Recommended Linux OS for an old Dell clean install?

Vicktoria

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Hello Everyone, can anyone recommend a Linux OS that would work best on an old Dell Inspiron 8000 with Windows XP Home Edition 32-bit sp2, for a clean Linux install. 37GB Samsung MP 0402H (ATA)? Thanks for being there.
 


I recently installed Linux Lite on an old Dell Inspiron E1505 with an Intel Core Duo T2025 processor, 2048MB of 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 80 GB hard drive, ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 video controller, and BIOS software from 2006.

The Linux Lite 3.8 32bit installed very easily and ran perfectly. You may want to give it a try.
There are a number of other distros offering a 32 bit version if Linux Lite is not to your liking.


On the Linux Lite downloads page scroll down about half way and click the "Previous Versions" down arrow. Select the - 3.8 32bit ISO Download - option.
linux_lite_32bit.png


MX Linux may be another good choice. They also have a 32bit download option.
MX-19.1_386, containing a 32 bit PAE kernel.
 
That can help you:
 
Thank you gentlemen, so good to here from you both.

Vrai: I think the answer to the other issue we were working on is that you cannot put a EFI OS on a MBR system. I'm hoping I can bring the machine back to life with a new HD. Then that will be the Linux machine, and I may give up on a duel install. Thanks for the response, I will check out your suggestions.

Warlock: Thanks, I'll check it out.
 
hi vicky and a safe easter to all :)

a note to helpers is that the unit the OP refers to has

- 512 MB RAM (maximum it can take, it will be 2 x 256 MB sticks) and
- she has a need for dialup access using an external ZOOM on the outside, Conexant USB CX93010 ACF Modem

vicky if you are searching, use eg

linux <name of distro> system requirements

to get an idea and

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-weight_Linux_distribution

may be of some use

cheers

wiz
 
Hello Vicktoria,
Great advice from the above posters. There are several distros that will run on older computers. I'm running LXLE on an old Dell Inspiron 1545 (it runs better than my windows 10 computer) and am planning to check out some of the other distros.
Best Wishes,
Buzzzer
 
" . . . the other issue we were working on is that you cannot put a EFI OS on a MBR system. I'm hoping I can bring the machine back to life with a new HD. . . "

Recommend antiX with a swap file, if all that is available is 512MB RAM and et cetera, as wizardfromoz details.
 
Thanks everyone for the info. I'll update you all soon. I must tend to work which I've neglected for 7 weeks, during this struggle.
 
Thanks everyone for the info. I'll update you all soon. I must tend to work which I've neglected for 7 weeks, during this struggle.
 
It doesn't matter. I'm glad for you. Hope it was useful to you.
 
i've heard good things about it, but vicktoria would not get the support

Damn Small Linux
Operating system
Description
Damn Small Linux is a computer operating system for the x86 family of personal computers. It is free and open source software under the terms of the GNU GPL and other free and open source licenses. Wikipedia

OS family: Unix-like
Source model: Open-source software
Latest release: 4.4.10 / November 18, 2008; 11 years ago
Latest preview: 4.11 Release Candidate 2 / September 26, 2012; 7 years ago
Initial release: April 13, 2005; 14 years ago
Default user interfaces: Fluxbox, JWM

website still operational, FAQ and Wiki OK, but no entries forum and blog since 2012 or so. doesn't appear in distrowatch.com

wiz
 
Hello Everyone, can anyone recommend a Linux OS that would work best on an old Dell Inspiron 8000 with Windows XP Home Edition 32-bit sp2, for a clean Linux install. 37GB Samsung MP 0402H (ATA)? Thanks for being there.
Which processor does this one have, the Mobile P3 or the mobile celeron?
 
you may need to tell vicktoria how to find that information via win xp, paul :)

wiz
 
you may need to tell vicktoria how to find that information via win xp, paul :)

wiz
Good point, Wiz. Here goes.
From the main menu, select "Settings", and on the right side "Control Panel".
In the "Control Panel" window, double click on the "System" icon.
Select the "Hardware" tab, and click the button marked "Device Manager".
Down near the bottom, you will see "Processors".
Click on the + sign next to "Processors", and it will show the type installed in your computer. Don't be confused if it shows the same thing twice.

Happy Trails,
Paul
 
Last edited:
I think with any xfce would work for an old PC. Best to use a live usb to play with.
 
Wow, I missed a few days wrestling with the new windows 10 machine...and all kinds of wonderful info has arrived. Thanks everyone. Did I say I hate windows!!! I hate windows 10 the most. It is not geared for dial-up and as my first Linux guru said today, neither is Linux any more. I hope those developers out there don't leave we who live in the woods in the dust. I actually like that I'm not bombarded with many cell towers and satellites. I have some research I see. I will try the OS which ran on other Dell Inspirons.

Thanks Wizard for suggesting to VP9KS that I might need specific directions on where to find things and how to do things in step by step fashion. Your're right! Thanks for the translation as well. DSL looks interesting. Wizard, you said 'if you are searching use, eg'. What is 'eg'...you know there are large holes in my knowledge base ;)

VP9KS: Is the processor different than the CPU? CPU is Intel Pentium III E. I don't have that machine with me today. At hispeed with the new HP windows 10. I see in my Dell notes that the motherboard is a Dell computer corp Inspiron 8000e microprocessor, so I guess a processor is different. I'll look again when I get home.

So I'm off to restrict this windows from running away with my dial-up with it's frivolous apps. The new HD should arrive this weekend so that I can create a wonderful dedicated Linux machine. I bought the windows before I figured out I might salvage the old machine. Perhaps it is best as they don't seem to play well together. At any rate, it is what it is. Updates soon.
 
I love Windows 10 the most out of all the Windows from 3.1, but I haven't even seen a computer with dial-up since 1998.
 
Yes, I'll have to admit Haxnet, it would change my attitude if I could use dial-up without all the congestion. I tried to stop some of the non-essential elements to free up the connection, but that didn't flow. Maybe it's a learning curve. I suspect there is no respect for the rustic folks on dial up.
 
Yes, I'll have to admit Haxnet, it would change my attitude if I could use dial-up without all the congestion. I tried to stop some of the non-essential elements to free up the connection, but that didn't flow. Maybe it's a learning curve. I suspect there is no respect for the rustic folks on dial up.

Also have a look at;
 

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