I've got this older school computer that runs Windows 10 but it's so slow it's basically unusable. I want to breathe new life into it by installing Linux. I've heard that Arch Linux is one of the lightest distributions out there, even though it's supposed to be trickier for newbies like me. I've also heard good things about XFCE being user-friendly. However, I have no idea how to install either of them, so I could really use some guidance! Specs are 4GB RAM, Intel Celeron N4120 CPU at 1.10GHz, and Intel Graphics 600 (512MB). Sorry for my cluelessness!
3 Answers
Just a heads up: if this computer belongs to the school, be cautious about making any changes. If it's yours, then I would still suggest starting with something like Linux Mint or Debian for a smooth experience. You could try a Live USB first using Ventoy to see if you like it without changing your system right away!
If you're just starting out with Linux, I highly recommend trying Linux Mint with XFCE first. It's user-friendly and has everything you need to get started without any hassle. Once you feel comfortable, you can always give Arch a shot!
Totally agree! Mint's a great starting point. It’ll help you get used to Linux basics before jumping into Arch.
I think a great way to learn is by watching some tutorials. Check out YouTube; I found a couple solid guides for installing Arch and also for Linux Mint. The Arch Wiki is also an invaluable resource! Using an install script with Arch can simplify things a lot, especially for beginners.
Good call! I didn't think about using a Live USB. That sounds like a safer bet to try Linux.