Resurrecting Old Computers With Linux
I’ve heard that Linux can resurrect old computers into something useful. I happened to have an old Emachine W1640 1.4ghz machine laying around to give this a try on.
I started the project by finding the disks that came with the computer. I used these to set it back to factory specifications. Surprise, it ran Windows great with a fresh install. All that it took was to update Windows with the 2 service packs and all the other patches, then this computer was dead in the water, again. Every upgrade slowed the computer more and more. I was thinking the memory of 128mb was to low, so I ordered a 1gig stick for $40.
While waiting for the memory to arrive, I tried to install Ubuntu. It wouldn’t even run using the LiveCD function. The LiveCD function is where you can run Linux from a CD without using the hard drive to run the computer. I knew for sure that the memory was just to small and decided to try Xubunu that’s designed for slow computers. Just as I finished downloading the ISO image to make the Xubuntu CD, the new memory arrived. We’ll never know if it would work on 128mb of memory or not, as I installed the memory before loading Xubuntu.
I could have chose Damn Small Linux or Puppy Linux, but that’s just not enough for me anymore. I need all the graphical interfaces that a full Linux Distribution provides. I’m not into Linux enough to set and fight with the command line for hours on end.
Xubuntu installed very easily. I let it automatically install for a dual-boot with Windows. It automatically figured out I had an empty hard drive and installed itself there. It also automatically configured a boot loader. The boot loader allows you to choos your operating system on startup.
Xubuntu is just a downsized Ubuntu. It works very well with the 1.4ghz processor and 1.128gb of memory. I added all of the applications I need through the application manager with no trouble at all.
So for $40, I’ve got a computer that runs like a new one. There’s a Christmas miracle for you!
If you would like your old computer brought back to life, let me know. I charge $50 for the install. If you need memory, that will be extra. I would suggest at least 1ghz and I would recommend Xubuntu for any computer with less that a 1ghz processor. If you’re close to Newark, Ohio – contact me at this link.
