Fastest linux to install on old computer?

[ToineF]

I have an old Acer E1 AMD Processor Model E1-1200 1.40 GHz and I added a SSD to it. I installed windows 10 on it and I didn't quite like the performance so I installed Linux Mint.

I like linux mint a lot and since I am taking a linux class this fall I thought I'd get a head start and use linux mint. Like I said, I love it, but I think it's not as snappy as I thought it would be.

Is there a faster linux distribution out there? Or maybe I'm doing something wrong with Mint?

What do you guys think?

 

[skittle]

Suggest you try a Ubuntu variant with a lighter desktop that uses less resources like XFCE (xubuntu) or LXDE (lubuntu).

Xubuntu or Lubuntu. Of course there are many other lighter linux like PuppyLinux, TinyCore, Slitaz...

 

[ToineF]

Suggest you try a Ubuntu variant with a lighter desktop that uses less resources like XFCE (xubuntu) or LXDE (lubuntu).

Xubuntu or Lubuntu. Of course there are many other lighter linux like PuppyLinux, TinyCore, Slitaz...

Thanks, I really don't like ubuntu for some reason.... I liked the simple look and feel of linux mint.

Is kubuntu and xubuntu the same layout as ubuntu?

I'll have a look at your suggestions. thanks

 

[gangrel]

I am using XUbuntu right now, on a VM; it runs fine with 1.5 G, and figure that running through the VM means some performance reductions...the CPU is an i3-5010u.

Nice thing is...at least with normal Ubuntu, and presumably with many of the variants, you can slap it onto a USB stick, boot from it, and see what kind of performance you get.

 

[ToineF]

I am using XUbuntu right now, on a VM; it runs fine with 1.5 G, and figure that running through the VM means some performance reductions...the CPU is an i3-5010u.

Nice thing is...at least with normal Ubuntu, and presumably with many of the variants, you can slap it onto a USB stick, boot from it, and see what kind of performance you get.

I think booting off a USB will reduce the performance dramatically. The read and write speed of a usb key is much slower than a ssd... no?

 

[gangrel]

On layout: Ubuntu is using Unity, and...let's just say opinions are divided on it. The others are using alternate desktop presentations, so it's likely you'll find one you like more.

On bootup: it loads from USB, but it's running from memory. It's NOT writing to disk, but that's intentional.

 

[SinxarKnights]

Xubuntu is pretty good for very low end hardware. I slapped it on an ancient laptop (2000 era and it was lowest end then) and it ran great. I've since gotten rid of that laptop but Xubuntu is a good starting point. I like Debian personally and with XFCE it is really snappy yet powerful combo.

 

[gangrel]

Lemme rephrase that a bit.

What happens is, it uses the USB to build a fully functional OS, as from an install disk...but to RAM, not to disk. Nothing is gonna get saved from this session, that's the limitation...but your other OS isn't touched.

 

[ToineF]

Lemme rephrase that a bit.

What happens is, it uses the USB to build a fully functional OS, as from an install disk...but to RAM, not to disk. Nothing is gonna get saved from this session, that's the limitation...but your other OS isn't touched.

Oh yeah I got that. Thanks

I didn't know it could load the whole OS to the RAM, but I guess it makes sense. I'm learning already so much I can't wait for my linux classes to start!!!

 

[ToineF]

Xubuntu is pretty good for very low end hardware. I slapped it on an ancient laptop (2000 era and it was lowest end then) and it ran great. I've since gotten rid of that laptop but Xubuntu is a good starting point. I like Debian personally and with XFCE it is really snappy yet powerful combo.

Ah thanks. I will look into it, but xubuntu seems to look a little bit like MAC os X which I find kind of ugly and not user friendly.
What is your opinion on kubuntu? that one looks a little bit better. DO you think I would get similar performance?

 

[skittle]

Try them and see what you like. They are free... Xubuntu has a good balance of features/performance and you can customize it any way you like. Have a look at some of these customized XFCE desktops:

https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/search?q=xfce&restrict_sr=on

 

[itmoba]

Mint, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, the rest of the *Untus, and the like are all Debian-based distributions. All of them are compatible with one another, meaning you can install Cinnamon (which is actually a fork of Gnome) on Ubuntu in the same way that you can install XMonad on Mint or KDE on Ubuntu GNOME.

As you want speed, you want to use a distribution that is not resource-hungry. I suggest VectorLinux (based on Slackware), LinuxConsole, and Puppy Linux. All of them have package managers and come with fairly light window managers. They can all run on "ancient" Intel Pentium II processors as well.

 

[gangrel]

It's easier to get a distro with the desktop you want, rather than start from Ubuntu and try to adjust the desktop. I had some issues trying to get Gnome desktop up and well-behaved, IIRC, on a 15.04 base Ubuntu.

How many flash drives have you got?

 

[ToineF]

It's easier to get a distro with the desktop you want, rather than start from Ubuntu and try to adjust the desktop. I had some issues trying to get Gnome desktop up and well-behaved, IIRC, on a 15.04 base Ubuntu.

How many flash drives have you got?

there are 3 USB inputs on my laptop! why?

 

[gangrel]

Not USB ports, flash drives.
One flash drive for each variant you want to download, burn to flash, then try.

 

[ToineF]

Not USB ports, flash drives.
One flash drive for each variant you want to download, burn to flash, then try.

ahhh yes yes lol

i have a few around... thats what I am doing.

I installed the catalyst thingy on my linux mint and now its all messed up lol

ill try a few!