I've used Ubuntu in the past so that's what I'm thinking of using, but if anyone has another suggestion I'm open to ideas. I'm looking for something user-friendly and lightweight when it comes to hardware requirements. The laptop will mostly be used for web browsing and streaming video, if I can get that to work.

  • AssortedBiscuits [they/them]
    ·
    11 months ago

    You can never go wrong with Debian Stable. Just pick a DE that uses less resources like xfce or LXQt.

  • Maoo [none/use name]
    ·
    11 months ago

    I'd go with Debian or maybe Pop!OS. Relatively simple, stable, promotes free by default.

  • Chay@lemmygrad.ml
    ·
    11 months ago

    You can try MX Linux! It's specifically made for old hardware and has a great custom-made suite of software.

  • neo [he/him]
    ·
    11 months ago

    I have a Thinkpad X201 (from 2010) that runs Ubuntu 22.04 with Gnome just fine, all things considered. I think LXQt and Xfce are good, too, but I don't think you need to shy away from Gnome or KDE out of fear of heavy hardware requirements.

      • neo [he/him]
        ·
        11 months ago

        In essence, yes. Ubuntu makes it pretty easy, actually, because each one has a dedicated installer and community.

        Ubuntu (default choice) - Gnome Lubuntu - Lxqt Xubuntu - Xfce Kubuntu - KDE.

        I'm sure you can check out their respective websites and just pick one based on which aesthetic appeals to you

        https://ubuntu.com/desktop
        https://lubuntu.me/
        https://kubuntu.org/
        https://xubuntu.org/

        The underlying everything else will be the same. It's all "Ubuntu" at the end of the day.