old PC new software

[tcofran]

So,

my dad is nearing 80, and i managed to introduce him to Android via a smartphone, together with e-mail. He is having trouble reading some messages on his phone, so i want to start up a very old pc that is lying around for him for e-mail and the odd thing he still types. The PC has got XP (1.7ghz with 640mb RAM), with no SP's so getting that connected to the internet is a no no.

i managed to get Lubuntu running but it is very slow......

What other linux or other software (android ?) will run on this old thing ???? I tried Remix, but that doesn't work. Just for mail, some typing and maybe internet browsing

Any suggestions will be appreciated

 

[ponder]

Try something like Tiny Core.

Your issue is ram, try and install more ram, 2GB. With more ram your options will greatly increase.

Got the MB & RAM specs? Maybe we can scratch around for some.

https://thishosting.rocks/best-lightweight-linux-distros/

 

[tcofran]

Will have look thanks,

wonder if i will still get RAM for this abacus i call a computer

 

[ponder]

Will have look thanks,

wonder if i will still get RAM for this abacus i call a computer

I have quite a few ram sticks 'somewhere' in a box I can look for.

Else buy him a raspberry pi...

 

[tcofran]

I'll try and see what type of ram it is.......
Dont know squat about Raspberry etc...

Thanks for the info though

 

[tcofran]

@ponder,

Will this work OK ???

https://zorinos.com/help/system-requirements/

 

[DanDango]

I'll try and see what type of ram it is.......
Dont know squat about Raspberry etc...

Thanks for the info though

Raspberry Pi with Raspbian NOOBS OS is easy to set up.

 

[backstreetboy]

Chrome OS -> https://www.neverware.com/freedownload

 

[mr_norris]

My mom battles with anything electronic, and her eyesight is pretty bad. I got her a 7" android tablet - and she manages quite well with it. You could try that?

 

[LazyLion]

Also check out Puppy Linux.

 

[Rickster]

Also check out Puppy Linux.

Was about to suggest this!

 

[tcofran]

Chrome OS -> https://www.neverware.com/freedownload

Will have a look thanks

My mom battles with anything electronic, and her eyesight is pretty bad. I got her a 7" android tablet - and she manages quite well with it. You could try that?

And printing, not a big problem ?

Also check out Puppy Linux.

Thanks, will have a look

 

[FaSMaN]

Considering his getting use to Anrdoid , why not install Android X86 http://www.android-x86.org/

 

[ponder]

Hi,

Thing with all these lightweight OSs is they'll run on low spec hardware but the apps might require more ram. A web browser for example chows a lot of ram and the system will start swapping to disk making things very slow & unpleasant for the user. I'd recommend 2GB of ram for a decent experience. There are lightweight browsers but I won't recommend them due to lack of features & security standards.

 

[sajunky]

The PC has got XP (1.7ghz with 640mb RAM), with no SP's so getting that connected to the internet is a no no.

Install SP3. As you already tried other things, download copy of XP with SP3 integrated.
Then Firefox (still supported I think) or Chrome (outdated), but still works.

 

[BigAl-sa]

I would go with the option of a 10.1" tablet. The Samsung 9.6" is good value for money for an older person at the mo.

If you can afford it, the 10.1" Samsung Tab A is worth it.

If you go the tablet route, avoid the smaller tablets - they don't work for older people. Ask me...

 

[oldhat]

You can also try Bodhi Linux with a light weight browser like Midori, and Claws Mail. Works well on my old Intel Atom netbook.