Don't toss out that old computer of yours just yet because it is obsolete!
So you upgraded to a new PC to play the newer games and cruise the web because your old PC was too slow to run Windows 7. It would indeed take on old piece of crap to not meet the minimum requirements to run Linux. I have been installing various Linux operating systems on several older computers I have from my shop, trying to learn and compare various features of each to see which is best suited for me and which for friends or customers(as I repair computers too) . I have found that Linux Mint version 16 wins for those who are used to Windows XP thru to Windows 7.
One of the main reasons that I am walking down this path these days ( not including that it's free) is for the security and privacy that Linux offers over Apple and Microsoft products. There are no back doors into any Linux, therefore limiting access to only those ports opened by the user. There are really no viruses to worry about infecting your computer (but you may still want to use AV software so as not to forward one to a friend that uses another OS). There is a ton of software to choose from that is all free to load, no extra costs. And this version is finally looking alot like Windows does, check it out http://www.tecmint.com/linux-mint-16-installation-guide/
While installing apps using the Synaptic Package Manager, I noticed that there are alot(and I mean alot) of apps for Ham Radio operators, satellite tracking, cell phone utilities, morse code and other cipher programs, GPS and more. This is like the Preppers dream in tech programs, from hacking to CYA protection.
Now I know it likely took most of you a long time to get comfortable with your Windows PC. You feel a brain fart coming on at the thought of trying to learn something completely different. That is why I suggest that you to dig out that old computer of yours and set it up with Linux first. That way if you screw things up, your Windows addiction is still being fulfilled by your new PC and no reason to freak out. In the mean time, you get to add something to your prepper world that didn't cost you anything but time you'd have spent watching some rerun on TV.
First, you will need to create an install DVD. You can do this on your new PC easily enough but your old PC still requires to have a working DVD player in it to install the software.
1. Check now and make sure by looking on the DVD player's cover where it should say "DVD" and not just "Compact Disk". If it doesn't say DVD, forget this thread and go back to watching your dumb TV show...
2. If it does say DVD, and the computer and DVD drive still works, go online (yes, on your new machine) and type in the make and model of the old PC in Google search and check to see if it meets the minimum requirements of Linux Mint ( eg:type Pavilion 8300 specs). Compare the Ram memory required, and size of the harddrive. If either is not enough, go back to watching your dumb TV show...
3. Go online to http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php . There are 2 versions to choose from. Chances are that the 32 bit version is best for your older machine with fewer conflicts but if you can , try the 64 bit version if you feel braver. You might want to click on the Linux Mint User guide and get instruction on how to install this software from them, because if I walk you through this whole process, I'll be calling you dirty, nasty names in no time. 😆
4. Remember, you were just going to throw out that machine eventually anyways, so what is the worst you can do? And when you do it right , you will likely opt to even load it on your new PC with the dual boot option to use either O/S as you see fit. In this way, when your new PC is infected with a Windows virus, you can even destroy it easier using Linux to remove it.
~ Knuckle ~
Below is what Linux Mint 17 desktop looks like. You can see that it is easy on the eyes and has pull down menus like Windows does.
I'm with you on this one. I use an old laptop - battery stopped working and if you jiggle the cord it'll shut off, and it's got like 2gig of memory - to access the net...and it's been a linux machine for the last 3 years. I can do almost anything I could do with my newer desktop as far as internet stuff is concerned, and it uses quite a bit less power then the desktop. I've even plugged this thing into my truck cigarette outlet using an adapter and it works.
Linux isn't even scary anymore. These days it's almost plug in and play like Windows. The only place that it doesn't keep up with a Windows PC is gaming, but that's not that important anyway. Hell, even my 11 year old daughter uses it regularly and prefers it over Windows (she's learning to develop web pages and dabbling in some programming).
Totally recommend Linux. Might want to steer clear of Ubuntu, as a personal opinion, as there seems to be some controversy over whether or not it tracks you. There's a bucket of research out there for one to gloss over that however.
Runs With Scissors
The only place that it doesn't keep up with a Windows PC is gaming, but that's not that important anyway
In fact, you can load a program called Wine which allows you to install most Windows software without having to load Windows first. Another option is to run Virtual Box, in which you can run Windows inside of Linux and play your favourite games. The drawback is that it would require more memory than to do without as Wine allows.
I've been using Linux and Unix forever . I hate Microsoft products. And yes loads of interesting linux software to load.
I found this article comparing the new Linux Mint with Windows 8. It has lots of graphics and explains the pluses it holds over Windows 8
Installing Mint on the old VAIO now alongside windows Vista.
Just wondering if I can reinstall later and kill Vista altogether if I find it does what I want.
Installing Mint on the old VAIO now alongside windows Vista.
Just wondering if I can reinstall later and kill Vista altogether if I find it does what I want.
Sure can. You might wish to start anew when you decide this as a permanent measure as your overall system is more secure as most viruses can't hide within Linux partitions and spread to your Window User's friends thru emails and such.
But I wouldn't. You can also run Windows within your Linux but again I wouldn't so far. You have a multi-boot platform and that allows you to use your Vaio and benefit from both OS's. First, try to upgrade and leave Vista as it contained 4 rat engines (which Microsoft knows all from). Upgrade to Windows 7 if possible. I have done it to many Vaio's but the early ones lacked some of the drivers so only load 32 bit version. This is one of my favourite versions http://kickass.to/windows-se7en-eternity-edition-2009-x86-x64-build-7600-loader-1-60-by-daz-hak-h33t-t3081982.html
Remember that Linux can work with data stored on Fat32 and NTFS partitions, but Windows cannot see Linux partitions. Therefore partition 1/3 of the drive to Linux only as then you can share data. I know you will enjoy all the Ham radio software that is out there in Linux.