I have this old laptop that runs really slow with Windows 10, and I'm looking to install a lightweight Linux distro to give it a new life. I've heard Arch Linux is one of the lightest options available, but I'm also aware that it can be pretty difficult for beginners like me. I'm considering using XFCE since it seems like a cool and useful desktop environment. Can anyone share some guidance on how to install both Arch and XFCE? My laptop specs are 4GB RAM, Intel Celeron N4120 CPU at 1.10GHz, and Intel Graphics 600 (512MB). Any help would be much appreciated!
3 Answers
If you want to dive into Arch, I recommend watching some tutorials online, especially on YouTube. The Arch Wiki is also an invaluable resource. There's a YouTuber named 'Some Ordinary Gamers' who has good guides on both Arch and Linux Mint, and I found them super helpful!
For a smooth experience, I'd suggest starting with Linux Mint XFCE. It's user-friendly and has everything you need right out of the box. Once you're more familiar with Linux, you can always try Arch later, and it will be much easier to navigate!
Consider the ownership of that laptop. If you have to return it, I suggest using a Live USB to try out different distros without making permanent changes. Ventoy is a great tool for that. If it’s yours, going with Debian or Mint might be less hassle than Arch. Regardless, trying out Linux from a Live USB is a safe way to explore!
Thanks for the advice! It's my laptop, so I can make changes to it. But I'm definitely interested in trying out a Live USB first!
Yeah, Mint is a great starting point. It helped me get accustomed to Linux before I moved to more advanced distros!