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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Looking for a good Linux to install on a slow 2019 machine. Relative beginner with Linux. (hexbear.net)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hello! My old laptops hard drive packed it in, so I got a new one and now need to flash drive an operating system on it. I think this is my time to give Linux a proper go. I tried it before for my gaming PC but switched for a cracked Windows key because I was young and not bothered to learn.

Well, now is my chance to give it another go. I'm looking for a Linux optimised for performance on an HP 255 G7. Threadbare, but not so bare that it'll require me to do a load of complicated stuff to do the basics. I'll just be using it for YouTube and Google docs really. Any help/advice/orders are appreciated.

Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I would recommend reinstalling windows, because the activation key is still on the mobo, and you might as well use it. Then you can fuck around with dual boot, and try all sorts of Linux distros.

You can even put them on a USB stick and side load, without installing anything at all. This is great for testing, until you find one you like and pull the trigger on a dual boot setup.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

As an owner of this same laptop, I'd just like to mention its UEFI will wipe the boot menu after you boot it up from external drive. You'll need to use something like efibootmgr (Linux) or Bootice (Windows) to put those entries back. Using Bootice in Hiren's boot is the simplest method. Unfortunately, Windows won't let you navigate into ESP, and Bootice won't let you create a new boot entry without immediately pointing it to .efi file. So, you'll have to create empty .efi file anywhere, select it, and then rewrite the path manually in Bootice. This assumes you know the real full path to the .efi files.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I've never heard of such a thing, on any computer. Though HP would be that shitty. Sounds like something fishy with your UEFI, you ever update your bios?

I used to do this like 30 times a day sometimes (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus), never had an issue with boot menus. The ONLY problem I've ever encountered was an external boot triggering bit locker, and locking me out.

What you've described is a hell I've never experienced, but def does not sound like standard operating procedure.

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