looking for a very easy to use linux distro

h2009

h2009

h2009

Associate
Joined
6 Jan 2008
Posts
316
Hi there,

Im completely new to linux, and im looking to install it on a laptop which basically has problems running windows xp due to its spec. Im looking for an easy to use system, which can run things like MSN, or something like it (which allows webcam usage)

The laptop itself is a Hi-Grade 8615 GTK.

but im using a wireless mini express card to access the net. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000XPF7RS

Is there any that will suit me?

thanks
 
There are several Linux distros targeted at low-spec machines. What is the machine's vital stats? A quick Googling seems to suggest that the machine probably has a 1.5-2.0 Ghz Celeron with 256 or 512 MiB RAM. That's perfectly serviceable for use with a mainstream distro, not specifically one intended for use with low-spec machines. Correct me if I'm wrong.

One nice thing about Linux is that you can try as many distros as you like to see what you like best.
Consider looking at:
Ubuntu
Xubuntu (Ubuntu with a lighter weight GUI)
Linux Mint
Sabayon
Fedora

As for the wireless card we'll need to know what chipset is in use in it. To find that out you can boot a Linux CD and from a terminal window type
lspci
to list hardware the machine sees as being in an expansion slot. Paste the results here. :)

In addition, are you using the card in N mode, or G? It might make a difference.
 
hi guys,
thank you for your replys. I've decided to give ubuntu a go to see how i get along.

The spec of the machine is:
2.0 Ghz Celeron with 512 MB RAM

The wireless card
model is belkin f5d8073 and the chipset rt2860 (found in google) but i also come across this thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=713716 which may show i wont be able to get it to work.

The card is a N type, but to be honest it doesnt matter to me which grade it uses.
 
It doesn't hurt to try to get it working, even if just using the Live CD. Try Ubuntu or Fedora, they tend to have some of the best hardware support.

Also, compose and send an email to Belkin asking why they don't have any drivers for you. ;)
 
Just in the process of trying ubuntu, and i've loaded into a GUI with two icons install and examples - but it doesn't seem to be doing anything, i can here the DVD spinning, but not much else is happening.

do i just leave it to get on?

P.s. it seems to be very slow
 
Could you tell me please how do i know if its installing itself? It seems like the computer has stopped responding but i can hear the DVD spinning still. The mouse, keyboard do not respond.

Also you mentioned Live cd, does it not install itself to the HDD then?

thank you
 
No it doesn't unless you specifically tell it to.

THATS the beauty of a Live CD.. It leaves your hard drive untouched until your sure you want it installed. This way you can try lots of different distros.

Running the O/s From CD will be slow too.. Like the old Amiga days running Workbench from floppy.
 
You double click the Install icon on the desktop and the installer window will appear and guide you through the process. If it's been more than a minute without a window appearing kill the machine and try booting it again.

If that continues to fail try the "Alternate" installer CD which isn't as friendly, but is a lot more flexible.
 
Hi there,
I got it all working (thank you) - but i've got a problem with the resolution, i cant seem to change it from 800x600 - and i cant find any specs for the laptop so im stuck. any idea what i can do?
 
Carry on.

If you like it, then install it. When the installation finishes and you reboot into the real environment the changes you make will then stick.

First thing i do is ....WAIT
You will get a couple of pop ups ... One for software updates and the other for restricted graphics drivers available.

click the Restricted graphics drivers balloon and tick the check box. It will download and install the better drivers. When thats done...close the window..wait a mo for the restart icon.

Then reboot

Now click the software updates icon.
 
As a fellow Linux noob, I recommend Ubuntu - it seems to work with my laptop better than any other distro I tried and is certainly hailed as one of the most newbie friendly ones.
 
For the purposes of some guides elsewhere I've recently tried OpenSuse10.3, Kubuntu 7.10, Fedora 8, Mint 4.0, PCLinuxOS 2007 and Mandriva 2008. Out of them Mint was a fairly clear winner for me, and I'm not far from from a newbie.


M
 
Last edited:
They dont exists!.....

Basically any with a well written install guide/general wiki (and with a good user forum) would be fine to use. This covers pretty much all the large distro's
 
Ive just installed Linux Mint 4.0. It is the most user friendly Linux disto Ive used so far. Currently I only use it to surf the web though. Next challenge will be newsreader's and games.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom