Linux for a old Acer Aspire One

[Compton_effect]

I have a old Acer Aspire One Netbook - the classic AOA110 -ZG5 running Linpus Linux.
It died on us years ago, but I recently discovered (by accident) that it was a BIOS issue and flashed it with a fix. Now I have a fully functional little netbook that could still be used. Problem is a really old OS.

I just tested Saucy Salamander on it, not too bad. The newest version of Linpus seems to be only 64 bit.
Can anyone suggest another option that I could test out? Obviously I'm not planning any heavy work on it, but hey - it still runs - someone could use it.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Try ElementaryOS.

Been using it lately on lower spec hardware as Ubuntu has just become too cumbersome.

Based on Ubuntu but lightweight yet still pretty and useful.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

I've always used Ubuntu on my Aspire one and been happy with it. I always use the latest LTS version of Ubuntu. The unity interface works well on it.

But all a personal preference.

 

[ponder]

Other options, Crunchbang, Lubuntu, Peppermint OS, Archbang, Manjaro, Slitaz, Puppy, LXLE, Linux Lite

 

[KleinBoontjie]

what's the space you have on there, is it the 8/16GB SSD or the 120 - 500GB HDD version with the Atom processor.
I'd wager that Linux mint XFCE (Mate and Cinnamon may also work) is just right for that netbook. Has been running it smoothly on my wife's Lenovo S10 (160GB HDD, Atom 1.6).

 

[Compton_effect]

Its the 16 gb SSd with 512mb RAM. Thanks for the options. I'll try them and see which one works best.
BTW. If anyone ever needs to make a Bootable USB drive - recommend Rufus. It comes with FreeDOS integrated as a default.

 

[tnt11]

Its the 16 gb SSd with 512mb RAM. Thanks for the options. I'll try them and see which one works best.

512 RAM is the killer. LTS Ubuntu and the like will be so slow you'll want to kill yourself.

You should rather look at AntiX. http://antix.mepis.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

 

[KleinBoontjie]

The XFCE (mint) is a lightweight, 512mb will do. Your drive space will also do, though I guess you're wishing for more.

EDIT: LINK

 

[10i]

I use Peppermint on my lenovo idea pad and it runs very well on the low hardware.

 

[MyWorld]

Arch with XFCE and all the lightweight apps on the Arch Wiki:
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/List_of_Applications

 

[Compton_effect]

what's the space you have on there, is it the 8/16GB SSD or the 120 - 500GB HDD version with the Atom processor.
I'd wager that Linux mint XFCE (Mate and Cinnamon may also work) is just right for that netbook. Has been running it smoothly on my wife's Lenovo S10 (160GB HDD, Atom 1.6).

Thanks
I tested ElementaryOS, Peppermint and Mint XFCE. Decided to go with Mint. So far so good. One thing I noticed - the touchpad is suddenly usable. The newer Synaptics drivers are great.

 

[KleinBoontjie]

How's the experience so far?

 

[MyWorld]

Mint should work okay, only problem is when you push the netbook a bit. Heavy flash or too many programs will noticeably slow down the netbook. That is why I went with Arch and XFCE on my Aspire One, a smaller footprint and less unwanted apps and services running.

I did upgrade the RAM on mine to 2Gb, that 512Mb is going to hurt you, try and get it over 1Gb.

 

[nand]

crunchbang ftw

This. It's my go to guy for "I just need some Linux with a GUI".