What Linux distribution would work well on an old Dell Inspiron 1545?

The main question is what you expect to use it for. If it’s currently slow because of an old hard drive, replacing that drive with an SSD and adding RAM, if possible, may make a bigger difference than changing distributions. Linux is worth trying, but use the live USB session to check Wi-Fi, sound, graphics, and other hardware before committing.

Linux can give that laptop a useful second life, but the experience will depend on its RAM, processor, and whether it still has a mechanical hard drive. Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop is familiar to Windows users; if performance is sluggish, try Mint Xfce or another lightweight desktop. Ubuntu is also a solid choice because it has extensive documentation and community support.

A good starting path would be: back up your data, create a bootable USB, try Mint or Ubuntu in live mode, check that the hardware works, and only then install. You don’t need to make a permanent decision immediately, and most common Linux distributions work in broadly similar ways once you learn the basics.

Before installing, make sure you know how to install and update software, recognize trustworthy packages, and keep the system current with security updates. Also check whether you need any Windows-only programs, since compatibility can vary. For basic browsing, documents, and media, an older Inspiron should still be useful with a lightweight Linux desktop.

There isn’t one objectively best distribution. Start with a major beginner-friendly option such as Mint or Ubuntu, then see which interface feels comfortable. You can preview several distributions in a browser-based Linux tester, or boot a USB in live mode without installing anything. Back up your files before changing partitions or replacing the current operating system.