Have
an old x86 machines that's super slow when running Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP or
even Windows 7?
A
Linux distribution might just be what the doctor ordered for your PC as noted
in the Geezam blog article “Linux
and Other Open Source Technologies: The Benefits for Jamaica”. Linux
is an open-source (and free) OS that can breathe new life into your old
machines.
Because
it’s based on the Linux Kernel, Linux Operating Systems, which are called
flavours, have much lower system requirements and fewer security issues. But
with hundreds of flavours of Linux, which one do you choose?
Ubuntu and Fedora – the
Obvious Choice for Linux lovers
The
most obvious choice will be to use an OS that has the look and feel of Linux
and windows and may be capable of running Windows programs.
To
this end, I usually recommend Ubuntu OS or Fedora, which can all be installed
on the same machine and has some interesting benefits as noted in my blog article
entitled “How
to install Windows, Fedora Linux and Ubuntu Linux on the same Computer”.
After
all, Ubuntu is the choice for Xiaomi's US$200 Mi Notebook as I'd explained in my
blog article
entitled “How
Xiaomi's US$200 Mi Notebook is a Linux Ubuntu Laptop for Christmas 2016”,
so it's natural.
Zorin OS - Windows
paintjob with a heart of a Linux
If
you want a Linux OS that looks like Windows then Zorin OS is your best bet.
It
has a GUI (graphical user interface) that can be tailored to look like a Mac or
a PC. Like Windows it has a Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen
with a programs list and search tool, just like Windows.
In
the lower-right corner there's a notification area, clock, volume control,
again borrowed from the Windows OS. But aside from the Windows-like appearance,
the fact that it comes pre-loaded with WINE as described in my blog article
entitled “How
to install Windows, Fedora Linux and Ubuntu Linux on the same Computer” means it can run pretty much any window
program with ease.
Mint OS, KXStudio OS
and Tails OS - Linux flavours with a Dash of Cinnamon, Music and Privacy
Other
distros are more Linux-like and make the transition to Linux that much easier. One
such is Mint OS, a great option if you want to dive into Linux. The Linux
distro UI (User Interface) comes in four desktop flavours:
1.
Cinnamon
2.
KDE
3.
Mate
4.
Xfce
If
you a first time to Linux OS, choose the Cinnamon desktop. Xfce is for the
control-loving persons who like menu-configuration options. Xfce is lightweight
and will run very well on x86 machines designed to run Windows 95, 98, 2000 or
XP.
If Music is your thing, then KXStudio OS is the Linux Distro for you. It comes preloaded with custom audio applications and utilities. KXStudio OS uses both Debian and Ubuntu software repositories, so updates are never far away.
Tails
OS is for the spies among us who love privacy online and want to remain
anonymous and secret. It can run from a USB Thumb Drive, DVD or even a memory
card. The tools are also very barebones, with traffic from its browser, email
client, instant messenger being routed through Tor Servers akin to how the Tor
Messenger works as explained in my MICO
Wars blog article entitled “How
Tor Messenger Beta keeps your Messages Private”.
So
with so many choices, you can visit the LIVECD list and download a bootable
Linux OS and use it to revive you old PC. Sharing is caring so share this with
as many of your friends as you like.
Here’s
the link:
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