I have an old eMachines T3640 that struggles to run Windows Vista. I'm thinking about either installing Windows XP alone or dual-booting Linux. I'm curious if there are any vintage Linux distributions worth my time, or if it's better to stick to a modern, lightweight version. I understand that my use case matters, but I'm just looking for some opinions. Right now, I'm waiting for my VGA cable to arrive, so I can't get more details, but any insights would be great!
Here are the specs:
- Intel Celeron 430 processor
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
- 160 GB HDD
- 1 GB DDR2 Dual Channel memory
3 Answers
It's generally a better idea to opt for a lightweight, modern distribution rather than sticking with something vintage. Older distros can cause issues because of outdated software, especially if you're planning to browse the web or do anything online.
What's your goal with the setup? Are you aiming to play classic games or just look for some general software use?
Mostly vintage gaming! I just want to see what the machine can handle. I already use Mint on a newer laptop.
You might want to test some lightweight Linux versions from a USB drive. I’ve tried Puppy Linux and it's super easy to set up without installing. Just grab a spare USB stick, and you're good to go! Most likely, you'll want a GUI, not just a terminal interface, so keep that in mind.
I do prefer a GUI! I should definitely start with some live boots to get a feel for different options, thanks!
That makes sense! I just wondered if there were any cool features from older distros. Got any recommendations for lightweight ones?