I'm currently using Windows 10 on my old laptop, which was originally meant for Windows 7. Here are my specs: Intel i3 (2nd gen) at 2.20 GHz, 120GB SSD plus a 300GB external HDD, 4GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce 410M. Since my laptop is on its last legs, I'm searching for a lightweight Linux distribution that can help me manage my coding projects effectively. I've done some research and came across Linux Mint, but I'm confused about the differences between the Xfce, MATE, and Cinnamon editions. Given my hardware limitations, which distro and desktop environment would work best for me?
2 Answers
Honestly, your laptop isn't too outdated. Just steer clear of Gnome. I'd personally suggest using Xfce on a distro like Linux Mint or maybe even Arch Linux if you're feeling adventurous.
I recommend trying a distro with Xfce, like Linux Mint Xfce. It's lighter on resources compared to others, which should help you make the most of your hardware. Most Linux distros are generally pretty light, so you should have a decent experience overall.
What are the main trade-offs if I go for Xfce instead of Cinnamon?
Also, don't forget to install the proprietary Nvidia drivers, as Mint defaults to the Nouveau driver, which doesn't perform well. If you face issues, try MX Linux (Xfce edition); their Nvidia installer works great.