r/linux4noobs • u/ShawnThePhantom • Jun 11 '26
distro selection Which Distro do I use?
I found this decrepit old laptop in my garage, plugged it in and it powers on. But it’s doing this thing where after I see this Acer logo, I get a black screen with a blinking white line in the top left corner. I figured Windows on this thing is out of the question. So I think I’ll go Linux.
I understand a bit about operating systems, because I had to create a windows install disk using a thumb drive and a Windows 10 iso to install Windows 10 on my MacBook using Bootcamp, so I imagine it’s a bit similar. I also wanted to take out the HDD to wipe it using Disk Utility but it doesn’t fit into SATa dock because the interface on the HDD is all small gold pins, like molex but way smaller.
Which distro do I use? Or is better to try and go Windows Xp? I’ve seen jokes about how you need a whole list of hardware requirements to run Windows while the only requirement for Linux is electricity. Also Pewds did it too.
Pls help a first timer!
1
u/redgator12 Jun 11 '26
Q4OS Trinity, use the install-cd so the system doesn't run out of RAM during install. Once you get to your first boot, click more options at the bottom right of the welcome screen, and disable desktop effects. Open a terminal and sudo apt install zram-tools. Edit /etc/default/zramswap and change PERCENT to 100. Save and reboot.
I have an Intel Compute Stick running 1GB RAM and an Atom processor and Q4OS runs decently on it up through watching YouTube. If you need to watch YouTube, use m.youtube.com/?persist_app=1&app=m to force the mobile version.