Everyone has a reason to getting into Linux, or even the different distros. Personally, I just got into Ubuntu on my main computer less than a month ago. I do a lot of work with code, and I use a custom pc, and for my preferences neither windows nor mac really fit the bill. So, hooray! Linux! And first post about linux!
More on topic. I have this old (and I mean... old) computer that I want to fix up. The ultimate goal is just to sell it, and barring that, giving it away to a family member for minimal use. If I sell it in working condition, I expect like 80 bucks. Or less. ish. Rough ballpark. This was your TL:DR. Feel free to skip to the questions.
Stats
- Model: Gateway ATXSTF Select K7 - 950 (vintage year 2000)
- CPU: AMD Athlon - 950Mhz
- RAM: 1x128MB PC133 (3 dimm slots total; max supported 1.5GB)
- HDD: 40gb disk @5400rpm
- GPU: NVidia RIVA TNT 2 (125 MHz / 16MB)
- Other: sound card, network card, 2 cd drives, floppy drive, USB ports
- This is a 32-bit system
Details
Well I found this thing a while ago and have just gotten around to fixing it up. I tried booting it, BIOS worked but OS didn't. Windows ME was crap anyway. So I've been looking for an OS to add some polish and test it, and I thought Linux would fit like a glove. After doing some research, Puppy kept coming up. And I landed here. Anyway, I've since opened the PC up and started dusting it and replacing the thermal paste etc, formatting the drive, but I'll put it back together soon enough. Honestly, I'm not even sure if this thing runs OK. Some component may be old or broken, which might be why the OS didn't boot up last time.
Important note, once I check this machine is working, I am willing to dish out the 8-14 bucks required to add a half-gig or full-gig of ram to the system. Maybe, if its worth it when I sell it. Also I'm not married to Puppy, so if someone knows of something that fits even better, let me know.
Purpose
Aside from throwing an OS that works into the legacy machine to test it then sell it, I'm interested about exploring the Linux ecosystem. Personally, educationally, and of course for practical utility. I have an array of computers from 2000 to 2015-ish that are all in various conditions, and I bet I'll be putting linux on a couple of them.
Questions
OK... So you have all that background info. Great. Now, I have questions.
I was looking at the "official" builds on the website and saw BionicPup, FossaPup, and XenialPup (reflecting different core files in ubuntu I presume)...Which puppy linux distro/build would you recommend? I was getting BionicPup32, because I didn't see a 32-bit FossaPup. But I've also read XenialPup works just fine for old machines.
But, if you recommend none of the "official" puppy linux builds, which variant of Puppy Linux would you recommend? And, is puppy linux right for my purposes at all? What other Linux would you recommend? Debian? Arch? (Keeping in mind, I am looking for something a) gui+simple and b) legacy-friendly)
Thanks for the read I'm sure I'm making gross assumptions somewhere so feel free to step on my toes wherever you deem necessary. I'm here to learn about linux and use it.