Which OS to replace XP ?

Dazstoke

Dazstoke

Dazstoke

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22 Nov 2012
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I have a mini pc,an e-Machine ER1401 running XP.With support for XP ending next year I am considering a version of Linux.
Thing is I use this computer for 1 thing and 1 thing only,streaming off the net
Nothing else whatsoever.
It is connected to a 37" lcd tv via hdmi and to a router by ethernet.

What would you suggest I go for ?

The spec of the pc is

* AMD Athlon™ II Dual Core K325
* NVIDIA® nForce® 9200 Chipset,
* Memory - 2GB DDR3 RAM | 2 x SODIMM slot
* Hard Drive - 250GB SATA
* Graphics - NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 Graphics
* USB dvd drive
* Infra red keyboard (usb)
 
Hi, you could look at some of the 'Linux Media Centre Distributions' and see what (Linux Media Centre) software are available.
I'm not sure which distro, but you can use your existing TV remote to control the interface (via HDMI CEC).
I do not have a set up so can't recommend anything.
 
If it's just literally streaming off the net, I'd say it doesn't really matter what you pick providing the sites you use are compatible with whatever browser the OS comes with or has available.

I think Mint XFCE edition looks quite nice and should be pretty snappy.

http://www.linuxmint.com/
 
i recently tried about 15 different distros and settled on this

http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2013/08/elementary-os-ascension-millenium.html

follow this after install

http://www.elementaryupdate.com/search/label/Tweaks

then install chromium and vlc from the software centre and you are ready to rock

the only thing i didnt like at first where the window buttons and the taskbar being at the top

the tweak tool sorts that out

15pg7es.png


seems to run pretty snappy on my old laptop
 
Just tried to install mint xfce but the install failed.
I'm wondering if I downloaded the wrong version.

Does anyone know which version is compatible with my computer ? I thought the processor was 64-bit but now I'm not so sure.
 
I was trying to install it alongside XP but when it got as far as the partition screen whatever I tried it came up with install failed or words to that effect
 
Not wishing to hijack the thread but ressurect it. I have a Netbook with XP OS. I only use it on occasions and mainly to stream football (HammersTV) with the better clarity on it's smaller screen.
I have no preferences but an OS that has Flash installed without having to enter code etc. which I noticed some of the Linux ones required. Thanks.
 
emu said:
foreright
if your netbook can handle it netrunner is a fantastic distro with most stuff pre loaded
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Emu. I have downloaded and am currently using it and all is fine.
Assuming you use it, can you tell me if I can and how to set up wireless networking.
I can see all my Windows network when I hard wire the Netbook to router/switch but not when I am using wireless which i have to say was easy to set up and good speeds obtained.
Hope you can help.
 
foreright said:
Thanks for that Emu. I have downloaded and am currently using it and all is fine.
Assuming you use it, can you tell me if I can and how to set up wireless networking.
I can see all my Windows network when I hard wire the Netbook to router/switch but not when I am using wireless which i have to say was easy to set up and good speeds obtained.
Hope you can help.
Click to expand...

hi
mine picked up the wireless straight away

maybe check the unrestricted drivers in settings?
 
Thanks for the reply Emu but I have it working now. Except although the wireless connection is OK, the network comes and goes when I am using the BB on wireles. Seeing shared connections from my PC and media player is hit and miss. I haven't had to set up a home network as it sees them but can fail to see them too.
 
I've managed to instal xubuntu 13.10 alongside XP.

I don't appear to have any sound output.According to the system info I have both Realtek and Nvidia hi definition audio.

Is this likely to be a driver issue ?
 
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I ditched XP and installed Mint 15 (cinnamon) on my cronk of a media rig, just installed it and everything worked, even my ancient obscure Wi-Fi card, even comes with firefox and VLC, the only thing I have to download via its software manager was a torrent app, and that's was it.

I was shocked how straight forward it was, as a first time linux user.
 
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guys after distro hopping for about 6 months i have finally settled on pclinuxos

you can install the e17 or cinnamon desktop

and it comes with kde as default

best distro i have tried and even picked up the wifi card on my amd netbook
 
Dazstoke, since you’re using xfce you should get sound. You can set sound levels by pressing the sound-software icon on the taskbar.
 
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