Installing Linux on Your Old (and New) Computers
Don’t throw that old computer out: Install Linux on it instead!
In a previous article, I discussed how upgrading to Windows Vista could end up costing more in terms of upgraded hardware. Additionally, many older computers (even from a few years ago) won’t be able to handle the increased resource requirements of Vista. Linux, however, can run perfectly fine on older computers without needing to purchase more e-waste in the form of excess RAM if you just want something for web-browsing and word processing. In the least, consider keeping that older computer around to test out Linux instead of just throwing it out.
So if you are curious, here’s a look at how you might upgrade to the Linux operating system.
Linux, in case you did not know, is a completely free operating system that was originally based on UNIX. Linux has been around since the early 90s; Unix since 1970. Linux has been quite stable for many years, and in fact, it is the number one operating system used to power most of the websites throughout the Internet.
Adoption of Linux for home desktop use has been slow, and that’s because it initially worked on a command-line and only recently have stable desktop versions become available. Still, it can require a bit of knowledge and computer know-how to get it working on a home computer.
Linux Pros and Cons
Pros: Free, more stable than Windows (when you finally get it running), lots of free applications, part of a worldwide movement for software democracy.
Cons: Harder to install, challenging to troubleshoot (requires computer knowledge), not much in the way of paid applications (though you can run popular Windows applications under the “WINE” Windows emulator).
Linux Installation Realities
I have two laptop computers that are now running Linux. The first is a Sony Pentium III. It had originally been running Windows 2000, which is now becoming a defunct operating system. I had a choice of keeping Windows 2000, upgrading to XP, or switching to Linux.
Windows Vista is not an option: My old computer does not have the processing power for it, by a long shot. Windows XP would work just fine, but then I have to pay for it. So I opted for a free version of Linux called Ubuntu.
Installing Ubuntu required me to download and burn an installation CD and then follow the instructions. For me, it was an easy install. I had one problem in that when I switched the computer to use an automatic login, the computer opened to a blank screen. After searching the online forums, I found a solution and now the computer runs just fine. The computer is great for word processing and basic web browsing (using Epiphany, not Firefox, which is too slow), though it’s not overly happy with Flash (like I care). It’s not so great for intensive work, so I would not use it for image editing, sound editing, or video editing. I suppose back in the day it would have seemed fine for that, but it’s slow now.
After a successful Ubuntu install on my old Sony laptop, I was ready to try it on my new Gateway. The Gateway laptop had Windows Vista pre-installed on it. I have to say I was tempted to keep Vista, but when Vista turned out to be as slow as molasses, and the OS kept interrupting my work to try to install updates without asking me, I got fed up. (Vista will actually reboot your computer without warning if you happen to miss the blinking alert in your taskbar.)
The Ubuntu installation on my new Gateway was much worse than the one on my old Sony. (Apparently, Gateways can be tricky, I’ve since found out.) The wireless didn’t work. The sound didn’t work. When I downloaded the first update, the kernel “panicked.” (Since the kernel is the core of the operating system, it’s a bad thing when it panicks!)
I had to reinstall the system, then go through a lot of machinations to get the wireless and sound working. Some of this required me to compile a driver using the Linux command-line. Now, if you are reading this and wondering what it means to compile a driver, you are perhaps not ready to try Ubuntu just yet.
Considerations for Installing Linux
If you are an average computer user and you are frightened at the thought of troubleshooting a computer problem, do not install a free version of Linux! Buy a commercially supported version of Linux that has tech support included in the price. Freeware versions of Linux do not include commercial software or drivers that are often needed to run important things like video. These things will be included in the commercial distribution of Linux. Second, you’ll also have paid tech support that will ensure you get your computer running smoothly with the least amount of pain. (At least, we hope so.)
Popular commercial versions include Xandros and Linspire. They are very affordable, only $40-80.
If you are a curious computer user who is willing to learn a lot about computers and isn’t afraid to type something into a command line, try Ubuntu. It is free and has an amazing community of people who will give you the equivalent of free tech support when there is a problem. (Once installed, make sure you also Get Automatix if you want any video to work.) Be prepared to get your hands dirty, however. If a helpful person tells you to type something into a command-line, type it in exactly and don’t be afraid when a bunch of messages start scrolling up. The worst thing that can happen is that you have to reinstall everything.
If you are a business user, you will need to consider your software needs before fully going to Linux. Most major programs unfortunately do not have Linux versions, though many claim to work on emulators. This includes Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, Microsoft Outlook, etc. While there are many freeware versions of software that can do the same thing, they aren’t necessarily as robust yet. (E.g., GIMP is a good alternative to Photoshop, but it has a horrible learning curve.) On the other hand, OpenOffice is just as good as Microsoft Office (with the exception of Outlook). So you’ll be amazed at the great software already available.
If you are a hardcore gamer: Unfortunately, most games are not ported to Linux and they don’t run as well on an emulator. You might need to stick with Windows or set up a dual-boot system.
For everyone: Once you do have Linux installed, you’ll be absolutely astonished at how much freeware is available at the click of a button. Want some software? Scroll through an assortment of options, click a button, and the system installs it for you – for free. Try that on Windows.
Final Words
The best reason I have for moving to Linux is that you are supporting a wonderful movement of people who are taking computing out of the hands of big corporations and putting it into the hands of the people. While this may not seem to directly relate to the environment, consider in the least all the waste that is produced by corporations who are constantly driven to upgrade things out of a desire to sell you more stuff you don’t need. Basic graphical word processing has not changed much since the first version of Windows, yet now we need computers with 100x the processing power. It’s just not necessary.
By supporting open source, you support the development of software for useful reasons, not for profit reasons. And that ultimately is better for being green.
Tags: Linux, Microsoft, Windows Vista
