[TML] Off topic Linux Question

[Knapp]

On Sun, Mar 2, 2008 at 4:30 PM, Tom Cusworth
<tom.cusworth at googlemail.com> wrote:
> Hello,
>
>  Apologies for the non-Traveller content, I wanted to seek some advice...
>
>  Since I have heard a load of you mention that you either use, or have much
>  experience with Linux, I thought that this might be a good place to get some
>  advice...
>
>  I have an old (2001) desktop PC (a Packard Bell iMedia machine) that I have
>  been trying to get any one of two versions of Linux running on, so that I
>  can try out this OS.
>
>  The Specs for the PC are a 1.1gig processor (P3), 256Mb Ram, an NVidia 32Mb
>  graphics card and about 8 gig left on a 20 gig HDD. Current OS is Windows XP
>  Home with SP 2 installed...
>
>  I tried to install Mandriva Linux and then, when that failed, I tried
>  Ubuntu...
>
>  I burned the ISOs for the disks onto CDs using the CD writer on the machine
>  in question.
>
>  When I get to the boot screen, I am confronted by a number of options. I
>  chose "Install/Run" (or similar wording) on both Linux versions.
>
>  However, it seems to be booting fine, then it gets so far (to a screen with
>  a animated progress bar that runs from left to right) then it hangs... It
>  allows no keyboard input and I have to start all over again.
>
>  I know there's nothing wrong with the disks, as they both work fine on my
>  laptop (a Dell Inspiron 6000).
>
>  Can anyone suggest a fix to get either Mandriva or Ubuntu running on my
>  desktop (I do not mind losing Windows completely - it will probably be a
>  blessing).
>
>  Feel free to contact me off-list with suggestions, I know that the TML is
>  for Traveller-related content...
>
>  Thanks,
>
>  Tom
>

I have had this problem with my old lap tops. It is a lack of memory
problem. (of course there are other things it could be, this is best
guess.)
The best ubuntu for small systems is  Xubuntu or maybe Fluxubunt but I
love kubuntu (for big systems but it might work on yours with the alt
install.).
In any case try to install using the alt disk.

>From their web site about the alt disk.
> It installs on systems with less than about 320MB of RAM (although note that low-memory systems may not be able to run a full desktop environment reasonably).

Another thing to think about is that the up coming release of ubuntu
is the one with long term support, if you care about such things. I
don't.

Also you can try Damn small linux and see if the works. Boot it to
memory, if it will work, for the kick of seeing your old computer run
faster than your friends new system with windows on it.

Check out distro watch for a bunch of other ideas.
http://distrowatch.com/

If you need more lets take it off list.


-- 
Douglas E Knapp
http://sf-journey-creations.wikispot.org/Front_Page