Old XP laptop

NiftyDigits

J_B wrote: »

The first thing that 'Nifty' will ask is 'full make & model No'

Not if I already know the brand name.

Perhaps you can ask...to see how long the OP takes to post it.

maimee_magic

It's a Toshiba Satelitte M70-394:) Model PSM70E-02M021EN.Just cancelled my order for the RAM but can soon reorder if I need it.

Norman_Castle

abibee wrote: »

Installing a version of Linux on it was my first thought too. LXLE is specifically designed for older machines, I use it on an old laptop myself.

http://lxle.net/

The link directs to a page offering an operating system for older pc's. After a short while snow starts falling across the screen which slows the site, for me, it becomes almost unusable. Why add a processor draining effect to a website intended presumably for people with slow, underpowered pc's?.

skiptalker

yes have to agree on linux put ubuntu on an old lappy simply brilliant does all what windows does but for free

maimee_magic

Great will give it a try. Which download do I need to choose?

maimee_magic

Which Linux should I choose?

gjchester

maimee_magic wrote: »

It's a Toshiba Satelitte M70-394:) Model PSM70E-02M021EN.Just cancelled my order for the RAM but can soon reorder if I need it.

That probably a 2005/2006 vintage machine. Given the age I'd suggest you save the money and buy a ne one if you want an upgrade.

I'd also suspect the battery may not hold a charge as well as it could, and by the time you've replace the battery, upgraded the memory and bought the OS (not to mention that you may find some of the hardware does not have Win 7/ 8 drivers), you would have far less stress just buying a new cheap device...

henm2

maimee_magic wrote: »

Which Linux should I choose?

For that machine my two choices would be LXLE 12.04.5 or Linux Mint 17 xfce.http://www.linuxmint.com/release.php?id=22 The other versions LXLE 14.04.1 and Linux Mint 17 cinnamon are only suitable for machines made in the last few years.

bsod

What is the thinking behind the original post, what is the machine going to be used for if you have a newer one?

reinstalling xp refreshes the original speed as will more ram if it's on the low side, linux is a leap into the dark if you're used to windows.

smudger1964

You can try out linux mint or infact any of the linux versions by downloading it to a usb or dvd and run it without installing it to see how you get on with it before taking the plunge...

My desktop is ancient probably about 10 years old maybe more but it runs the new linux mint 17.1 no problems it has 1Gb of memory though

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Linux-Mint is a helpful page