Newbie? Tired of Windows security failings? Crave stability? Want better comprehensive and smoother upgrades? What more choice; for free?
This is my guide:
Prerequisites: 384MB of Ram or better; basically. Else see Puppy Linux to replace old 98 machines.
You will also need to make a CD (or DVD if you have one). Else you can order a free one, and wait. Just be sure to "burn" the ".iso" file, as an image and not as a file.
You might start with your carefully selected version of Mint. Such as the new KDE version. There less to set up and you can install and play with ease. This will show you, what you are missing.
To cut to the chase, I still recommend www.Kubuntu.org with KDE (Yes, over Ubuntu unless you just prefer "Gnome", it's good too.)
With Kubuntu you have to add a few things that Mint does, out of the box; but it's not hard. The trick is, you just go on the internet and find the quick commands and learn the "switches" to check off; that let you add what politics didn't allow Kubuntu to do automatically; out of the box. In the end and after you are familar with the system, Kubuntu will better branch out and do more tasks taht people want to get done.
Now why would you add an extra step, even if easy. Because Kubuntu is better mold able to you exacting tasks and yet still represents taking care of the ground work, with it's progressive upgrades, better than anything else. It's also closer to the Windows UI, than anything else, right out of the box (Yet all that's customizable).
Kubuntu, like all systems, has it's cons. I my opinion it's the less of all evils, including Windows and OS-X. You can go all-out and just run Kubuntu (to maintain just one thing) or you may dual boot with you old Windows. You can do both. Find a good on-line tutorial; on how to pre-partition your Windows system (after backing your stuff up) using something like a "gparted" CD.
Well, with 256MB I'd probably go ahead and do a custom tweaked Kubuntu. But before I'd do Xubuntu, I'd drop down to the *ubuntu base + icewm. For the pure speed of it. It can rival the speed of newly purchased systems!
This is subjective but I'd further specify:
less than 32MB I'd not bother (my choice).
32MB to 128MB icewm (on *ubuntu base)
128MB to 192MB icewm or maybe play with a Puppy live CD (but which one?) It would load into RAM!
256MB (maybe 192MB if shared video didn't eat it up) and up I'd make Kubuntu lean; if below the Kubuntu recommended min of 384MB. turn of unused services, etc.
Of course, higher memory can play with a Puppy CD also. But my main production system would definitely be Kubuntu if RAM alowed.
Notes:
You can run more than one window or desktop manager but your upgrades may go more slowly.
You can follow online guides to go back to pure Kubuntu(or others) and speed up those upgrades.
Everyone (and their computer) is different so you get to decide what fits you best. I've had a fair an actual experience on many differing old laptops and desktops. I just want to save you some time. While you can make just about anything work, working fast is more challenging.
All this and I didn't even get into dominate CLI use, There are non-gui uses for old boxes you MIGHT want to explore but I'm talking GUI here.
I also like the greater hardware compatibility with an *ubuntu base. Use the alternate CD.
*ubuntu base plus icewm is the lowest and best solution for 32MB to 256MB RAM. Sorry Fluxbox lovers. Yes, Flux is good too, it's just more "different" to me. I know it's because I'm used to seeing things a certain way and I don't care. I think most new users will like icewm ONCE thy realize, they can edit the simple text file to move stuff around on the task bar (etc..)
Yes, you will have to tweak it a little more than a live solution such as Puppy but you get a better system fit (for you and your hardware,) better upgrade ability and better compatibility.
Yes, you can use a Debian base but the bottom line is, it's more work. So the real question is, how much geek work (time) do you want to spend on a box that while it can be made to get the job done (depending on the job you want done,) it will not be subjectively "better" than a newer system with Kubuntu.
Step one, really improve the hardware, as much as possible. More RAM. Faster HD. Better (auto magic time saving) devices that are KNOWN to work.
For example, I have two old USB Wifi units with decent antennas (on the end of the USB cable runs) that JUST WORK, only on *ubuntu and with Zero setup time!
NDISwrapper is great and all, but it takes up time.
The thing is, you can just about beg for a (free) faster system (hardware). Even though I hate software bloat, there's no substitute for a faster hard drive, more memory etc.
Running Puppy for speed on a new(ish) system; not slow hardware, is interesting. Yet, it all comes back to what you want.
All these package management choices, while freedom, do not measure up (for me) to the deb based ubuntu system and packages. I prefer Kubuntu but Gnome is fine too.
I've done the Xubuntu thing and I have zero use for it compared to Kubuntu. You know, you can just use Konqueror as your browser to save memory. Konq shares with KDE, so it's more efficient.
Currently, I'm optimizing Kubuntu. You see, what about dynamic progression? By the time I got DSL, Puppy, Absolute, AntiX (a good one) set up; the way I liked it, it was time to move on. None of these system are as easily upgradeable as *ubuntu.
I think the best success I had slummin' on old boxes (A bad habit of mine indeed) was to install the *ubuntu base and add icewm and many other little things, in order to keep the speed up (avoid disk thrashing at all costs.)
I have done GUI internet browsing with 24MB RAM! Now that's hard!!! Trust me, you'll probably like icewm and the SilverXP theme for your best light weight, GUI, window manager. If you go through it's easy text settings, you can make it look anyway you wish. You might find a pre-done settings file and pop that in First.
In the end, you can have some speed on really old boxes but you will want more memory (if possible) and it will never win many converts compared to Kubuntu and at least 384MB RAM.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
It's pure logic.
Microsoft suffers open source.
Microsoft has had years to add the level of security the GNU/Linux and others actually enjoy. Why do you think they haven't yet implemented the measure security default found with modern Open Software?
The fact is, almost everyone I know using Windows is "ate up" with Viri, trojans, worms and malware and their time is severly monopolized because of it. Else, they're REALLY screwed and perhaps don't know it. Sadly, most are running to the store to buy more Microsoft. Microsoft says they are really working on new ways to fight this.:P
If you simply put in a freely downloadable mepis CD (www.mepis.com), set your monitor and do the easiest of all installers, you will not have a need to spend the time REQUIRED otherwise to constantly maintain Windows.
Now comes a leak for a potential "hole" that is already now halted and patch almost done and all I hear is Microsoft propaganda. The darn problem is simply an example of imperfect code. Did you think any code was perfect? Do you think that means Firefox is the same? Where's your logic?
What's worse is the misinformed, ignorant or downright evil implication that this proves Firefox as vunerable as IE. More ilogical is the GUESS that Firefox will be as bad soon. Please! Wake the hell up! You people really need to get your head on straight, or do you have fuduciary motive?
If you don't yet understand Open Software and how you don't have to pay a dime, then you don't have to. It works. It's now newer, better and faster.
Then there's the logic, Open (whatever) is "only" a small (but growing fast) user base BUT also it's popular. Pick one please! At thier best, the logic states it is both! More users run Windows AND now Open Software is WIDLY used by many, many people.
Thus, I submit the Open soruce CURRENT REALITY is excellence with security (and much more) even in light of it's underdog position, critics, enemies and propaganda (FUD) on numerous systems. Far more than enough to see the "percent" secure makes Windows suspect.
It's not, "Look how the mighty Firefox has fallen". Anyone experienced can see Firefox is far better; news reporting tone accepted. It's, why the hell does Microsoft continue with their unsecure vunerabilities. It's been years of real world ACTUAL expliots! Not bug just hunting. Which at it's worse, is the Firefox reality.
Sooner or later you will realize that Microsofts goals are now fundamentally opposed to yours, the user and they will not change.
Open Software is ready when you are, it's compatible and the only difference in your choosen user interface are the improvments you pick.
Think better, think open.
Knoppix is too different than Sarge for a HD install. Mepis is made for it. Alot more is done after a mepis install than a Knoppix HD install. I've done both.
IMHO Mepis is where you start. This way, you have many options for upgrading.
The trick is to boot the older 2.4 (NOT-2.6) Kernel and then use QTparted for a NTFS resize (Mepis 2004.4). This way you don't even have to defrag Windows beforehand. The 2.6 is not compatable (yet) and this required boot is ONLY for resizing of NTFS....using the MEPIS 2004.4 CD.
I did it so be carfull about scaring off newbies.
All you need to be able to do is create a swap and "/" partition via QTparted (Partition Magic clone).
If this is two hard for someone then they simply need to order a 2nd hard drive and plug it in first.
BTW If you already have a suitable 2nd partition made under Windows and you can erase it, use that.
As always, it is wise to back up first! I did not need my backup.
I have never encountered a ill willed Linux installer so watch the FUD as Microsoft is very nervous nowadays. Also and in fact it is MS that dosesn't play well with others.
My problem was the decision to do my taxes with Turbo Tax again or delegate it to a professional more likely to save me money. Not just any ol' CPA either.
Problem solved.
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Newbie? Tired of Windows security failings? Crave stability? Want better comprehensive and smoother upgrades? What more choice; for free? This is my guide: Prerequisites: 384MB of Ram or better; basically. Else see Puppy Linux to replace old 98 machines. You will also need to make a CD (or DVD if you have one). Else you can order a free one, and wait. Just be sure to "burn" the ".iso" file, as an image and not as a file. You might start with your carefully selected version of Mint. Such as the new KDE version. There less to set up and you can install and play with ease. This will show you, what you are missing. To cut to the chase, I still recommend www.Kubuntu.org with KDE (Yes, over Ubuntu unless you just prefer "Gnome", it's good too.) With Kubuntu you have to add a few things that Mint does, out of the box; but it's not hard. The trick is, you just go on the internet and find the quick commands and learn the "switches" to check off; that let you add what politics didn't allow Kubuntu to do automatically; out of the box. In the end and after you are familar with the system, Kubuntu will better branch out and do more tasks taht people want to get done. Now why would you add an extra step, even if easy. Because Kubuntu is better mold able to you exacting tasks and yet still represents taking care of the ground work, with it's progressive upgrades, better than anything else. It's also closer to the Windows UI, than anything else, right out of the box (Yet all that's customizable). Kubuntu, like all systems, has it's cons. I my opinion it's the less of all evils, including Windows and OS-X. You can go all-out and just run Kubuntu (to maintain just one thing) or you may dual boot with you old Windows. You can do both. Find a good on-line tutorial; on how to pre-partition your Windows system (after backing your stuff up) using something like a "gparted" CD.
Well, with 256MB I'd probably go ahead and do a custom tweaked Kubuntu. But before I'd do Xubuntu, I'd drop down to the *ubuntu base + icewm. For the pure speed of it. It can rival the speed of newly purchased systems! This is subjective but I'd further specify: less than 32MB I'd not bother (my choice). 32MB to 128MB icewm (on *ubuntu base) 128MB to 192MB icewm or maybe play with a Puppy live CD (but which one?) It would load into RAM! 256MB (maybe 192MB if shared video didn't eat it up) and up I'd make Kubuntu lean; if below the Kubuntu recommended min of 384MB. turn of unused services, etc. Of course, higher memory can play with a Puppy CD also. But my main production system would definitely be Kubuntu if RAM alowed. Notes: You can run more than one window or desktop manager but your upgrades may go more slowly. You can follow online guides to go back to pure Kubuntu(or others) and speed up those upgrades. Everyone (and their computer) is different so you get to decide what fits you best. I've had a fair an actual experience on many differing old laptops and desktops. I just want to save you some time. While you can make just about anything work, working fast is more challenging. All this and I didn't even get into dominate CLI use, There are non-gui uses for old boxes you MIGHT want to explore but I'm talking GUI here.
I also like the greater hardware compatibility with an *ubuntu base. Use the alternate CD. *ubuntu base plus icewm is the lowest and best solution for 32MB to 256MB RAM. Sorry Fluxbox lovers. Yes, Flux is good too, it's just more "different" to me. I know it's because I'm used to seeing things a certain way and I don't care. I think most new users will like icewm ONCE thy realize, they can edit the simple text file to move stuff around on the task bar (etc..) Yes, you will have to tweak it a little more than a live solution such as Puppy but you get a better system fit (for you and your hardware,) better upgrade ability and better compatibility. Yes, you can use a Debian base but the bottom line is, it's more work. So the real question is, how much geek work (time) do you want to spend on a box that while it can be made to get the job done (depending on the job you want done,) it will not be subjectively "better" than a newer system with Kubuntu. Step one, really improve the hardware, as much as possible. More RAM. Faster HD. Better (auto magic time saving) devices that are KNOWN to work. For example, I have two old USB Wifi units with decent antennas (on the end of the USB cable runs) that JUST WORK, only on *ubuntu and with Zero setup time! NDISwrapper is great and all, but it takes up time.
The thing is, you can just about beg for a (free) faster system (hardware). Even though I hate software bloat, there's no substitute for a faster hard drive, more memory etc. Running Puppy for speed on a new(ish) system; not slow hardware, is interesting. Yet, it all comes back to what you want. All these package management choices, while freedom, do not measure up (for me) to the deb based ubuntu system and packages. I prefer Kubuntu but Gnome is fine too. I've done the Xubuntu thing and I have zero use for it compared to Kubuntu. You know, you can just use Konqueror as your browser to save memory. Konq shares with KDE, so it's more efficient. Currently, I'm optimizing Kubuntu. You see, what about dynamic progression? By the time I got DSL, Puppy, Absolute, AntiX (a good one) set up; the way I liked it, it was time to move on. None of these system are as easily upgradeable as *ubuntu. I think the best success I had slummin' on old boxes (A bad habit of mine indeed) was to install the *ubuntu base and add icewm and many other little things, in order to keep the speed up (avoid disk thrashing at all costs.) I have done GUI internet browsing with 24MB RAM! Now that's hard!!! Trust me, you'll probably like icewm and the SilverXP theme for your best light weight, GUI, window manager. If you go through it's easy text settings, you can make it look anyway you wish. You might find a pre-done settings file and pop that in First. In the end, you can have some speed on really old boxes but you will want more memory (if possible) and it will never win many converts compared to Kubuntu and at least 384MB RAM.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! It's pure logic. Microsoft suffers open source. Microsoft has had years to add the level of security the GNU/Linux and others actually enjoy. Why do you think they haven't yet implemented the measure security default found with modern Open Software? The fact is, almost everyone I know using Windows is "ate up" with Viri, trojans, worms and malware and their time is severly monopolized because of it. Else, they're REALLY screwed and perhaps don't know it. Sadly, most are running to the store to buy more Microsoft. Microsoft says they are really working on new ways to fight this. :P
If you simply put in a freely downloadable mepis CD (www.mepis.com), set your monitor and do the easiest of all installers, you will not have a need to spend the time REQUIRED otherwise to constantly maintain Windows.
Now comes a leak for a potential "hole" that is already now halted and patch almost done and all I hear is Microsoft propaganda. The darn problem is simply an example of imperfect code. Did you think any code was perfect? Do you think that means Firefox is the same? Where's your logic?
What's worse is the misinformed, ignorant or downright evil implication that this proves Firefox as vunerable as IE. More ilogical is the GUESS that Firefox will be as bad soon. Please! Wake the hell up! You people really need to get your head on straight, or do you have fuduciary motive?
If you don't yet understand Open Software and how you don't have to pay a dime, then you don't have to. It works. It's now newer, better and faster.
Then there's the logic, Open (whatever) is "only" a small (but growing fast) user base BUT also it's popular. Pick one please! At thier best, the logic states it is both! More users run Windows AND now Open Software is WIDLY used by many, many people.
Thus, I submit the Open soruce CURRENT REALITY is excellence with security (and much more) even in light of it's underdog position, critics, enemies and propaganda (FUD) on numerous systems. Far more than enough to see the "percent" secure makes Windows suspect.
It's not, "Look how the mighty Firefox has fallen". Anyone experienced can see Firefox is far better; news reporting tone accepted. It's, why the hell does Microsoft continue with their unsecure vunerabilities. It's been years of real world ACTUAL expliots! Not bug just hunting. Which at it's worse, is the Firefox reality.
Sooner or later you will realize that Microsofts goals are now fundamentally opposed to yours, the user and they will not change.
Open Software is ready when you are, it's compatible and the only difference in your choosen user interface are the improvments you pick.
Think better, think open.
Mepis trumps Knoppix for an HD install.
LinuxCD ships the burned CD for $3.89.
Knoppix is too different than Sarge for a HD install. Mepis is made for it. Alot more is done after a mepis install than a Knoppix HD install. I've done both.
IMHO Mepis is where you start. This way, you have many options for upgrading.
I use mepis 2004.4 and it's 2.6 Kernel.
http://www.mepis.com
The trick is to boot the older 2.4 (NOT-2.6) Kernel and then use QTparted for a NTFS resize (Mepis 2004.4). This way you don't even have to defrag Windows beforehand. The 2.6 is not compatable (yet) and this required boot is ONLY for resizing of NTFS. ...using the MEPIS 2004.4 CD.
I did it so be carfull about scaring off newbies.
All you need to be able to do is create a swap and "/" partition via QTparted (Partition Magic clone).
If this is two hard for someone then they simply need to order a 2nd hard drive and plug it in first.
BTW If you already have a suitable 2nd partition made under Windows and you can erase it, use that.
As always, it is wise to back up first! I did not need my backup.
I have never encountered a ill willed Linux installer so watch the FUD as Microsoft is very nervous nowadays. Also and in fact it is MS that dosesn't play well with others.
My problem was the decision to do my taxes with Turbo Tax again or delegate it to a professional more likely to save me money. Not just any ol' CPA either. Problem solved.