Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

you could try ubuntu

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

not sure how bloated its become but there is an option for machine with 2gb and instructions for usb stick install

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Make sure you are prepared for the odd moment of it not working at all. I've just installed openSUSE on my laptop and it's great but for one tiny detail. I cannot get it to allow the wireless to switch on. Providing I plug it in on a cable, it's quicker than Windows 7 but the cable doesn't reach the sofa!

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Move the sofa! :confused:
:-)

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Pete,

If you want to install Linux from a USB drive then download unetbootin from here to set one up: http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/

After downloading a Linux Mint XFCE (32bit for really old kit, 64bit for higher memory / dual core / amd64 CPUs) iso image from the Linux Mint site, run Unetbootin and select the diskimage option and point at the iso file you've downloaded, also select the drive letter for the USB drive. Then when done hit OK/go/whatever it's called and it will copy the installation media onto the USB for use in a bit.

Once done reboot the PC you want to install it on with the USB drive in and follow the instructions once it loads....have a read on the Linux Mint / Ubuntu forums and main sites for info on installing...but to be honest with an older PC you should be alright if you just keep hitting next, drivers should support older hardware without much bother (for the most part). Note: Standard Linux Mint (not Debian edition versions) is a reengineered Ubuntu so most Ubuntu info/help will be relevant for Linux Mint too. I am writing this on "Linux Mint 16 Cinnamon 64 bit"

Before you do anything though make sure you backup any files to disk/cloud/whatever that you want to keep!!

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Then I'd be too close to the telly. ](*,)

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Linux Mint installed, WIFI working perfectly, waaaaaay faster than Windows!

Thanks for the help Kai!

Pete ;)

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Good stuff, bye bye windows! You'll find Libre Office does everything ms office does and there's loads of other great software to install from within the OS too!

Any questions just ask...

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Think that's sold to me too, after installing Win7 on my old laptop, its been very sluggish and refuses to start properly.

I've nothing to loose, so I'll install Mint on it sometime this week for a bit of fun

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

Mint is nice, because it's much the same as Ubuntu minus all the bloat that slows it down.
Transforms most older machines, does most of what you need, and hassle free to get going. Glad you're up and running with it. I suggested Mint because it's nice and lightweight and designed for older machines that need a new lease of life.
glad you're happy!

Re: Advice on computer/iPad OS
 

I've also found Mint to be the best desktop Linux. I've replaced Windows 7 with Mint on my company laptop and much prefer it. I'd use it at home too, if it wasn't that OS X is must better still.

The main downsides I've found with Mint is that upgrading versions is a pain, and it refuses to pair with a bluetooth mouse, due to a bug.