Older Computers

[NoOp]

On 07/28/2007 07:45 AM, Pete Holsberg wrote:
> I'm thinking about trying to convince the people in my over-55 community 
> to think of Linux when they buy their next computer.

Why not just have them use their existing computer? Putting Ubuntu on an
old computer can breath new life into it, and they may find that they
don't need to buy another computer at all. My everyday system (this one)
is a 450Mhz w/384Mb & 2 hard drives: a 30GB for linux and a 14GB that
contains my old Win2KP install. I have a 650Mhz Thinkpad w/256Mb
connected to a docking station as side-by-side test machine. Yes, I have
other, faster systems, but those two are my everyday work horses.

> 
> Is it safe to say that all 2007 desktop computers with wired Ethernet 
> will have no problems with (K)Ubuntu?

No. The 450Mhz is a Compaq Presario 5670 with a built in ethernet &
modem that Ubuntu recognizes but have never worked w/Ubuntu. They work
with Knoppix but not w/Ubuntu. I had to install a separate NIC for
networking. However an excellent alternative is an Airlink 101 2.0 USB
ethernet adapter (it's wired); _they just work_ in everything that I've
tried them on and run anywhere from $5 to $13 USD. I use one on my
Thinkpad because it's a pain using the PCMICA card/cable etc.
> 
> Is it safe to say that even older ones with wired Ethernet will have no 
> problems?
>  

See above :-)