method.
2.which linux would be a light one to use.
3.What is the simplest/best method to use to put it on.
I shall be using it for web browsing and playing music and generally learning about linux
thanks in advance

GunJack

puppy linux !!! You don't need to install it, it runs from a disc or a USB stick, but drops the config save file on the hdd, so next time you boot it's quicker as it's got all your settings there saved read. AND it runs great on 256Meg RAM

23n1th

If you are new to linux and based on the specs of that machine I would recommend LinuxMint LXDE: http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=1937

You'll need to wipe XP off to install it but its fairly straight forward. Heres a good tutorial for installing LinuxMint: http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/install_linuxmint.html

TakeThis

You should be able to run Kubuntu or similar. Don't be a cheapskate, add some RAM!

spud17

I've just been [STRIKE]fighting[/STRIKE] given an Iridium Starbook 510 (rebadged Clevo 2200T). That's one for the experts.

1.3GHz Celeron, 256MB ram and 20GB HD dating from 2003, luckily I had a spare 256MB ram, so upped it to 512MB. It's got an impenetrable SystemSoft BIOS .

BUT, it runs Puppy like a good'un, but I was after something a bit slicker.
I tried Lubuntu and Xubuntu, comparisons HERE .

I've settled on Lubuntu, which uses the same lightweight LXDE desktop as 23n1th is recommending.

Download your chosen .iso, burn it to cd with imgburn run the 'live' cd if it all works then you can install.
As for getting rid of XP, then whilst installing there will be various options, one will probably be along the lines of 'install using whole disk', that will install its own file system and obliterate the XP.

p.s. as to the Clevo, the annoying thing is, except for some light scratches and rub marks on the cheap plastic body, it is in perfect nick.

Notmyrealname

TakeThis wrote: »

You should be able to run Kubuntu or similar.

Not on 256MB RAM. Ubuntu requires more than that for a GUI. DSL would be a better bet.

TakeThis

Notmyrealname wrote: »

Not on 256MB RAM. Ubuntu requires more than that for a GUI. DSL would be a better bet.

I meant that the specs aren't that bad if you up or max out the RAM. You should be able to run the likes of Ubuntu.

Kernel_Sanders

23n1th wrote: »

You'll need to wipe XP off to install it but its fairly straight forward.

Is there something about this distro that means you can't have a dual boot?

23n1th

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Is there something about this distro that means you can't have a dual boot?

No provided you didn't want much in the way of storage on the 20gb hard drive.

s_b

i ran a Thinkpad on linux mint for 2 years it was an old college computer, i tried installing xp on it but it wouldnt load drivers for sound which is why i went to linux
it died early this year but linux was superb on it,much better than windoze
make sure you get the right flavour though
ie not 64

tweeter

Zorin OS 6 Lite for old and low-spec computers.

zorin