I got an old Mac desktop from my family, but it's pretty dated (2008 model). I'm primarily going to use it for coding and programming, but it's been running super slow on El Capitan with just 4GB RAM and a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Even playing YouTube videos is a struggle, and I can't even get VSCode installed properly. I'm considering shifting to Linux to possibly boost its performance, but I'm also wondering if it might be smarter to invest in a newer laptop instead. Any thoughts on whether switching to Linux could revitalize this old desktop?
3 Answers
Honestly, with your Mac being so unsupported now, sticking with it as-is could lead to some security issues. Linux can definitely enhance performance a little, but it might not turn your old computer into a powerhouse. If I were you, I'd think about putting that effort into saving for a refurbished laptop instead—it could be a really good investment.
If you do decide to go for it, check out lightweight Linux distros like AntiX or Puppy. They're perfect for older hardware! A good tip I always give: you could run it live from a USB stick first to see how it performs before fully committing. Also, consider looking on eBay for refurbished business laptops if you're leaning towards a new device—they can be super affordable and run Linux like a dream.
You might want to check out the migration resources available online. Switching to Linux can help a bit for sure, especially since your Mac is so old and not really supported anymore. Just keep in mind that while Linux can work a bit faster, it won't make a slow machine super speedy. I'd suggest considering whether it's worth the hassle or if you should just save for something newer. Good luck!
Thanks for the info! I'll definitely consider saving for a better machine.