Re: More mileage from an ancient machine
- From: Peter N Spotts <pspotts@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:35:09 -0400
On Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:15:30 -0400
Felix Miata <mrmazda@xxxxxx> wrote:
On 2007/06/29 19:45 (GMT-0400) Peter N Spotts apparently typed:
A friend of mine is turning over to a friend of hers a 1998 Dell
Inspiron 3200 with an XGA color monitor and MMX "technology" -- my
friend wasn't sure whether the processor was 166, 200, or 233 Mhz.
How well might Ubuntu Feisty Fawn run on this, assuming the machine
is otherwise in operating order? The recipient of this antique is
interested in web browsing and email at the moment -- maybe some
work with Open Office when she discovers it...
I ask because my friend's cousin wisely suggested Ubuntu when my
friend balked at installing Windows XP on the machine -- the
recommendation of a commission-happy salesperson at her favorite
computer store.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/SystemRequirements has
the official requirements, but I don't believe they're realistic,
understating RAM requirement and overstating CPU speed requirement.
Best thing to do with a machine like that is try Xubuntu, but only if
you can populate it with 256M or more of RAM. Motherboards of that
vintage typically are limited to 256M but acquired with 128M or less.
Start by checking the motherboard chipset. If an Intel 430VX, take a
pass on even trying. If Intel 430TX or HX, or VIA or SiS, give it a
try.
If Xubuntu installs successfully but is found to function but with
intolerable performance, you could consider a CPU upgrade, after which
you might consider the more popular and resource hungry Kubuntu or
Ubuntu. Old machines like that can often be upgraded to 400MHz or more
by swapping out the Pentium CPU for an AMD K6/2 or K6-III generally
available used for free or cheap.
Many thanks!
Pete
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