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1.7 GHz processor. 512 MB of RAM. 40 GB hard drive. If you know about computers, that sounds like the specs of a tablet or a netbook computer. However, this is from a Dell Latitude D600. Back in the day, this was a top of the line laptop. Thin and light, it was new technology. That was 7 years ago.
This was given to me by my dad; it was an old computer that had been sitting in a drawer for a few years. I tried running Windows, but it was too slow. Then I remembered Linux.
This Instructable will be showing how to put Ubuntu, a form of open sourced Linux, as the main OS on a laptop that desperately needs rebirth.
The recommended minimum system requirements are:
-1 GHz x86 processor
-1GB of RAM (It works with 512 MB though, although it is a little slow)
-15GB of hard-drive space
-Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024 by 768
-Either a CD/DVD Drive or a USB port
If you are missing some parts see step 7.
(By the way, it is either pronounced u-bun-too or oo-boon-too)
*Please note that some of the pictures are from Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx, not the latest 10.10 Maverick Meerkat. However, there are not many changes, and it will still work.
This was given to me by my dad; it was an old computer that had been sitting in a drawer for a few years. I tried running Windows, but it was too slow. Then I remembered Linux.
This Instructable will be showing how to put Ubuntu, a form of open sourced Linux, as the main OS on a laptop that desperately needs rebirth.
The recommended minimum system requirements are:
-1 GHz x86 processor
-1GB of RAM (It works with 512 MB though, although it is a little slow)
-15GB of hard-drive space
-Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024 by 768
-Either a CD/DVD Drive or a USB port
If you are missing some parts see step 7.
(By the way, it is either pronounced u-bun-too or oo-boon-too)
*Please note that some of the pictures are from Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx, not the latest 10.10 Maverick Meerkat. However, there are not many changes, and it will still work.
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Signing UpStep 1Why Ubuntu?
A brief explanation:
Ubuntu is a free, open source Linux operating system. It is named after South African ethnic concept meaning "humanity towards others". Based on a quick search, I found out that an estimated 12 million people are using Ubuntu worldwide.
Why Ubuntu?
1) it's free! No strings attached. Also, almost all applications (thousands) are free too (I have not found one that you have to pay for yet). For example, it comes pre-installed with Firefox, but I prefer Google Chrome, so I installed it.
2) No viruses! There is no need for ant-virus software, as viruses aren't typically designed to run on Linux. If you download one, it will just stay in your computer and do nothing.
3) It is open sourced! If you want to design your own app, or modify a key part of your system, you can.
4) It is fast! Even on my laptop booting takes only a couple of seconds.
5) It looks pretty! It has a really nice appearance, and almost everything is customizable.
If you are still not convinced, or want more information, go check out their website at www.ubuntu.com
Ubuntu is a free, open source Linux operating system. It is named after South African ethnic concept meaning "humanity towards others". Based on a quick search, I found out that an estimated 12 million people are using Ubuntu worldwide.
Why Ubuntu?
1) it's free! No strings attached. Also, almost all applications (thousands) are free too (I have not found one that you have to pay for yet). For example, it comes pre-installed with Firefox, but I prefer Google Chrome, so I installed it.
2) No viruses! There is no need for ant-virus software, as viruses aren't typically designed to run on Linux. If you download one, it will just stay in your computer and do nothing.
3) It is open sourced! If you want to design your own app, or modify a key part of your system, you can.
4) It is fast! Even on my laptop booting takes only a couple of seconds.
5) It looks pretty! It has a really nice appearance, and almost everything is customizable.
If you are still not convinced, or want more information, go check out their website at www.ubuntu.com
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A 4GB hard drive is plenty big enough for your OS and apps, but you won't have a lot of room for data. If you have a USB port get a thumb drive and keep stuff on that.
Ubuntu wasn't really designed as a gaming system, but if you wanted to, you probaby could get to work. There wouldn't be many advantages, so it might not be worth it.
It served me perfectly well until the Kapton ribbon cable between the base and the LCD finally broke (the hinges had broken a few years previously, and I used a lovely amethyst geode to hold up the screen).
Today, user-level installations of Linux have gotten almost as bloated as Windoze (1 GB of RAM, 15 GB of disk?!?), but you can still have an extremely servicable Linux installation on a small system, as long as you're not lazy enough to demand all the bells and whistles. There are fully functional Linuces for embedded systems.
From all that I've read (including your I'ble), Ubuntu is an excellent installation choice for users who are not, and don't want to become, system administrators. Which distribution of Linux someone chooses is pretty much a religious choice, dependent upon how comfortable they are with getting their hands covered with bodily fluids :-)
As well as the thumb drive.. that reminded me of this article
http://www.geek.com/articles/games/game-developer-david-braben-creates-a-usb-stick-pc-for-25-2011055/
about your server, good job recycling it! how old was it?
as for the sun... the old sun page that had all the info has vanished since the merger with oracle but for those interested the history can be found on wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Enterprise
and the stats are here
http://sunstuff.org/hardware/systems/sun4/sun4u/ULTRAEnterprise3000/
and the 160lb weight is unloaded(!!!!) full up it weighs considerably more. as proof i bought the thing on ebay for $10 and paid $280 to have it shipped.
but if you're not a guru don't try one of these the installation as it was a living nightmare. I did get a fair amount of help from the forum's and the local LUG (Linux User Group) but it was many hours of command line work to get everything working right.
That reminds me if someone is getting started look for a nearby LUG they will certainly lend a hand and are in most major and some not so major cities. There you can get a chance to talk to people who are very good with linux who can take some of the trepidation out of the whole ordeal.
Anyways, the intent of this Instructable is to provide new life to an old computer by using a simple, user friendly OS. I am not a system administrator. I have not done programing, besides XHTML and very basic JavaScript.
I originally did this program to learn about operating systems. I was just curious, and had only been on a Windows machine before. I had only just learned about Linux. Then I realized how well Ubuntu functions on this laptop, and realized I could share my learnings with other people.
Where to go now? I love doing hacks on small, mobile devices. I want to get involved with android. I wanted to participate in the Google laptop beta, but it is too late now. Eventually, I hope to learn how to really program.
Thanks for the comment!
I never really had any problems with drivers; for me it was just difficult to connect to my crappy wireless router.
Other than that, I am not quite sure what to do. Try making a post on the Ubuntu Forums.
In January 2009, the New York Times estimated 10 million users. In June 2009, ZDNet estimated 13 million. In April 2010, Kenyon said 12 million users.
I would be happy to change it if you found a reliable source!
Anyways I did not know what a lan party was so I googled it. It's a neat idea! That's cool that it functions so well.
I will look into wine, (sound funny) as i might want to install it and play the old version of windows pinball.
http://blitz-bomb.deviantart.com/art/OMG-Ubuntu-wallpaper-174106729
I am a big simpsons fan and this was my favorite one that had anything to do with ubuntu. I was supprized to see how many ubuntu backgrounds will come up related to sex. I think that ubuntu shouldnt even be related to that. If only bord guys werent so pervy.
If so, you can download the .apk. The instructions are here: