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Recommendation for a Linux system

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Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
 
jma60 said:
If simplicity is key and your student doesn't need Linux for code development, then look into Chromium OS/Cloudready. It's similar to what's being deployed in K-12 schools for the past couple years.
Click to expand...
I will give this a try.

Thanks
 
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
It's basically like a bargain basement $150 Chromebook in terms of power and RAM, but that's what many schools hand out. It's more than enough for google docs, web research and YouTube.
 
tkbslc said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
It's basically like a bargain basement $150 Chromebook in terms of power and RAM, but that's what many schools hand out. It's more than enough for google docs, web research and YouTube.
Click to expand...
I got the CloudReady OS up and running. Google Docs etc work, but I have had issues with YouTube videos. I need to try some more. Otherwise I may try a version of Mint.
 
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
If you adopted 64bit Linux and the machine struggled a bit you can go up to 4Gb in that machine.

The demands on it are pretty low by Linux standards.
 
AnthonyL said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
If you adopted 64bit Linux and the machine struggled a bit you can go up to 4Gb in that machine.

The demands on it are pretty low by Linux standards.
Click to expand...
Very similar specs to my Dell 1520, running 64 bit Mint XFCE adequately for casual purposes. Extra RAM would be nice and is cheap, but on that model replacement requires keyboard removal and a lot of mucking around in its guts. I was easily able to replace RAM on an older Dell 8100 with access to a simple compartment on the bottom of the laptop - the Vostros were designed for business and might have easier access for component changes. Google or the Dell site should turn up some serious documentation for procedures to do it, if wanted.
 
I2K4 said:
Very similar specs to my Dell 1520, running 64 bit Mint XFCE adequately for casual purposes. Extra RAM would be nice and is cheap, but on that model replacement requires keyboard removal and a lot of mucking around in its guts. I was easily able to replace RAM on an older Dell 8100 with access to a simple compartment on the bottom of the laptop - the Vostros were designed for business and might have easier access for component changes. Google or the Dell site should turn up some serious documentation for procedures to do it, if wanted.
Click to expand...
Yes, that Vostro 1710 has a service manual:

Loading…

downloads.dell.com

SWMBO's PC is a Vostro 3750 that's served her well, especially after we installed an SSD.
 
And mine happens to be Mint Mate. I only mention it, because no one else has. This was the first Linux I had installed some years back, and so pleased, have not found the inclination to try Cinnamon. I simply upgraded to the later versions over the centuries! (So I don’t know what if anything, I am missing). Configured to look and feel very much akin to my Win 10 PC, right down to my desktop picture changer. So not immediately obvious at first glance, which one is which.

The image will change every 20 mins
The image will change every 20 mins

The image will change every 20 mins
The image will change every 20 mins

Keith

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Last edited:
Austinian said:
I2K4 said:
Very similar specs to my Dell 1520, running 64 bit Mint XFCE adequately for casual purposes. Extra RAM would be nice and is cheap, but on that model replacement requires keyboard removal and a lot of mucking around in its guts. I was easily able to replace RAM on an older Dell 8100 with access to a simple compartment on the bottom of the laptop - the Vostros were designed for business and might have easier access for component changes. Google or the Dell site should turn up some serious documentation for procedures to do it, if wanted.
Click to expand...
Yes, that Vostro 1710 has a service manual:

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/...notebook/vostro-1710_service manual_en-us.pdf

SWMBO's PC is a Vostro 3750 that's served her well, especially after we installed an SSD.
Click to expand...
That manual makes replacing the RAM look pretty simple.
 
I2K4 said:
Austinian said:
I2K4 said:
Very similar specs to my Dell 1520, running 64 bit Mint XFCE adequately for casual purposes. Extra RAM would be nice and is cheap, but on that model replacement requires keyboard removal and a lot of mucking around in its guts. I was easily able to replace RAM on an older Dell 8100 with access to a simple compartment on the bottom of the laptop - the Vostros were designed for business and might have easier access for component changes. Google or the Dell site should turn up some serious documentation for procedures to do it, if wanted.
Click to expand...
Yes, that Vostro 1710 has a service manual:

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/...notebook/vostro-1710_service manual_en-us.pdf

SWMBO's PC is a Vostro 3750 that's served her well, especially after we installed an SSD.
Click to expand...
That manual makes replacing the RAM look pretty simple.
Click to expand...
Our Vostro came with 4GB, so I haven't replaced the memory, but the SSD wasn't hard. I had an older Asus that needed a SSD installed, and that was an ordeal to match your 1520's.

I like having service manuals available. Even on my XPS 15 it wasn't too difficult to upgrade the memory, SSD, and WiFi card, but not as easy as the Vostros. That's a price we pay for modern thin-'n-light laptops. :-(
 
filibuster said:
And mine happens to be Mint Mate. I only mention it, because no one else has. This was the first Linux I had installed some years back, and so pleased, have not found the inclination to try Cinnamon. I simply upgraded to the later versions over the centuries! (So I don’t know what if anything, I am missing). Configured to look and feel very much akin to my Win 10 PC, right down to my desktop picture changer. So not immediately obvious at first glance, which one is which.

The image will change every 20 mins
The image will change every 20 mins

The image will change every 20 mins
The image will change every 20 mins

Keith
Click to expand...
Joining the fiesta, here's 64 bit Mint 20 Cinnamon beta on my Dell 1520 via persistent live USB, one of the stock wallpapers but testing other tweaks: theming, applets, panel items. Most but not all the third-party software I normally use is upgraded for the new Ubuntu 20.04 and working on this install. Note the "Multi-core System Monitor" panel pie chart lower right, showing Red RAM use at about 30% of available 2GB, with Orange as Cache.

b495ddced918460bb410d30aaeb8e1ce.jpg.png
 
Last edited:
Patco said:
nail33 said:
I've tried numerous distros over the years and always come back to Mint.........it just works.
Click to expand...
As I recall with Mint, browsing my network (windows computers and a NAS), and remote control to/from a Windows computer didn't work that well for me.
Do you have any problems with those aspects?
Click to expand...
I probably should have extended my sentence to read "......it just works for me for the way I use it". I can't answer your question, as I don't use Linux for all those purposes. I use Linux for surfing the web, home office work projects, and media entertainment. I use Windows strictly for photo editing purposes, as my onboard editing program (DPP) doesn't work in Linux. When in Windows, I never connect to the Internet except when I decide to update something..........and all backups are always done offline as well.
 
AnthonyL said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
If you adopted 64bit Linux and the machine struggled a bit you can go up to 4Gb in that machine.

The demands on it are pretty low by Linux standards.
Click to expand...
The computer is way too old to justify any upgrade purchases. Will just take it from pretty slow to still pretty slow. it’s like putting a performance exhaust on a moped.

if 2gb isn’t enough, use a lighter distro
 
tkbslc said:
AnthonyL said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
If you adopted 64bit Linux and the machine struggled a bit you can go up to 4Gb in that machine.

The demands on it are pretty low by Linux standards.
Click to expand...
The computer is way too old to justify any upgrade purchases. Will just take it from pretty slow to still pretty slow. it’s like putting a performance exhaust on a moped.
Click to expand...
You'd best not come round to my house then. I doubt that I've got any computers less than 10yrs old. This one, HP Elitebook 8440p is running Kubuntu 18.04LTS/Windows 10 with 8gb Ram and 2Tb drive. My main machine is still a 2007 Lenovo, the Dell is 2005, and the most recent is the wife's netbook, 2012. Even my main phone is 2007.
 
tkbslc said:
tkbslc said:
tkbslc said:
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
The computer is way too old to justify any upgrade purchases. Will just take it from pretty slow to still pretty slow. it’s like putting a performance exhaust on a moped.

if 2gb isn’t enough, use a lighter distro
Click to expand...
I agree with the "no investment" strategy.

I installed Cloudready and it appears to be running just fine, even at 64 bit.

It will be just fine for a student stuck with online classes.
 
AnthonyL said:
tkbslc said:
AnthonyL said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Jim B (MSP) said:
Hi,

I have come into possession of an old Dell laptop - a Vostro 1710.

It currently has Win XP on it.

My intention is to wipe it clean, and then install Linux on it along with a browser and probably LibreOffice. I will find a local student who might be able to use it for remote classroom work.

So - what version or flavor of Linux should I put on it?
Click to expand...
For what it is worth -

The cpu is a 1.80 ghz core 2 duo

RAM is 2 GB

HD is 250 GB
Click to expand...
If you adopted 64bit Linux and the machine struggled a bit you can go up to 4Gb in that machine.

The demands on it are pretty low by Linux standards.
Click to expand...
The computer is way too old to justify any upgrade purchases. Will just take it from pretty slow to still pretty slow. it’s like putting a performance exhaust on a moped.
Click to expand...
You'd best not come round to my house then. I doubt that I've got any computers less than 10yrs old. This one, HP Elitebook 8440p is running Kubuntu 18.04LTS/Windows 10 with 8gb Ram and 2Tb drive. My main machine is still a 2007 Lenovo, the Dell is 2005, and the most recent is the wife's netbook, 2012. Even my main phone is 2007.
Click to expand...
Wasn’t planning on visiting, mate.
 
Patco said:
nail33 said:
Patco said:
MX Linux has been the #1 in "Page Hit Ranking" at DistroWatch.com for quite a while now.
Click to expand...
That is true..........and based on that, I installed it on my old 32-bit HP laptop (that came with Win XP). It worked fine until an update crashed it. I use Linux Mint Cinnamon on my newer laptop and desktop computers. I've tried numerous distros over the years and always come back to Mint.........it just works.
Click to expand...
As I recall with Mint, browsing my network (windows computers and a NAS), and remote control to/from a Windows computer didn't work that well for me.
Do you have any problems with those aspects? If not, I might give Mint another try.
Click to expand...
If I recall correctly, in Mint 19 the default Samba permissions were to "strict" for pseudo security, so it was necessary to hand edit a buncha stuff.

The dedoimedo review of Kubuntu 20.04 (under Networking) indicates that Samba works OK. I'm not sure that is the only thing you need for windows and NAS, but maybe so. Mint 20 will probably follow Ubuntu 20.04, as did Kubuntu.

Loading…

www.dedoimedo.com
 
CAcreeks said:
Patco said:
nail33 said:
Patco said:
MX Linux has been the #1 in "Page Hit Ranking" at DistroWatch.com for quite a while now.
Click to expand...
That is true..........and based on that, I installed it on my old 32-bit HP laptop (that came with Win XP). It worked fine until an update crashed it. I use Linux Mint Cinnamon on my newer laptop and desktop computers. I've tried numerous distros over the years and always come back to Mint.........it just works.
Click to expand...
As I recall with Mint, browsing my network (windows computers and a NAS), and remote control to/from a Windows computer didn't work that well for me.
Do you have any problems with those aspects? If not, I might give Mint another try.
Click to expand...
If I recall correctly, in Mint 19 the default Samba permissions were to "strict" for pseudo security, so it was necessary to hand edit a buncha stuff.

The dedoimedo review of Kubuntu 20.04 (under Networking) indicates that Samba works OK. I'm not sure that is the only thing you need for windows and NAS, but maybe so. Mint 20 will probably follow Ubuntu 20.04, as did Kubuntu.

https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/kubuntu-focal.html
Click to expand...
I have MX Linux installed (not a "live" session) on a USB thumb drive.
Mint 20 might be reason enough to experiment with installing and dual booting two Linux distros on the same USB key.
ATM I can't think of any reason it wouldn't work, but I'm on my 2nd nightcap. 🍹

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels.
 
Last edited:
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