[plug] Getting Linux to work on old computers

[vegancaffeineaddict at gmail.com]

How about trying 32 bit linux?

I suspect that 

https://www.makeuseof.com/linux-distros-with-32-bit-support/
(Legacy support for 32 bit (i386 not ‘AMD64’))
More information at 
Distrowatch.com

Ubuntu stopped supporting 32bit systems so its family did so too

Sorry I didn’t remember this earlier! 

Daniel 

> On 25 Dec 2021, at 13:27, charles todd <ctodd000 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks, Daniel
> Your reply is much appreciated. 
> The hard drive has already been changed and has 420gb free space. There is 2gb RAM on the memory stick, but there is sufficient space to add another stick from one of the other computers. Being an old Windows Vista computer, the bios has few options and certainly not UEFI.
> My next move is probably to use a blank SSD and install Linux on this (if possible) from a disc.
> 
> Once again, many thanks for your help.
> 
>> On Sat, 25 Dec 2021 at 11:22, <vegancaffeineaddict at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hi Charles
>> I’m a Linux enthusiast rather than any kind of expert so take my ideas as only that … 
>> 
>> Knoppix always seems to have the best hardware detection but it relies on ram and possibly a swap or temp file to expand 
>> 
>> Perhaps use a different keyboard and mouse and try the bios with legacy settings 
>> 
>> I wonder if the possibly limited ram is not enough for live distribution that use ram
>> … can you disconnect the windows HDD and put another in place so you can try a full install without wrecking anything?
>> 
>> Ubuntu perhaps as a start
>> 
>> I’ll let others add better suggestions 
>> …
>> 
>> Daniel 
>> 
>>>> On 25 Dec 2021, at 10:25, charles todd <ctodd000 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> A number of old NEC computers (Windows Vista era) have arrived in my workshop and I am keen to install Linux on these for use in Senior Centres.
>>> 
>>> Although these work with Vista and Windows 7, I cannot get any of the computers to install Linux. Trials so far include:-
>>> 
>>> USB with various Linux Distros, eg Mint, Ubuntu failed to boot. 
>>> A purchased custom USB for Linux also failed. This was designed for "old" computers.
>>> The USB ports are working, I have installed Windows without problems. The installation disk was recognised by the computer and showed all the files present.
>>> Linux was installed on a DVD disk (right-click iso etc.) The Disk drive was working and the installation disk initially stated Linux on the monitor, then a box was displayed with Linux options. The box was not active using any key on the keypad including the TAB key suggested.
>>> A second disc was made using another Linux Distro which performed as the first.
>>> Recommendations on the Linux pages suggest disabling the "fast boot" There does not appear to be a fast boot option.
>>> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>>> 
>>> Regards
>>> 
>>> Charles
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