Optimal operating system for streaming YouTube on a netbook
Optimal operating system for streaming YouTube on a netbook
Hey there, I see you're looking for a good operating system for your Asus Eee 1005. It has an Intel Atom 450n processor, 2GB RAM, and a 64-bit system works fine. You mentioned trying Chrome OS Flex but faced issues with browser performance and installation problems. You're aiming for something lightweight enough to run basic apps like Google Drive, Docs, and YouTube. I’d suggest considering a minimal OS with a lightweight browser or one that comes pre-installed with Google apps, such as ChromeOS. Let me know if you want more options!
You should probably choose the most lightweight Linux distribution available, but your performance will mainly depend on the processor you have, not the OS itself.
You're not sure if another operating system will help. It seems your CPU isn't powerful enough to handle YouTube. The hardware can't decode newer video formats like H.264, so everything runs through the CPU. It's also quite slow. Usually, the OS doesn't make a big difference in app performance. Your CPU usage might be at its limit when you try to watch YouTube.
Its too old. The cpu doesnt have the power to decode the youtube stream and youtube moved away from h.264 encoding a while ago so your gpu cant assist which this cpu is banking on to work. Its a ultra low end pc from 2010. Its 14 years old. Even the highest end rigs from that time are REALLY showing their age in anything. Even browsing starts getting rough for like an i7 920 and the gpu's from that time havent been able to help out in decoding for a while due to the internet moving away from h.264. Simply put it's too old and slow time to replace it really.
Internet performance has become increasingly difficult to manage. Lubuntu performed well on the desktop due to its simplicity and lack of unnecessary features. Windows 10, on the other hand, is extremely resource-intensive. In comparison, a basic processor like a Pentium 4 runs much more efficiently.
The processor is a 64-bit model according to Intel: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/...6-ghz.html This should enable more recent software compatibility. The graphics card is Intel GMA 3150. As mentioned, it doesn’t handle the latest codecs like h.264/265 or especially vp9. There’s a Firefox extension (possibly still available) named h264ify, or something similar. You might also try converting videos with Handbrake to another format. Save the appropriate settings, then paste the command into the text console or drag a file in. Alternatively, avoid using YouTube on this system and focus on other activities. VLC media player can assist a bit. Another idea is to switch from lxde to lxqt or use windowmaker for a lighter experience. This option supports many gradients for desktops, menus, titlebars, and selected items, offering extensive customization. If most websites are resource-heavy, consider installing the Firefox addon Privacy Badger. It displays all domains on a page and lets you block them to speed up loading and reduce usage. Another choice is NoScript with the untrusted setting enabled. It disables all JavaScript on sites, though you usually need to allow trusted sites for menus and layout. With 64-bit support, the machine is largely unaffected except for codec issues; otherwise you’re free to configure it as desired. I also recommend the program Redshift, similar to f.lux but with smoother transitions than xflux. It dims the bright blue glow from LED backlight and also reduces green brightness, helping to lessen a white cloud appearance at night. I advise against using black screens due to low contrast, and instead opt for dark orange or dark brown to counter glare when viewing at night. Alternatively, connect it to a higher-quality monitor for better visual comfort.
I've noticed with older laptops that using mpv for YouTube can sometimes be more successful than watching in a browser. The decoding process seems smoother. Try setting the frame rate to 30 fps and limiting resolution to around 480p or 720p. You can adjust these settings in mpv's configuration file if needed. This method might perform better for you and has worked for me before. Keep in mind that because YouTube's API works this way, it avoids ads, which could be a plus or a downside depending on your preferences.
EDIT: To be clear, this differs from E-waste's advice about downloading videos with VLC and mpv supports streaming directly via yt-dlp (VLC likely does too). You can play a YouTube link in mpv and have the video stream while it downloads, without needing extra plugins. This can be more convenient and doesn't require special browser extensions. However, it won't allow you to convert the video, so it might not suit you if your hardware struggles with processing.