Quote:
Originally Posted by theducks
I am typing this on a Optiplex 9020 (i7 not W11 ready) and it is my main Calibre Library.
My intake is on a Optiplex 780 (someting is off, as it is as DMA is not functioning), But it will boot Mint.
I also have a really ancient (c 2003) L675. The newest is a Brother Color MFC
Mint is more like W7 I frequently use (from live CD) GPARTED to move around drive partitions
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Buying old laptops and micro computers (and Wyse Thin Clients) from Shop Goodwill and updating them is kind of a hobby for me. (Or was. I've finally convinced myself to quit buying the dang things.) On the Dell Latitudes and Optiplex Micros, the Windows license is built into the BIOS, so I can install Windows when I get (got) them and you can (currently) install Windows 11 on an Optiplex 9020. Whether Microsoft will permit that in the future, or offer updates for those who do this, I don't know. Just use Rufus and check the no TPM check. You can also bypass creating an online Microsoft account using Rufus.
I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to see if I can set up FreeDOS on the 8 GB built-in drive (eMMC, so it's slower storage) on a Wyse 5070 Thin Client and then install Linux Mint Xfce on the 64 GB SSD, so it will be a dual-boot with Linux/DOS. Currently I'm dual booting Bunsen Labs Linux on the 8 GB drive (built on Debian). But even though Bunsen Labs Linux is small, it's still cramped on 8 GB eMMC RAM.
Linux Mint Xfce runs well on the Wyse 5060 and 5070 Thin Clients, more so if you limit YouTube videos to 720p instead of HD. Still impressive little Linux machines and very low power.
Sorry about rambling.
If you're interested in a Wyse 5070, it's easier to buy one with enough RAM, 8GB eMMC storage and 64GB SSD preinstalled. They have an SSD port, but it doesn't use standard sized SSDs. They take a standard Dell (7.4mm tip) power supply (65 watts or above), so finding power supplies is not a problem.
Like this one for $42.50 shipped...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18707860468...tedSearch=true
This would make a good, Linux Mint Desktop computer. Very low power, no fan. They even have a USB-C port with Display Port built in — plus two standard display ports. (You also might want to look for one with built-in WiFi. These linked ones don't have it, just Ethernet.)
(And I keep rambling.)