Refurbishing an old laptop for little cost

Lennys_Shinpad

be_alright wrote: »

Use Fedora version 8, it's minimum requirement is a 400mhz processor.

I've just had Fedora 9 dropped on my desk for a project I've got to work on*sigh*

I think I'll be constrained with these free OS systems as I need to have one which supports my wireless network card.

Will go for either Fedora or Xubuntu, unless anyone else has a better suggestion.

Paul_Herring

Lennys_Shinpad wrote: »

- Install to Windows XP
- Defragment the Hard Drive

If you format when installing, you shouldn't need to defrag.

johncolescarr

I would definatly recommend switching to linux. I am relativey new to linux, used windows all my life and I was really surprised how easy it was. I recommend Ubuntu as it is really easy to switch if your used to windows and there is a brilliant user guide and forums for help. Also, there is 3 years support for each issue To date there is nothing I am unable to do in Ubuntu that i could do in windows and lots that i couldnt. I use wifi, printers, scanners, dvd, USB, external hard drives all with no probs and you get that warm fuzzy feeling that you dont need to rely on an american comglomerate!! Also linux is much more secure than windows or Mac OS

Ubuntu 8.04 comes with open office, which I find is fully compatible with MS office. you can also export your contacts and diary from MS outlook.

With vista, my machine was hopelessy slow even with 2gig RAM and core 2 duo processor, now it zips along.

P.S if you find Ubuntu 8.04 too resource hungry there are lighter weight version avalible

S0litaire

+1 for Ubuntu

I'm currently running Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04)

This is an old Dell laptop and It runs a dream (John you not told them about Compiz)

There is a huge forum of help for Ubuntu if you get stuck or need to ask a question (no question to dumb!!)

Best thing is!
99% of all software for Ubuntu is FREE :D

Dime_Bar

If you plan to go down the Linux route consider Puppy Linux. It is not as full featured as some of the larger distros but flies around. Firefox and Open Office are a doddle to add on and it will make your laptop feel like a brand new machine.

You can also boot it off a live disk to see if it will recognise your wireless before you install.

once installed on your HDD it boots in about 10 seconds!!

moneysaverraver

i'd go for me or 2000, works much better than having xp on an older computer with xp as other people say, i'll post ya a copy on disk for free, if you pay the postage etc