Quote:
Originally Posted by Blossom
They've made XP pretty much inoperable for internet this past year. It's time to install a different operating system on my netbook. I really have no choice.
So I'm looking at Linux Mint. What do you think? I want internet, ability to run a few office like Libre Office programs and some old windows programs like yWriter.
Its a Toshiba NB200 with RAM upgraded to 2GB.
Pros?
Cons?
This is a huge leap for me.
Will I need drivers for sound, keyboard like Windows does or how does that work? I am a total newbie to Linux. 
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk |
Linux Mint is great for converting windows users.
You will not need any extra drivers provided that your hardware is not brand new. The HWE-stack (HardWare Enablement) that is part of any modern version of Linux can handle all common hardware. There is some hardware that is very tied to Windows. Cheap printers and scanners. Or some special gizmos and controllers on some special newer netbooks/laptops. But then it may still be possible to get things working fully by searching the internet for reports, from other owners of the same hardware, on how they got things working.
You can test before you take the plunge by booting Linux Mint from a USB thumbdrive and test it with your hardware.
No need for any antivirus either.
However with "only" 2GB RAM it may be better to try a Linux version that is made for older computers with limited memory. Linux Mint may work, but might feel sluggish. Other version of Linux will not only work but feel positively snappy and have great performance. Here are some alternatives: (I haven't really tested any of them.)
https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/
I run Ubuntu Linux on a 13" HP laptop, and everything is fine. 8GB RAM. I had to repartition the SSD to remove the earlier OS (Win10) and some hidden partitions.
I have helped several friends to install Linux as well. And I usually recommend Linux Mint for new Linux Users. It is also possible to have for instance Ubunty Linux switch between the normal Gnome Shell interface, KDE or Mint, as you want, when you login. It is Ubuntu underneath but with different user interfaces.