What linux distro should I install for my pc?

[Graveworm]

Hello, I am a new member and I haven't had much time to look around the forum. I would like to summarize my problem briefly.My computer is a 2007 model ASUS N50VN. I am using Windows 7 as the factory default. But I am very bored now and I want to make a change. In addition to my problem, it also started to work very slowly and give a blue screen. When 6-7 tabs are opened, it immediately gives a blue screen. Which Linux will I use, will I speed it up a little?

Briefly, the characteristics of the computer;

Intel Core 2 Duo CPU P8400 2.25GHz (2 CPUs)
4gb RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9650M GT Graphics card

 

[CaffeineAddict]

will I speed it up a little?

Hello and welcome!

You can surely speed up your computer, especially if you haven't reinstalled Windows 7 since 2007.
Windows unlike Linux requires regular reinstallment to maintain performance.

When I was switching I asked nobody to help me pick a distro and I suggest you do the same,
so I'll leave you with other members about which distro to choose if you insist.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

I would recommend Linux Mint (because it looks similar to Windows) there are several versions but try the main version and see if it will run well on your computer.

Download Linux Mint 22.3 - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.

www.linuxmint.com

I have a laptop with a i5 dual core processor and Linux Mint (main version) ran a little choppy on it but for some reason it ran smoother on my chrome book which has a celeron processor. Just FYI.

If you have issues with Linux Mint not running smooth try MX Linux 25 (XFCE version). This should run on your computer without any issues and its a more complete OS than Linux Mint. It has GUI tools for just about everything a normal user would need to do (backup your entire system, file sharing, automated tasks, etc.).

MX Linux – Midweight Simple Stable Desktop OS

mxlinux.org

Here is a useful site where you see user reviews for various distros:

DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD.

News and feature lists of Linux and BSD distributions.

distrowatch.com

I don't recommend anything other than those two for a beginner. Btw I use both of them equally.

 

[Graveworm]

I would recommend Linux Mint (because it looks similar to Windows) there are several versions but try the main version and see if it will run well on your computer.

Download Linux Mint 22.3 - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.

www.linuxmint.com

I have a laptop with a i5 dual core processor and Linux Mint (main version) ran a little choppy on it but for some reason it ran smoother on my chrome book which has a celeron processor. Just FYI.

If you have issues with Linux Mint not running smooth try MX Linux 25 (XFCE version). This should run on your computer without any issues and its a more complete OS than Linux Mint. It has GUI tools for just about everything a normal user would need to do (backup your entire system, file sharing, automated tasks, etc.).

MX Linux – Midweight Simple Stable Desktop OS

mxlinux.org

Here is a useful site where you see user reviews for various distros:

DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD.

News and feature lists of Linux and BSD distributions.

distrowatch.com

I don't recommend anything other than those two for a beginner. Btw I use both of them equally.

I heard about the operating system you recommended somewhere else and I recorded the video. I will join the Linux family this evening. Thank you both very much for your answers.

BTW which one do you recommend I download? Cinnamon, Xfce or Mate?

@CaffeineAddict <3

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

BTW which one do you recommend I download? Cinnamon, Xfce or Mate?

Cinnamon is their flagship version but its heavier than XFCE and Mate. I would try Cinnamon and see if it runs without any issues on your machine. Again I was able to run it on a 10 year old chromebook without any issues but did have an issue with an i5 dual core processor. If you experience any lag or slow down XFCE and Mate are lighter.

FYI. Cinnamon is made by the Linux Mint team. Its their own DE (desktop environment) whereas XFCE and Mate are not made by them. If your using a laptop I find that Cinnamon is just as good on battery life if not slightly better than XFCE despite it being heavier.

I have never used Mate. So I can't comment on Mate but its pretty good from what I've read online.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

@CaffeineAddict <3

Sorry to disappoint you but I do not recommend Mint so can't help you witch choice over flavors.
Mint is the last distro I'd ever choose (not counting those distros nobody heard about).

It would make more sense for both you and others to make a list of 5 candidate distros you want, and then ask for pros and cons about each before making final decision.

You can do this on your own simply by reading a few articles online, but asking for opinions is fine too to back up your conclusions.

You may also want to share what do you expect from a distro?
Every distro has some gotchas that you'll discover sooner or later as you try few of them.

 

[Graveworm]

Cinnamon is their flagship version but its heavier than XFCE and Mate. I would try Cinnamon and see if it runs without any issues on your machine. Again I was able to run it on a 10 year old chromebook without any issues but did have an issue with an i5 dual core processor. If you experience any lag or slow down XFCE and Mate are lighter.

FYI. Cinnamon is made by the Linux Mint team. Its their own DE (desktop environment) whereas XFCE and Mate are not made by them. If your using a laptop I find that Cinnamon is just as good on battery life if not slightly better than XFCE despite it being heavier.

I have never used Mate. So I can't comment on Mate but its pretty good from what I've read online.

I don't care if the battery performance is unbelievable. It's been 5-6 years since I took out the laptop's battery. I use it connected to the charger in my bed.

The only problem I encountered and was annoyed by was; as I just said, the blue screen and freezing problem with heavy use. Also, when I watch videos on Youtube and go full screen, it makes me wait for 2-3 seconds. As long as these problems are solved, it is enough for me. I don't care about the game or anything.

All right, it's been decided, I'll install Cinnamon. Thank you very much again.

You may also want to share what do you expect from a distro?
Every distro has some gotchas that you'll discover sooner or later as you try few of them.

I have already written down my expectations;

The only problem I encountered and was annoyed by was; as I just said, the blue screen and freezing problem with heavy use. Also, when I watch videos on Youtube and go full screen, it makes me wait for 2-3 seconds. As long as these problems are solved, it is enough for me. I don't care about the game or anything.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

@Graveworm
Suggested this link below to explore a few distros based on what you expect/need:

Distrochooser

The Distrochooser helps you to find the suitable Linux distribution based on your needs!

distrochooser.de

When you're done it will list you about 4-5 distros to choose from from most suggested to least, as well as pros and cons about each.
I'd be curious to see what suggestions you get.

 

[MikeWalsh]

@Graveworm :- Welcome to Linux.org.....the friendliest 'general' Linux forum online.

With a Core2Duo, I wouldn't push it too much by opting for the Cinnamon desktop.

Core2Duo's top-out @ SSSE3s, and Cinnamon wants hardware acceleration an' all that s**t.....and your GPU is far from being the latest & greatest. You'll have a much better experience with XFCE with that hardware, I think, since XFCE is quite gentle with its requirements.

You don't want your first Linux experience to turn into a pig's ear, do you..? This is where we try to help where we can by "tailoring" recommendations/suggestions that should work best with the available hardware.

There's usually a Linux 'combo' that will work with pretty much any machine out there, though it can take some experimentation to discover what works best for you.

Don't be a stranger.....and don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how daft you may think they sound.


Mike.

 

[Graveworm]

@Graveworm
Suggested this link below to explore a few distros based on what you expect/need:

Distrochooser

The Distrochooser helps you to find the suitable Linux distribution based on your needs!

distrochooser.de

When you're done it will list you about 4-5 distros to choose from from most suggested to least, as well as pros and cons about each.
I'd be curious to see what suggestions you get.

I answered all the questions, and at first Lubuntu came out. Mint 3. in line.

 

[Graveworm]

@Graveworm :- Welcome to Linux.org.....the friendliest 'general' Linux forum online.

With a Core2Duo, I wouldn't push it too much by opting for the Cinnamon desktop.

Core2Duo's top-out @ SSSE3s, and Cinnamon wants hardware acceleration an' all that s**t.....and your GPU is far from being the latest & greatest. You'll have a much better experience with XFCE with that hardware, I think, since XFCE is quite gentle with its requirements.

You don't want your first Linux experience to turn into a pig's ear, do you..? This is where we try to help where we can by "tailoring" recommendations/suggestions that should work best with the available hardware.

There's usually a Linux 'combo' that will work with pretty much any machine out there, though it can take some experimentation to discover what works best for you.

Don't be a stranger.....and don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how daft you may think they sound.


Mike.

First of all, thank you for your kind words and explanation. As I said, I have no expectations from this computer. As long as it works stably, does not give a blue screen, and does not freeze while watching videos, it is enough for me. I did the test that your other friend posted and the result was Lubuntu. Do you think this is a good option?

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

First of all, thank you for your kind words and explanation. As I said, I have no expectations from this computer. As long as it works stably, does not give a blue screen, and does not freeze while watching videos, it is enough for me. I did the test that your other friend posted and the result was Lubuntu. Do you think this is a good option?

I provided some feedback for Lubuntu on the following thread:

Thread 'Lubuntu 24.04.3 LTS (Noble Numbat)'

Nov 10, 2025

Been trying out Lubuntu. I'm impressed. Not for new users but it was fun setting it up. A really nice looking distro (the log in screen is the best I have seen so far) that is lightweight with lots of features.

• MzQ1NjExN2
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Ubuntu forum

• 

Its not as beginner friendly as Linux Mint but its not rocket science either. You should be able to manage.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

Also Lubuntu was very snappy and fast. It should run fine on your machine.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

Lubuntu

There are several *buntu flavors where Lubuntu is one of them, and the difference is mainly DE (Desktop Environment),
for a full list see:

Ubuntu flavors | Ubuntu

Ubuntu flavors are different installations of Ubuntu - each with a choice of packages and applications included by default. Here you are able to choose and download the officially recognised flavor that would best suit your particular industry and unique needs.

ubuntu.com

LXQt is solid desktop for you computer because it's lightweight, other desktops like KDE (Kubuntu) take more hardware resources.

As you see your choice is not only distro, it's also DE.
DE is going to be all that you see and interact with, while distro is about package manager and people behind it who develop it.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

You may also have an issue with Lubuntu with some of the windows missing the menu bar and not being able to be moved. I provided a solution in the thread I posted above. FYI in case you run into that issue.

Edit:
Actually nevermind I don't see it on that thread. Just post back here if you run into any window issues and I'll tell you how to fix it.

 

[Graveworm]

@CaffeineAddict

Which one should i download?

 

[CaffeineAddict]

Which one should i download?

I never tried any Ubuntu's so don't know.

Basically the difference is that one is LTS (Long Term Support) and the other is STS.

Non LTS may come with newer features and more frequent updates and possibly more breakages.
I'd personally choose 25.10 and see how it works.

You can think of LTS as of OS designed for stability, like for banks or hospitals etc.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

If you choose LTS you won't be stuck with LTS you can upgrade to an interim version (non LTS) when it comes out and vice versa. LTS as mentioned above is more tested and you should have less bugs but 25.10 should be fine. It comes with a newer LXQT version.

D

Thread 'The latest is LTS or normal release (Ubuntu)?'

May 22, 2024

I like to be on the newer side and don't mind updating like every 9 months or whatever that time period is, so I should be looking at the normal release, right? When I go to download Ubuntu, they mainly show and recommend be to download the latest 24.04 LTS version. The latest non LTS version seems to be 23.10. So if I choose 23.10, I won't be choosing like an older version of Ubuntu or anything like that, right?

• Debian_SuperUser
• ubuntu
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Ubuntu forum

 

[Graveworm]

Both of you, thank you again. I will be downloading LTS verison in the evening.

 

[Brickwizard]

I use to run Mint LMDE on my previous laptop [dell 2010] withT4500 CPU and 4 gb, personally i would not go any heavier so my suggestions of the week are
Mint LMDE7
Linux Lite
Antix
Peppermint
Lubuntu

please read the links in my signature below