Certain Linux distributions are great choices depending on your needs.
Certain Linux distributions are great choices depending on your needs.
Some of us still handle daily maintenance on outdated hardware.
I didn't mean to say I drive an old system every day. Let me rephrase that. I understand the challenges of working with outdated hardware and limited upgrade options. Many of us simply can't afford to contact a service provider for an older machine. Until February 2019, my primary workstation was a Core 2 Duo E8400 with a GT 710, which performed well at the time and remains in use today. It's no longer my main device, but I still rely on some vintage components.
Sure, I know what the possibilities are. I've gotten machines that perform extremely well for free. Hell, I only paid a total of $35 for the Dell Precision T3500 that replaced my E8400 machine. However, you said that there is no reasonable case where such old systems should be used as daily driver machines. In my opinion that's not true, and that's all I was pointing out.
Honestly, everything is working well on my PC. It performed properly after installing Lubuntu.
This discussion isn't really about it, and the equipment isn't that useless at all. It's definitely practical enough for everyday use—it depends on what the person is trying to achieve. If they're not considering a hardware upgrade, it might be out of reach or unnecessary. Most recommendations in this thread focus on the differences between the distributions rather than the actual software installed. I’d lean toward Arch Linux, though the setup could be challenging if you have no prior Linux experience (though you can follow a step-by-step guide).
Have you really taken a look at my message? It looks like you missed it. It’s unclear if the OP requires a new device or if they can even afford one. Let’s move forward.
Most popular options are generally light enough and well-documented. This is usually what newcomers need to focus on first.