linux4noobs

1495 readers

1 users here now

linux4noobs

Noob Friendly, Expert Enabling

Whether you're a seasoned pro or the noobiest of noobs, you've found the right place for Linux support and information. With a dedication to supporting free and open source software, this community aims to ensure Linux fits your needs and works for you. From troubleshooting to tutorials, practical tips, news and more, all aspects of Linux are warmly welcomed. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals driving Linux's ongoing evolution.

Seeking Support?

Mention your Linux distro and relevant system details.
Describe what you've tried so far.
Share your solution even if you found it yourself.
Do not delete your post. This allows other people to see possible solutions if they have a similar problem.
Properly format any scripts, code, logs, or error messages.
Be mindful to omit any sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, IP addresses, etc.

Community Rules

Keep discussions respectful and amiable. This community is a space where individuals may freely inquire, exchange thoughts, express viewpoints, and extend help without encountering belittlement. We were all a noob at one point. Differing opinions and ideas is a normal part of discourse, but it must remain civil. Offenders will be warned and/or removed.
Posts must be Linux oriented
Spam or affiliate links will not be tolerated.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

PlutoParty

Linux for a 2006 Asus laptop (lemmy.zip)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/linux4noobs

31 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I digged out my dad's old business laptop from 2006. This Asus rust is almost as old as me. But it booted up a horribly slow Windows 7 Home Premium that is totally unusable. Takes 30-40 minutes to open Chrome. Here are the specs: 40 gb old hard drive that is suprisingly healthy (96℅ according to HDDsentinel, more than 1000 days left) 1.73 ghz Intel Celeron M single core cpu that wasn't exactly the fastest even in 2006 1.25 gb of terribly slow RAM American Megatrends BIOS from 2006 I know Linux can't do miracles, but are there any still supported distro i could install that would actually run better than this shitty windows stuff?

I found puppy slitaz antix tahrpup ArchBang Slax Delicate Damn Small Linux Absolute FunOS LegacyOS exe gnu/linux Do you know others? Or from these which you recommend if my goal is to create a relatively useable, faster computer, preferably while it doesn't look that awful (the desktop or wm). So usability>speed>looks But all these are very important, just in this order. Also recommend a desktop enviroment or a window manager that runs well, but doesn't look that awful and can be installed on these distros

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

you know even the slightest thing about hardware???

Don't be snotty. Perhaps it's you who doesn't know? Read on. I've gone the distance in refurbishing old laptops. This project is likely to be $100, maybe less depending on what we find. If you can't spend anything, whew, going to be hell.

I've put a SATA drive in a 486SX from 1999. Adapters exist. No, you won't get top speed, but it beats hell out of an HDD.

Update the BIOS first! That can make or break upgrades. Never had an ASUS, worked on plenty, they seem pretty solid on that count.

Look up "max RAM" for that exact model. That can be a real limitation, but I'd bet you could cram at least 4GB, if not 8GB. And remember, manufacturer specs can often be exceeded. Check ASUS, then see what people have said in forums. I've doubled what the maker says is possible many, many times.

Can't speak to a distro, but you need to get an SSD in there and boost the RAM before even bothering.

BTW, any chance that CPU is socketed, removable? I've had great success replacing CPUs in old laptops. Upgrades can be hilariously cheap on eBay. Cheap as in, $10 for a far better chip. Send me the exact model and we'll look.

While we're at it, a new battery is probably cheap, like $20. But that goes in last.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago

cpu is not removeable. only a few slots are unscrewable on the laptop, propably the battery, ram, storage slots. but i can't find a working screwdriver rn. I meant that you don't know my hardware, it is worse than you think. I had bad luck with adapters, even my 2019 gamer laptop couldn't boot from a hdd using usb-sata adapter, it doesn't even worth to try on a cheap 2006 laptop. Only thing i could get is a bigger pata/ide drive. I looked some up on hardverapro.hu (basically craigslist in hungary), they are rare and doesn't worth the money. Only ram could worth it to upgrade, but first i need a screwdriver