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Emmanuel
Lv 5
Emmanuel asked in Computers & InternetHardwareLaptops & Notebooks · 1 decade ago

Can I put linux on my old HP/ Compaq laptop?

I really want to try linux (Just for fun, and cost free if possible), and I was just thinking that I have an old compaq laptop, with a very messed up windows vista on it. Well, it does aboslutly nothing, thats how messed up the vista is on it. Is there anyway I can completly take vista off of it (and everything else off of it), and install linux? If so please explain to me how.

Thanks!!

Update:

Would that work with any linux distro?

Also How do I get whats left of vista off of the computer??

Update 2:

Also, I think I want to use Ubuntu linux.

Update 3:

Is just the regular Ubuntu ( http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop ) good? Thats the one I was planning on installing?

Also if for some reason the laptop, doesnt end up working, can I run is along side mac OS 10 using my new macbook pro? Will this slow down my computer?

4 Answers

Relevance
  • Jessica Queller
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Yes, that would work with any Linux distro.

    You will have the option when you install to install Ubuntu side-by-side with Windows (a dual-boot) or to use the entire disk (erase Windows completely).

    Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu Linux but includes a lot of popular proprietary codecs (MP3 playback, Flash plugin, etc.).

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Desktop (built from parts) AMD Phenom X4, 2GB DDR2, Nvidia, Ubuntu 10.10/Debian Lenny, 6-7 months old. 2nd desktop, Dell Dimension B110, Intel Celeron D, 512MB RAM, Arch Linux/Slackware 13.1, several years old, got it at an auction for $45. Laptop, Gateway Solo 1450, Intel Celeron, 256MB RAM, Gentoo Linux and Win XP. Haven't booted XP in ages. Eight years old, got it on Ebay for $65. 2nd Laptop, IBM Thinkpad 380ED, Intel Pentium, 80MB RAM, Debian Lenny expert install /w no graphics, Twelve years old. $50 for it, a printer and an SD card.

  • Linux Mint 11
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

    Linux Mint 9 Download

    http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52

    The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 9 (Isadora)

    http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linu...

    Linux Mint 9 User Guide Download pdf.

    http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php

    You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

    Linux Mint 9 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive

    Also worth considering :

    Fedora Remix (Fedora with elements of Linux Mint)

    http://fcoremix.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/lucky-13/

    http://iso.linux.hr/community-fedora-remix/

    http://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/Fedora/13/html...

    Again Fedora Remix can be run direct from the LiveDVD without touching your Hard Drive

    Also you can try out as many different Linux distros. as you like on LiveCD until you find the one thats right for you DISTROWATCH.COM gives full listings (second lists the major distributions)

    http://distrowatch.com/

    Major Linux Distributions

    http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

    LUg.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    you can put linux mint on a thumb drive and when the comouter starts boot from that, installation option will apear.

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