XP or Linux

[excollier]

I have a five year old laptop running XP but it has refused to auto update for a long time now and is still on SP2. Internet Explorer refuses to work ( hence no SP3) and it is really slow to start and update AVG free.
My question is should I dump XP and move to Linux, or just restore and update the whole lot ( which takes several evenings of watching and swearing at the screen ) ?
Any advice gladly received.

[despdan]

I have a five year old laptop running XP but it has refused to auto update for a long time now and is still on SP2. Internet Explorer refuses to work ( hence no SP3) and it is really slow to start and update AVG free.
My question is should I dump XP and move to Linux, or just restore and update the whole lot ( which takes several evenings of watching and swearing at the screen ) ?
Any advice gladly received.Set it up to multiboot so you can have both thats what I have:) Just choose witch one at bootup.

[caveman_nige]

i have done as despdan recommends.. xp first, load linux second best to use either Ubuntu or OpenSuse.. you can download both for free and run them from CD to test them out and see if you like the feel etc...

However if you IE does not work on your XP, then download either (or both) Opera or Firefox as alternate browsers, they are faster and cleaner anyway... but be sure to use some antispyware like Spybot S&D and free antivirus like AVG..

[gazz10]

( which takes several evenings of watching and swearing at the screen ) ?
Any advice gladly received.


Why does it take that long to do a fresh install, got to ask yorself if it takes that long to do a fresh install, i would not even touch linux the now. Ok lappy five years old, but thats nowt really should run xp easy via format.

[excollier]

Why does it take that long to do a fresh install, got to ask yorself if it takes that long to do a fresh install, i would not even touch linux the now. Ok lappy five years old, but thats nowt really should run xp easy via format.
It takes that long because I have only maybe an hour at a time to spend with the computer and the number or re-boots it takes and the downloads ( large ones ) to get up to SP3 just takes so long especially with a computer this slow.
I dont have space on my hard drive to store two operating systems (only 18 gb) so which is best?

[Mjolinor]

If XP takes so long then try Linux and if you don't like it go back to XP.

If you go for Ubuntu then don't use 9.XX, use 8.XX as the newer version has a new X server and with a 5 year old laptop you would probably find that your graphics card is not well supported in the new one.

It will only take an hour to put Ubuntu on and try it.

[Bobiskey]

18 gig should be plenty for a dual boot depending on what you put on after.

First of for XP, try building a new images with SP3 pre installed.


http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu_c81472f7eeea2eca421e116cd4c03e2300ebfde4.exe
Service pack 3 direct download from microsoft.

Grab Nlite (http://www.nliteos.com/), grab SP3 above and follow instructions, build a new image and burn to cd. Install as you would normally.

For linux. I'd say if you new to it. Take a look at KUbuntu (http://www.kubuntu.org/), PC Linux OS (http://www.pclinuxos.com/), Simply MEPIS (https://www.mepis.org/) and Linux Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com/). All very good places to start. With kubuntu, Mepis and Mint all debian based and PCLinux Red based. They all have good repositories for updating/installng new software.

Also look at going KDE if you new. I like Gnome more but KDE suits someone moving from Windows, its less of a system shock.

And with Linux, I'd say, have fun, try stuff out, every 1 new thing you learn is something extra :)

[Chimaera]

It takes less than an hour to format and sort XP if your organised

It depends what you do with it

If yur a gamer or use specialist programs use xp

If yur just a surfer and emailer then use linux {prob Kubuntu}

Just my thoughts

[Sisee]

I'm not a fan of Linux, or Windows for that matter.
But I'd go with XP, at least it's compatible with most things then.
There is a 3rd option, unsure how it works though.
If it's an intel laptop, you could look into Hackintosh.
It uses an actual install of Mac, but on a Windows built PC.
As I said, I'm unsure how to get Hackintosh going, but I use Mac and I like it. Never regretted leaving XP behind. And never intend to touch Vista or 7.

[ManofScience]

i've had hackintosh tiger and leopard on a lappy, wasn't too bad - but it was recent high spec'd one other wise they were both quite slowon older machines, contrary to popular fanboy opinions

XP should run ok, if u can get all the drivers right.

linux is a good choice if u only want to surf/check a few emails etc. if there's any hint you're going to want to more than that - stick with XP

W7 is what Vista should have been. currently got the 7260 build on my lappy and the official RC on my home PC

[satman]

multiboot gets my vote:)

-install windows xp,
then install fedora11( i just installed this latest version and finding it very nice ) and use the bootloader . easy peasy

[Mjolinor]

If you are going to multiboot then use grub4dos, it replaces NTLDR and means you can multi boot without making any changes to the Windo$e MBR.

Very easy to configure and very easy to change

[excollier]

Okay, I thank you for your advice but it is WAY over my head, I think I'll just restore with XP and work it back up to SP3. But do I need to get SP2 first as when I restore it will take it back to SP1 with the restore disks I have, thanks again.

[ManofScience]

you only need the most recent Service Pack as all the previous updates are bundled with it.

Download SP3 first and stick on a memory stick/CD, do a nice clean fresh install, once it's up, chuck SP3 on.

Remember, if you don't use the disks that came with the laptop, you will need to download the laptop specific device drivers to get it running properly.

[belfast]

if you want to run FPS games or music apps such as protools, cusebase, recycle I's say run both, if you don't play games (FPS games run slower under linux even natively without wine) or write music then it's possible for you to ditch windows for good.

which is nice :)

[ecowarm]

I keep on trying different distros to see if I can move to Linux for any of my personal systems, but I always go back to XP (or lately Windows 7). My problem though is that I am a Windows Network admin and a gamer. Both of these mean Windows is a necessity, as would use of your computer for many other tasks such as music production, pro graphics work, CAD, 3D animation, etc.

Where Linux has survived in my life is on my Girlfriend's old laptop and on the browser boxes for the staff common room. Basically Linux is perfect for most standard users, it has free Office, Web, MP3 and Video software. You can get many other useful apps easily for free such as web design, programing, etc. Puppy Linux is my choice on ancient hardware, Kubuntu or Mint are nice looking versions, ideal for systems with minimum 512MB RAM and a 1.5Ghz Processor.

If your usage fits the Linux mold then I would have a play with a USB or CD version of one based on the spec of your machine. If you are going to XP then the best advice given here is to restore using the manufacturers disks / image then put SP3 on before using Auto / Windows Update whatsoever.

Also I seriously think you should test your memory and your hard drive. Slow / faulty windows installs are usually down to one or the other. They can also cause problems such as core apps (Internet Explorer in your case) failing over time. Hiren's Boot CD is the best app for this.

[roluwafu]

I have a five year old laptop running XP but it has refused to auto update for a long time now and is still on SP2. Internet Explorer refuses to work ( hence no SP3) and it is really slow to start and update AVG free.
My question is should I dump XP and move to Linux, or just restore and update the whole lot ( which takes several evenings of watching and swearing at the screen ) ?
Any advice gladly received.
Linux is the best if you can take the pain to learn new stuffs, dump windows.

[charliebrown]

steep learning curve with linux. install xp and use a linux live cd to see if you get on with it. when u are happy mae the switch

[manit]

I have a five year old laptop running XP but it has refused to auto update for a long time now and is still on SP2. Internet Explorer refuses to work ( hence no SP3) and it is really slow to start and update AVG free.
My question is should I dump XP and move to Linux, or just restore and update the whole lot ( which takes several evenings of watching and swearing at the screen ) ?
Any advice gladly received.

xpsp2 is all ya need load image with clonezilla turn all updates off and xp will run great dont use avg its crap use commodo firewall with anti virus the best there is out there turn updates on xp will die you been warned keep any microsoft crap out of the pc know matter what any body says msn can and will turn you updates back on microfoft updates will kill ya pc m8........ i know i used ta be a Microsoft techi did it for 8 years M.C.S.E ps just let ya know all microsoft products esp operating systems have at least 3 back doors that mr billy gates can snoop on ya so if ya have any sence at all get rid of windows use ubuntu and if you do need windows use virtualbox in ubuntu and no need ta have antivirus firewall ya have the best of both worlds...........have fun

i binned windows years a go and no going back and tried a load of distros then stuck with Ubuntu easy ta use secure more support than any other distro out there am running 10.04 at the mo and testing 10.10 alpha 1 also found out why my drives started to die ntft keep checking ya drive every 2 sec not good reduces hdd life i use oracal virtualbox to use xp and win7 in Ubuntu 10.04 will never get a virus runs great stick with Ubuntu carnt go wrong m8 theres a lot of distro that are ubuntu based loads of them i myself prefer gnome and my op-com works under vm in both xp and win7 nice 3 os on one lappy:bike:
download here this is the dvd ver for old pc without 64 bit use i386 with 68 bit use amd64 http://www.mirrorservice.org/sites/cdimage.ubuntu.com/cdimage/releases/10.04/release/

[mak21]

I think XP will be more conveinent for you if u r used to it, specially from the point of applications, so u cant just move to linux like that, the best way is to have dual boot and try to spend more time on Linux each time and c when u need to get back to windows why u need that and try to find some thing for Linux to perform that task...also I think u'll get less viruses issues on Linux.

[noreturn]

I am very content for years with linux (debian), use Windows only very rarely - however I have also no interest in PC plays. There would be windows the better choice.

[kourkoutas]

unless you're using strictly windows programs, i don't see a reason to stay with xp. i'd start with ubuntu.

[rwl408]

To run XP with bearable speed (for e-mail, internet, not gaming stuff), you need at least 512MB of memory and CPU faster than 1 Ghz. Below that, go with Linux. However, one may have to spend more time to get Linux going. This is especially true for notebooks.

[fatty123456]

windows is good for desktop

[bkejji]

hi all
even if this post is old i wish say that linux is a good solution if you can define the uses of the laptop and you verified that the solutions availlables in the net are good enough.

but if you have various uses and these uses are to satisfy rapidly so i think that winxp is your need.

for an old laptop a professional use is not to consider so it will be a very good solution to initiate to using linux with this laptop.

good luck

[kona4]

linux bsd free

[markybhoy007]

Go on be adventurous, give linux a try, it is a lot getting your head round but once you get started you'll love it, you teach it and it teaches you, been using linux for almost 2 years now and would never change back:top:

[Instigator85]

Ubuntu 11 is awesome... I recently swapped from xp and I am not going back. If you need to run windows programs on it you can install wine. The best part has to be no finding drivers to operate hardware... You plug in what you want to use and it works, wifi dongles, usb modems, video card, sound card all work without installing drivers. XP sucks

[flyingpig]

It doesnt even come close.... Linux all the way!!!

I put Ubuntu 10.04 on my PC last year and have never looked back. If you have windows already installed you can install Ubuntu and it will provide a dual boot menu for you. You can then keep XP for bits like I-Tunes, Zune or Kies. etc...

Ubuntu is fast, driver free, easy to install, virus free, and best of all it costs absolutely nothing!!!!

[quattro80]

dft. ubuntu... is pretty good

[pity025]

Why do you try dual boot?
Of that way you can try linux and ubuntu and after that you can decide whych is the better os for you

[BRASS EAGLE]

dont want to be intrusive,but ive installed xp on many older laptops for my friends,it does sound complicated to some people but belive me,trial and error is the way i learnt,there are programes out there which gets you all the drivers you may require.once you have done it ,you will find that its quite easy when you put your mind to it,also the thought of paying some one to reformat my laptop scared me off,try upgrading your memory,ive got some older memory if you are strugling,but it would depend on your laptop.i would like to try hackintosh out.ive got a ibook that is usless the now as ive forgoton my login pass word

[musclespr1]

defo linux for the fact its quicker

[wetdog]

Its Ubuntu all the way fer me pal, apart for 1 thing.....no iphone support. i still have to use windows for my iphone.
which i detest, it does take a little getting used to, but after a week or 2 you should be ok.

mick.

[Sepiraph]

On a slow PC, a light weight version of Ubuntu is probably the way to go if you are familiar with Linux already or is willing to learn.

If your PC was faster, you have the option of running one OS, and then test another OS with a virtual machine like VMware.

[chorrodehumo]

On a slow PC, a light weight version of Ubuntu is probably the way to go if you are familiar with Linux already or is willing to learn.

If your PC was faster, you have the option of running one OS, and then test another OS with a virtual machine like VMware.
ubuntu for me
but sometimes windows

[filinta]

Trying Ubuntu first within a Virtual Machine on Windows XP will help to take steps one by one an get familiar with it.

[punditko]

ubuntu have Nautilus best and fastest file manager.

[trippleface]

i would recommend Google Chrome as your default web browser.

[beckleyr]

How much memory does your system have? I tried to get SP3 to load on a laptop with less that 512MB and it wouldn't do it. SP3 requires more memory than SP1 or SP2. Check you have the minimum spec for sp3.

If your machine supports booting from usb, you can buy a cheap usb pen drive (1GB or larger) and install ubuntu on to it to boot from usb. This will give you a chance to try it without affecting your xp installation.

Good luck

[tpid]

always good to dual boot..
i and using linux and windows both :proud:

[Kalipo]

Im a mac user but i do have another laptop or did have a laptop running windows 7.. i booted it up on saturday and couldnt believe how slow it was.. i have dual booted it with ubuntu in the past but had endless problems with it forgetting certain boot sectors... so on sat i decided i will just dump the lot and run linux on its own.. its the latest version and i must admit its a hell of allot better than previous versions..

Im testing it over the coming weeks then giving the laptop away :)

[manxspud]

I use windows and linux ...

would not be able to use a linux distro for everything though ... linux runs my server ect but for day to day stuff i do need windows and am happy to do so ...

these things are just tools ... and you need to use the right tool for the job.

just my view ... lol

[slakic]

You can always boot live CD linux

[comtopia]

I have a five year old laptop running XP but it has refused to auto update for a long time now and is still on SP2. Internet Explorer refuses to work ( hence no SP3) and it is really slow to start and update AVG free.
My question is should I dump XP and move to Linux, or just restore and update the whole lot ( which takes several evenings of watching and swearing at the screen ) ?
Any advice gladly received.

Download & try it!

[benji82]

linux is weird

[andil]

i guess a multi boot would just do u good as well

[andil]

Linux ain't weird it's interesting

[nowuckinfurries]

How the hell do I remove Linux and install xp on my emachine. It has no dvd drive just usb. Tried Linux ,hate it but can't work out how to sort this out

Ta

Nwf

[obkaza]

create bootable USB

[s0lid]

linux is more robust, stable, and faster. whoever think else doesn't know how to use it.

[fadli]

go for linux if you have to..nowadays got so many applications that support linux distro..plus its free..whether its convenience or not..u r about to find out..but as for, i will stay using Windows eventho i'm working with linux enviroment.. :)