Which OS should I choose for my laptop?

[XSR]

Hello,

I got an old laptop Lenovo G50-30 with 4GB of RAM and intel Pentium series.

Should I use Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7?

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Lenovo supports all three versions on that model but ideally you should install the latest as it's more secure, many new features and is more enjoyable to use. However, you'll need to upgrade the RAM to at least 8GB --- 4GB isn't enough and hasn't been for a number of years.

 

[XSR]

Is it necessary to upgrade?

Is 40%~50% memory usage at idle normal for a laptop with low specs?

 

[geofelt]

8gb of ram would be better.
It would also let you run in faster dual channel mode and improve performance of integrated graphics.
Otherwise, I think I would use a 32 bit version of windows 10 .
It takes less resources than the 64 bit version.
Windows 10 can use compression to keep ram usage low. A benefit that 7 does not have.

If you have not yet done so, replace the HDD with a ssd.
It will transform the performance of the laptop.
I have done this on several old lenovo units.

Memory usage stats are hard to interpret.
Windows keeps unused code in ram in anticipation of fast reuse.
The key is how much is needed when your apps are running.
Windows task manager hard fault page rate will tell you if you need more ram.
If you see a hard fault rate of 1 per second or more, you probably need more ram.
If you have a ssd for the page file, such hard faults will get resolved some 40x faster.

 

[XSR]

Thank you for the answer.

What do you think about SuperLite Compact Edition of windows 10?

<Link deleted by Moderator>

Will it be better than the original version for laptop that has only 4GB RAM?

 

[Canillenty]

I have always used the Microsoft OS, I used Windows 7 before last year, and I switched to Windows 10 this year.it is doing a good work.

 

[geofelt]

FWIW, I have a travel laptop with 2gb. It is not upgradeable.
It uses windows 10 home 32 bit.
Task manager shows at idle 1.1gb in use with 857mb available.
It is sufficient for email, and I can play civ 2.42 on it which was my primary reason for 32 bit.
Windows invites me to upgrade to 64 bit which I decline.

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you for the answer.

What do you think about SuperLite Compact Edition of windows 10?

<Link deleted by Moderator>

Will it be better than the original version for laptop that has only 4GB RAM?

No.
That is absolutely not valid.
Just use the regular Win 10 Home. Add more RAM if possible.