this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2026
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I love how even modern Linux distros run so damn well on what's considered today 'outdated' hardware.
I love Linux Mint btw! I think you did a great choice! Even though it's known as the beginner friendly distro, I think it's just a damn great distro for pretty much anyone, experienced or newbies. Fantastic choice!
And by outdated, like 2015. Old E7440s or even older work great with added memory. New battery and you have a nice laptop out of the e waste pile. The only weak spot are drives, SSDs are expensive so to stay cheap you might have to use old spinny in there.
More like 2005
Pentium m laptops are almost useable. The biggest issue is the lack of 32 bit software.
You just end up running emulators endlessly. Which... Is awful.
Also true. It's currently my media ripping machine. If I find a cheap 2 GHz pentium m I might put it in.
I've got a Acer Aspire One with an Atom in it that I still use. The form factor is awesome, I wish it was 64 bit and 4 gig though. Just use it for emergency firewall management as I don't think it is getting updates.
Some of those atoms use weird powervr graphics that aren't supported by anything. Mine has an ati gpu which is helpful.
I don't know what this one has but Mint runs OK on it.
Yea i wanted to give it a shot since ive been thinking of switching to mint on my desktop. Right now I run kubuntu on my main machine and for the past few years its been great, and the only thing thats really kept me has been KDE plasma. I may just bite the bullet and install plasma in mint cause so far, I'm still not a fan of cinnamon.