Linux issues for beginners Common problems new users face Troubleshooting tips
Linux issues for beginners Common problems new users face Troubleshooting tips
You're looking to set up Linux on a laptop with limited specs. The performance issues you mentioned suggest it might be better suited for a more lightweight OS. After trying Pop-OS and facing driver problems, forums seem to have offered mixed advice. For minimal effort, consider lightweight distributions like Lubuntu or Xubuntu, which are designed for older hardware. If you want Brave and good podcast apps, ensure your system meets their requirements (about 4GB RAM recommended). Regarding the USB Ethernet adapter, check if it's compatible with your OS—some adapters work only with specific drivers. If unsure, contact the manufacturer or search for a USB-to-Ethernet adapter that supports your Linux distribution.
Windows is the sole option. An alternative could be jDownloader.
You could try linux mint, because most of stuff works on it out of the box, but if your ethernet adapter didn't work in POP os, there's a high chance it also won't work in other distributions, so you will have to do put a bit of work in to get the driver working. Brave works exactly the same on linux as on windows, at least in my experience
You can look for the top options available and choose one that fits your needs. To keep it handy, decide on a method that works for you and store it easily.
I would use a bootable Linux Mint and test the Ethernet adapter. Generally, it functions without drivers since Linux includes its own open-source drivers. You don’t have to install anything—just run the operating system from the USB drive. If it works, you can install the OS. If not, consider trying Fedora as an alternative.
The laptop model isn't specified, but the specifications suggest compatibility with Linux Mint using the Cinnamon desktop. I've installed over 50 units, including desktops, and more than 100 if you count desktops. You haven't mentioned the storage type—whether it's a hard drive or SSD. If it's an HDD, consider upgrading to an SSD. You should burn the Linux ISO onto a USB drive and start the laptop from it. Running tests before installation is recommended. Brave functions well on Linux as well. The internet connection can be via a cable or Wi-Fi; I haven't experienced issues with the cable setup.
For my Lenovo Yoga laptop, I needed to download additional files from the internet and place them in the firmware folder to restore Wi-Fi functionality. This might be relevant for similar setups. For everyday use, I suggest sticking to Debian as the base system. Brave can be installed through its own repository or Flatpak, which I favor more. Spotify and other apps are likely available via Flatpak as well. Regarding jDownloader, visit https://jdownloader.org/jdownloader2, select Linux, download the script, and run it (right-click → make executable | terminal: chmod +x /path/to/file). This should install Java and the required components.