Despite the fact that support for the “old lady” XP ceased in April 2014, this system is still installed on thousands of computers around the world. As a rule, these are old and weak machines on which Windows 7/8/10 is very slow. But this does not mean that such a situation should be left to chance!
Why is the system worth changing?
HR is already more than 14 years old. Security systems that are not updated in a timely manner with patches from the Update Center are no longer effective. If you still have XP installed on your computer, you are at considerable risk of losing all your files as a result of malware (and an antivirus is unlikely to help you in this case). And one of the Linux systems for weak computers will help you out.
Which to choose?
Since the hardware of old computers can only shock the imagination with its archaic nature, you will have to choose the lightest, but at the same time the most “friendly” versions. It is generally accepted that Linux is generally distinguished by extremely modest system requirements, but in recent years this has not been entirely true. Firstly, the differences between the versions are huge. Secondly, there are types of systems that can work almost on calculators.
It’s just that a beginner can’t install Gentoo, so it’s better to look for something simpler. So which Linux should you choose for weak computers? This is not the simplest matter, so the choice should be approached quite carefully.
Majority choice
Professionals recommend looking at Linux Mint. This system initially comes with a variety of graphical shells. All of them are quite similar to the old Windows XP. Even Cinnamon (one of them) works well on old hardware, and Mate or XFCE (or LDXE) is ideal for “older” computers.
Until relatively recently, Ubuntu could be recommended for installation on outdated desktops and laptops... But after its developers switched to Unity, novice users began to have massive problems mastering the system. In addition, the new graphical shell puts a lot of pressure even on new hardware, requiring a good video card and a fairly powerful processor. In a word, this version of Linux is contraindicated for owners of “antiques”.
If your “dinosaur” has at least a gigabyte of RAM, the “top-end” Cinnamon will probably suit you. For other cases, we would recommend Xfce. It is this shell that we will discuss in our article. Even if you choose another Linux for weaker computers, but on the same GUI (the so-called graphical environment), our tips will still be useful to you. In any case, you will learn the most basic information, which will still be useful in the future.
How to prepare for the transition?
First, you need to download the ISO image of Linux Mint. Using UltraISO or a similar program, write it to a flash drive. It must be said that its volume must be at least 2 GB. Attention! When recording the system, all data that was previously on the disk drive will be automatically deleted. So make sure that there are no important documents on the flash drive!
Finally, if there is also something important to you on the Windows disks, do not forget to save this data on removable media as well. We strongly advise you not to copy information to drive “D” or another logical partition! The fact is that inexperienced beginners, when installing Linux, often “kill” all the Windows markup, which is why the data on all hard drives is destroyed!
Let's start the installation
We insert the flash drive into any free USB connector (but it is better to use the rear one) and restart the computer. Typically, you need to change the boot sequence in the BIOS. On many computers, the F11 and F12 keys are used to quickly access the boot menu. But this is only true for relatively new computers and laptops.
If you find yourself in this situation, you will have to use the BIOS capabilities. The button required for this is indicated on the initial loading screen. The most commonly used keys are Del and F2. You also have to find the Boot Priority item and set starting from a flash drive as the first item. After this you need to restart your computer. To save settings and then reboot, most BIOS use F10.
What if the computer doesn’t see the USB drive at all?
If the computer is very old, booting from a flash drive may not work at all, since the hardware, in principle, is not designed for this. Well, there's nothing wrong with that: use a DVD. There is definitely a drive for it in an old computer! The free program CDBurnerXP or Nero will help you burn the image to a disc. The latter is not free, but it is more functional. If you have access to a computer with Windows 7/8, then you won’t need any additional utilities, since these systems support disc burning natively.
After everything is finished, you can install Linux for weak computers. Most likely, you will still have to enter the BIOS using the methods we described above. If you did everything correctly, the installer screen will appear in front of you.
Testing and installation
Important! should be performed only after you have verified that the OS is operating normally on your computer. Don't worry: you will always find a Live version of the system on the bootable media. With its help, you can definitely find out whether it’s worth switching to a new OS completely. So, you can check the correct operation of the wireless communication modules and understand whether your video card is suitable for this version of Linux.
Once Linux Live has loaded, click on the gear icon in the lower left corner to bring up your local Start menu. Find the “System” and “Settings” items: they contain basic information about the hardware of your computer. If everything is recognized, everything is fine. In the remaining paragraphs you can familiarize yourself with the programs that come with this system.
Please note that in the “live” system the entire interface is in English. You don't have to do this. When installing Linux, you will be able to select Russian in the first installation window. At the end of the process, you will have a fully localized, ready-to-use system at your disposal.
Start installation
If everything is in order and your experience is positive, simply click on the “Install Linux Mint” shortcut, which is located on your desktop. As is the case with the installer of any program for Windows, you first need to set the basic parameters.
First, the program will independently check the amount of available disk space and the presence of an Internet connection. Let us immediately note that it would be better to connect to the Internet, as this will reduce the number of further “movements”: all necessary updates and localization packages will be downloaded already at the installation stage, so you will not have to deal with this in the future. All you have to do is select your time zone, assign a password, username, and keyboard layout. Unlike Windows, you can’t refuse to choose a password, so it’s better to write it down somewhere so you don’t forget.
Only then does the Linux system begin copying its files to the hard drive. It should be noted that this process takes about 30-45 minutes. Once everything is ready, the system will prompt you to reboot: watch the display carefully, as it will tell you at what point you need to remove the installation media.
What to do after installation?
As we said, any version of Linux that uses the Xfce environment should, by its nature, work well with older hardware. Immediately after logging in, you will see a fairly simple and functional desktop. If you have at least some experience with a computer, you will probably figure it out quickly and without any problems. As a rule, questions may arise only with the display resolution. This can be changed via the Settings/Resolution menu. All names will already be in the “native and mighty”: Russian Linux in this regard is even easier to set up and learn!
If this is the case in your case, that is, you need to set the resolution yourself, then the automatic one did not work for some reason. There is no need to worry: you need to go to the “System/Driver Manager” menu, select from the list the one marked “Recommended”, click on the “Apply changes” button, wait until the process is completely completed, and then restart the computer. If you have any issues with your wireless connection, also use the Driver Manager.
In general, more or less experienced Windows XP users rarely have problems when working with Mint. So setting up Linux may not be a very familiar task, but it is quite easy to cope with.
Working with application utilities
All major programs are accessed through the Start menu. Using the search bar it is easy to find those utilities whose location you do not know. For example, if you start typing th or "mail", the system will immediately display the Thunderbird mail application. We recommend pinning your most frequently used programs to the Taskbar. To do this, right-click on the application shortcut and select the desired item in the pop-up menu.
“Program Manager” will help you install those application applications that are not initially included in the system. To launch it, you need to go to the “System” menu. Since the “Manager” has thousands of programs sorted into categories, even inexperienced users will definitely not be stunned: “Internet”, “Audio and Video”, “Graphics”, “Games” will help you choose the application you need. There is also a search function that makes working with this useful package even easier. For example, you can enter Skype into the search bar so that you are immediately transferred to the installation window for this client.
In general, Linux users have thousands of alternatives to Windows programs. It’s just that in most cases they will be called slightly differently. To find the most suitable application for you, you can turn to the almighty Internet for help.
The search question can be formulated here as you wish. By digging through the links, you will probably find the solution you need. By the way! Don't hesitate to help from the Ubuntu community. These two distributions (this also means Mint) are built on an absolutely similar base, so advice from experienced users will certainly not be superfluous.
Benefits of the Installation Center
Let's assume that you have found out exactly the name of the program that you need for your work. You can simply copy and paste its name into the search bar in the Manager. Please note that we strongly recommend that inexperienced people use it rather than download installation packages from the Internet. Firstly, this way you will get the most reliable and tested releases. Secondly, you can be completely confident in the absolute safety of programs obtained in this way. Even the best Linux will not provide any protection if you install “rogue” applications from unknown sources.
Thirdly, all these applications will be updated centrally, simultaneously with the system itself. This is not only convenient, but also extremely important for the security of your computer and the documents that are on its hard drive. By the way, the availability of updates is indicated by a shield icon located in the lower right corner. If there is a need for this, then by going to the “System” menu item and selecting the appropriate value, you will start the system update process manually.
Forgetting about “My Computer”
To open an analogue of “My Computer”, you need to click on the icon with a folder icon in the left corner (on the “Taskbar”). In the window that opens there is a house icon, on which is written the name that you chose when installing the system. Let's click on it. A file manager window of a completely familiar type opens, in which you can select folders with the names “Video”, “Photos”, “Documents”, etc. We think that you will be able to figure out their purpose on your own.
In principle, access to removable USB media will be even easier and will not require any effort from the user. Unless you have to firmly grasp the fact that in Linux there are no letters to designate hard drives. When you connect a flash drive or optical drive, the system will not only inform you that it was successfully mounted (connected), but will also display its icon on the desktop. Simple and very convenient!
In the case when your computer has two systems (“Windows” and “Linux”), please note that Linux partitions from Windows are not visible without special utilities! So be careful and don’t uninstall Windows out of inexperience!
Security questions
In principle, security issues here do not play as important a role as if we were discussing the usual Windows. But here, unfortunately, there is no point in relaxing. Some basic precautions must be taken.
The main elements of protection have already been mentioned above. First, a password must be placed on the system, and it is impossible to bypass this condition. It must be entered when performing any operations that in one way or another affect the security of your computer. Without a password, there is no way a hypothetical attacker will be able to introduce any malicious program onto your computer. The second element is the constant installation of updates. Fortunately, in Minta this procedure is easy and obvious.
If you pay special attention to security issues, you can install additional programs that regulate this parameter. Please note that many of these utilities work using the command line to run. To do this, use the terminal, which is called by the key combination Win + T.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com With its appearance, Zorin OS diligently mimics Windows 7 so that beginners do not get lost. Its Lite version is well optimized for low-power computers. All programs developed for Mint and Ubuntu are compatible with Zorin OS, so you won't be short of applications.
1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com Manjaro is based on Arch, a fast and versatile distribution, but unlike the latter, it comes with a convenient installer. Comes with Xfce for older computers and KDE for modern ones. There are also community-supported variants of Manjaro with other environments.
If you feel like Manjaro comes with a lot of unnecessary stuff, you can use Manjaro‑Architect and customize the system to suit your needs. Arch goodies like Rolling release and AUR are included.
Minimum system requirements: 1 GHz processor, 384 MB RAM, 10 GB free hard disk space.
Screenshot: Linux Lite Free Operating System / linuxliteos.com A lightweight distribution based on Ubuntu. Aimed at Windows users who decide to migrate to Linux. Contains a built-in office suite, media players and browser, ready to use out of the box.
Minimum system requirements: 700 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 10 GB free hard disk space.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com Xubuntu is the official flavor of the popular Ubuntu. The only difference is that instead of the not very agile Gnome, Xfce is used here. It is fast, yet functional and highly customizable desktop environment. Xubuntu is compatible with all Ubuntu applications and repositories.
Minimum system requirements: processor with a frequency of 500 MHz, 512 MB of RAM, 7.5 GB of free hard disk space.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com Debian is known for being stable and conservative. What else does an old computer need? This is one of the oldest and most popular distributions - Ubuntu is based on it. With a lightweight desktop environment, Debian will fit on any hardware.
Minimum system requirements: processor - 1 GHz, 256 MB of RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com Another Ubuntu flavor, this time with Lxde. Designed for use on even older computers. Lxde is not as functional as Xfce, but it is unpretentious and can run on almost any configuration.
Minimum system requirements: processor - from 266 MHz, 128 MB of RAM, 3 GB of free hard disk space.
8. Bodhi Linux
Screenshot: Bodhi Linux / bodhilinux.com A simple and fast distribution based on Ubuntu. Uses the lightweight Moksha windowing framework containing Enlightenment 17.
Minimum system requirements: processor - from 500 MHz, 128 MB of RAM, 5 GB of free hard disk space.
9.antiX
Screenshot: distrowatch.com Fast and flexible distribution based on Debian. Provides its own graphical environment called antiX Magic, which runs very quickly on older machines. The system can even be installed on a flash drive - it takes up only 2.7 GB of memory.
Minimum system requirements: any i686 or x86_64 processor, 258 MB of RAM, 2.7 GB of free hard disk space.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com 10 GB disk space, 5 GB, 3 GB... If you think that's a bit much for Linux, try Puppy. This distribution will take up only 200 MB. At the same time, Puppy Linux is a full-fledged system with its own programs and repositories.
Minimum system requirements: processor - 333 MHz, 64 MB of RAM, 200 MB of free hard disk space.
Screenshot: distrowatch.com An even more compact distribution aimed at running entirely from RAM. When expanded it takes up about 100 MB, the Live CD image is less than 40 MB.
Minimum system requirements: any i686 or x86_64 processor, 128 MB of RAM, 100 MB of free hard disk space.
12. Slax
Screenshot: distrowatch.com A truly miniature distribution, called “pocket” by the developers. Despite its small size, it offers a nice graphical interface. It only comes with a browser and a terminal; you can install everything else manually. Slax works with Debian repositories.
Minimum system requirements: any i686 or x86_64 processor, 48 MB of RAM, 220 MB of free hard disk space.
It’s comfortable to work with Windows on regularly updated equipment, but on older computers it often starts to “slip.” Fortunately, there are alternative operating systems for this case - lightweight and safe.
A recent study by the well-known company Avast provides a good indication of what kind of equipment people actually use. About a third of users still work on computers released in 2009 or earlier. The average age of most personal computers is more than five years.
A quarter of computers have 2 GB of RAM or less, and the presence of an SSD is rather an exception. We think this is good. Don't worry and continue using your devices. The Windows operating system also has lighter alternatives that are suitable for older computers.
Lubuntu: A lightweight version of Ubuntu
Topping the list is Lubuntu, a compact version of Ubuntu with an LXDE desktop.Linux is a lighter system than Windows, in part because it has many different GUI options. If you look at Ubuntu and its “daughter” Lubuntu with the LXDE desktop, the second seems like a worthy lightweight alternative. The big advantage is that it allows you to use the equipment sparingly without sacrificing your comfort. For a Windows user, working with the system should not be difficult, so it's worth a try.
Linux Mint XFCE: Another Ubuntu Alternative
Slim Mint is a lightweight version of Linux Mint with the XFCE desktop that saves resources. Even the most popular version of Linux, Linux Mint, is available with a cost-effective interface. We recommend Linux Mint XFCE for slightly older hardware. Be sure to try the built-in tools, such as the Xplayer media player or the Xreader PDF viewer. They use resources very carefully.
Elementary OS: in the luxurious atmosphere of MacOS
Elementary OS stands out for its chic appearance. Elementary OS benefits from its look by incorporating macOS design elements. At the same time, Linux is hidden under the shell. Thanks to the built-in AppStore, you can equip the system with additional software; basic programs are already installed.
Puppy Linux: it couldn't be easier
Puppy Linux is a very cost-effective alternative for those who want to save resources as much as possible. If the above mentioned operating systems are not suitable for you because you don't have enough resources, then Puppy Linux may be a good option for you. However, this distribution is significantly reduced in functionality, which makes working with it somewhat more difficult.
CloudReady: Chrome OS for self-installation
With CloudReady, you can install Chrome OS on any hardware. An option that differs from all the Windows alternatives presented above: CloudReady. It allows users to install Chrome OS on any hardware. Please note: Chrome OS is online, meaning you need an Internet connection to use it. The operating system is quite economical, so CloudReady is recommended for use on devices intended for Internet surfing.
Should I use outdated equipment?
Does it still work or is it time to throw it away? There will undoubtedly come a time when you will have to part with your old equipment. But there's nothing wrong with keeping old devices for as long as possible. But the software must be fresh - it is better to replace outdated Windows XP or Vista. If older hardware refuses to work with the current version of Windows, there are always plenty of lightweight alternatives.
Hello friends. Which operating system is better to install on an old or new, but low-power computer? On our website there are reviews of specific Windows builds that can more or less revive a weak PC or laptop; they are posted in the “” section. In it you will also find links to articles that provide various methods of software optimization in order to more efficiently use hardware resources. This article will add to the existing knowledge base of this section; in it we will conduct a comprehensive review of operating systems that can be considered as an option for installation on a weak PC or laptop. And the review will involve not only Windows builds, but also other operating systems.
I suggest starting with other operating systems.
1. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a popular Linux distribution, a lightweight operating system, positioned as one of the best alternatives to Windows XP. But, unlike the latter, Linux Mint is a living, supported system with regular security updates. Moreover, this distribution is convenient for switching from Windows. Linux Mint, unlike Ubuntu, is a system with a Windows-like interface: with the same window organization, with a taskbar at the bottom, and an analogue of the Start menu.
Linux Mint comes in builds with three types of interface:
Xfce – the simplest interface, lightweight, suitable for devices with less than 1 GB of RAM;
Mate – classic GNOME 2 interface;
Cinnamon is a modern, attractive interface with visual effects, with the ability to install desktops (like Windows 7 gadgets). Cinnamon can be installed if you have at least 2 GB of RAM.
Linux Mint with the Cinnamon interface comes with a standard package of utilities such as a calculator, notes, image viewer, screenshot, etc., Mozilla Firefox browser, Thunderbird mailer, Transmission torrent downloader, disk analyzer, LibreOffice office suite, two graphic editors, three media player, etc.
Pros of Linux Mint:
Working with a more advanced Ext4 file system than NTFS,
Lack of telemetry
There is no need for an antivirus.
Cons of Linux Mint:
Small selection of third-party software,
Possible problems with specific computer devices for which drivers for Linux are not written,
The difficulty of mastering and working with the console to solve those problems that are solved extremely simply in Windows.
Installing Linux Mint is simple; the distribution is downloaded from the official website of the project:
2.Chrome OS
Chrome OS is an operating system from Google, specially created for weak netbooks, tailored for web surfing and the use of Google services. Based on Linux, actively stuffed with Google services, supports both ARM and x86 processors. It is very minimalistic, provides only basic system capabilities, and is essentially a familiar environment with a desktop and the Chrome browser tightly integrated into it. Supported system content includes extensions and applications from the Chrome store, as well as optimized applications from Google Play (which are for Android).
Chrome OS is just the thing for very old laptops, but, of course, provided that the system has their hardware installed. But it may not all start up. The fact is that Chrome OS is designed for specific devices - Chromebooks. It is not, like Windows or Linux, a system for mass use on desktops. Chrome OS only comes pre-installed on Chromebooks. Google is not preventing the installation of its system on non-Chromebooks, as, for example, Apple does by prohibiting the installation of Mac OS on non-Mac devices. Google simply does not officially ship its operating system because it cannot guarantee its versatility. Unofficially, there are Chromium OS projects on the network supported by enthusiasts - open source systems, i.e. an open-to-modify analogue of Chrome OS. Chromium OS builds also do not guarantee massive hardware support, depending on your luck in each individual case.
Where to get and how to install Chromium OS? On the websites of her various projects. For example, modified builds of Chromium OS are offered on the website:
It is also written there how this matter is established.
How to download the system distribution, how to install it - all this is described on the CloudReady website:
Both projects are English-language, for those who are not familiar with this language, I remind you that we live in the 21st century, there are such things as Google or Yandex translator.
Pros of Chromium OS:
Free operating system
Minimum hardware load,
Native support for many file systems, including NTFS and Ext4.
Cons of Chromium OS:
Limited, the system is only for web surfing and simple everyday operations,
3.Android
I don’t think anyone needs to explain what the Android operating system is. But few people know that there are projects on the Internet by enthusiasts involved in adapting Android to work with x86 processors, i.e. for running the system on PCs and laptops. Such a project, for example, is here:
Here, as Google updates Android for mobile devices, 32- and 64-bit releases of this system adapted for desktops are posted. As of the date of this writing, there are already Android 8.1 distributions, but I was unable to install this version on my PC. But I installed earlier releases of Android 7.1. What is desktop Android 7.1?
Android-x86 7.1-r2 is the second (modified) release of pure desktop Android 7.1, an operating system with a windowed interface adapted for mouse control.
With Snap, a split-screen feature borrowed from Windows.
And even with a pre-installed Launcher3 launcher, similar to the usual desktop with an analogue of the Start menu.
But if we wish, we can choose another launcher - Taskbar - and work in a typical Android tablet environment.
The system comes with superuser rights, an embedded console and a minimum set of standard applications. Everything you need can be downloaded from Google Play.
The release of CM-x86-14.1-r2 is the second release of LineageOS (formerly known as CyanogenMod), a custom build based on Android 7.1. This is also a rooted operating system, tailored for working with a console, with a windowed mode, but with a slightly different package of pre-installed applications and with a different launcher instead of Launcher3 - the Trebuchet launcher.
Desktop Android distributions are laid out in ISO images, installing the system is complicated in terms of choosing the installation location, but the network is full of manuals.
Pros of desktop Android:
Free operating system
Native support for file systems and NTFS, and the more advanced Ext4,
Minimum hardware load,
Huge selection of content from Google Play.
Disadvantages of desktop Android:
It is not a fact that all computer components will work,
Stability is not guaranteed.
Well, now let’s look at three stripped-down Windows distributions that can be used on weak computers.
4.Windows 7 Embedded
Windows 7 Embedded is Microsoft's official stripped-down build of regular Windows 7, designed for production equipment. Very fast, noticeably faster than Linux Mint Cinnamon, can even work on devices with 512 MB of RAM. And while for Linux Mint the processor minimum is 1.3 GHz, for Windows 7 Embedded this minimum is 1 GHz. This is the best option to replace Windows XP. However, Microsoft will provide security updates for the Seven only until January 2020. All the details for this assembly.
Pros of Windows 7 Embedded:
Fast,
Cons of Windows 7 Embedded:
5.Windows 8.1 Embedded
Windows 8.1 Embedded is another stripped-down Embedded build for production equipment, only in the release of the Windows 8.1 version. Like Windows 7 Embedded, the required minimum processor for it is only 1 GHz. But the RAM must be at least 1 GB. Windows 8.1Embedded is also a fast system, with the bare minimum of Modern UI applications pre-installed.
But you can clear them from the system along with the store, install some third-party program to implement the Start menu and get, in fact, an evolved Windows 7 - a current operating system, updated in terms of security, with classic Eight functions, stable and predictable computer environment. All the details for this assembly.
Pros of Windows 8.1 Embedded:
Fast,
Environment familiar to Windows users
Microsoft has not yet announced the timing of the end of its security support,
A complete, stable, universal desktop operating system.
Cons of Windows 8.1 Embedded:
The disadvantages are the same as all Windows, and volumes of books can be written about this.
6.Windows 10 LTSC
But the stripped-down corporate build of Windows 10 LTSC can be considered a system for weak devices very conditionally. It comes with missing UWP functionality and only receives security updates. It disables some common components, but, in fact, in terms of classic functionality, it is regular Windows 10, and even a functional Enterprise edition.
Modern operating systems are well optimized. This thesis has been confirmed many times by Windows 10, which runs on the lowest-power PCs, and various Linux distributions aimed at speed lovers. The user today does not have that much choice - some a priori do not want to give up Windows. Others, in search of speed and reliability, look towards less popular operating systems.
Which operating system will be optimal for a laptop?
For a laptop, the speed of programs is especially important - machines of this class are not as powerful as their desktop counterparts. And that’s why well-optimized software comes out on top. Let's look at some alternative options.
Numerous builds of Linux-based operating systems definitely deserve attention. In addition to Ubuntu, which is beloved by home users, there are about 300 different distributions, a third of which are well optimized for mobile computers. Let's pay attention to Linux-based OS options for a weak laptop.
This small and beautiful operating system gravitates towards macOS. The appearance of the start screen, as well as a nice launcher bar, makes Elementary OS a clear choice for Apple fans. It uses its own shell called Pantheon. This means that the system cannot be confused with another popular distribution. Except with macOS.
Elementary performs well on a PC with 1 GB of RAM and a low-power processor (from 1 GHz). Therefore, it can be recommended to all owners of old computers who envy the beauty of new operating systems.
The Elementary distribution is easy to set up and use. It can be accused of considerable consumption of resources and increased consumption of battery capacity. There are a lot of reviews online from users that Elementary is not fully ready. But overall it's reliable enough for most everyday tasks.
This Linux release has not yet gained much attention from the community. It’s quite strange if you note its obvious “+”:
- The system is quite fast and stable.
- A good set of built-in applications (including cloud ones).
- Low energy consumption.
The disadvantages of Peppermint include its not entirely modern and standard interface. This is unlikely to prevent you from choosing it if the laptop's resources are used only for work.
The system requirements for the build are low. She needs at least 512 MB of RAM (more is better), at least 4 GB of hard drive space and Internet access.
The most popular release of Linux has served well to popularize free software since 2004. They started talking a lot about this system a few years later, when Canonical sent out a free CD with Ubuntu to everyone.
Unfortunately, in 2011, Canonical stopped supporting Ubuntu Netbook, a release specifically for low-power laptops and netbooks. But Ubuntu to this day boasts good (in general) suitability for weak computers and laptops. It uses more battery power than the notorious Windows 7, but is slightly faster and supports more hardware.
The expandability and appearance of the system are also noteworthy. Ubuntu is easy to customize, although in earlier releases (prior to version 14) it was possible to configure many more settings than now.
With the hardware requirements, everything is not so smooth:
- The standard shell requires at least 2 GB of RAM. Third-party ones (Openbox, Mate) can get by with half a gigabyte.
- It is better to use a dual-core processor with a frequency of 1.3 GHz or more.
Linux can be used as the main system without any problems if you purchased a weak laptop without an OS and do not want to spend a considerable amount on a Windows license. Or you are disgusted by piracy. But keep in mind that compatibility issues and the relatively small number of applications for these operating systems do not allow us to recommend them to everyone.
Microsoft Windows
So much has been said about this system as about no other. De facto, the world's best compatibility with programs and games, a huge selection of drivers and fast operation. This is complemented by a beautiful interface, as well as comparative simplicity for a beginner.
Technical requirements are relatively low:
- Processor - single core, from 1 GHz.
- 1 GB RAM.
- The OS occupies 16 GB on the hard drive.
- Requires the video system to support at least DirectX 9.
ADVICE. "Seven" is well optimized for working on laptops and even tablets. If you got it licensed, bundled with an old mobile PC, it hardly makes sense to “transfer” to another OS. If only for...
If you managed to snag a free upgrade to Windows 10 in the summer of 2016, we sincerely envy you. “Ten” develops the basic ideas of Windows 7, and this can be seen literally in everything:
- High loading and operating speed (especially with SSD).
- An even more beautiful interface (although there is a lot of debate about convenience).
- Optimal support for almost all existing programs for Windows.
- Improved (compared to 8.1) touch mode.
- Regular security updates.
At the same time, Windows 10 works well on computers that can barely handle Windows 7. Today, the system has been tested enough and has gotten rid of the childhood diseases of early releases. A significant drawback is the excessive curiosity of developers - the OS collects a lot of your data and honestly warns about it. If this is not a problem for you, one of the best operating systems of our time is at your service.
conclusions
We looked at the most suitable, in our opinion, systems for weak laptops. Only macOS remained outside the scope of attention - but it can be classified more as a universal solution (for all types of PCs).
Which laptop OS did you choose? Would you like to offer your own version of a “somewhat better” operating system? Then welcome to the discussions!
