I'm looking to dive into Linux and I've devised a project to help me learn. After some research, I've realized it's a bit more complicated than I initially thought due to the numerous options available.
Here's a bit about my background: I had a Chromebook in high school, so my Linux experience is pretty limited to rewatching some tech YouTube videos. I do have some general PC knowledge, having built a few gaming computers and installed Windows 10 from a USB drive, along with disassembling laptops.
For this project, I want to create a PC for my dad's garage that will handle light browsing, like watching YouTube tutorials, using Facebook, and doing some Googling.
I'll be working with various old HP laptops from around the Windows 7 era, which are DDR2 systems with 2-4GB of memory and unknown processors/GPUs. I also have a 32GB USB 2.0 flash drive and a 128GB Lite-On SSD that I'd prefer not to use if possible.
Here are my specific questions:
1. Which Linux distribution would be best for this setup? It needs to be very easy to use—basically log in and start Chrome.
2. What's the smallest and cheapest SSD I would need for this project, since I won't be downloading big files, just Google and the OS?
3. I've heard Linux and Android overlap a bit. Would it be better to use a version that runs apps instead of desktop programs?
4. What else should I know before jumping in?
5 Answers
Lightweight distributions are perfect for older systems. I personally use AntiX for my older Dell laptop, and it handles things without issues. Just search for "lightweight Linux distros" to find options that don't put too much strain on your CPU. Also, try out live USB systems to test different distributions before settling on one.
If you’re working with older hardware, I would suggest looking into something like the XFCE edition of Mint. It’s designed to run smoothly on systems with limited resources. Plus, it provides a stable experience with an interface that should be easy for your dad to navigate.
You really can’t go wrong with Linux Mint. I’ve installed it on several machines and it’s always performed well. There’s almost no learning curve, and your dad will find the interface familiar since it resembles Windows 7/XP.
For your use case, I recommend going with Ubuntu. It's well-suited for low-spec systems and has fairly low storage requirements. The bare minimum you’d want is about 60GB for the OS and your intended use, but 128GB is a good size that gives you some breathing room to learn other aspects of Linux too. Zorin is also a solid option since it mimics Windows without all the bloatware, while Mint is another favorite for beginners and tends to be really user-friendly.
Consider installing Chrome OS instead. You can run it from a USB drive, and it would boot directly into the Chrome browser, which is exactly what you need for basic tasks. You can set it up so that it only runs Google Chrome, making usage simple for your dad.
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