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Bruce SX

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Greetings.

I have been interested in Linux for quite sometime. However I desired to install and use it on a separate pc.

I own and run 2 Dell desktops with Win7 and Win10.

I have recently acquired a older Dell laptop. It is a INSPIRON 1545. It has a relatively modest Pentium(R) CPU T4400 @2.20 GHz. There is 2 GB RAM installed(I plan to increase the RAM).

I am wondering if this laptop will be suitable for a reformat, and fresh install of one of the LINUX variations.

Any recommendations for me to consider?

Thanks,
Bruce
 


Hi Bruce and welcome to linux.org :)

Is it similar to this, and specifically, if not, what differences?

https://www.cnet.com/products/dell-...ome-premium-3-gb-ram-250-gb-hdd-series/specs/

With 3GB of RAM you will be able to run many LInux, so the question will be what choices to make. But with two other computers at your disposal, it will be unlikely that there is essential software you need to duplicate or substitute for on the laptop, is that so?

Leave the formatting to Linux, it is better than a Windows option. Do you wish to run just Linux on the lappie? And is there a Windows on the laptop and if so which?

Cheers

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz
 
Hi Chris.

Win10 is installed on the Laptop. 64bit version. I was considering just dumping Win10 and using the laptop to install, learn and operate Linux.

I downloaded the manual from Dell, but I couldn't come across any specs to tell me just how much RAM I can squeeze into this little Inspiron 1545.

I have been reading some of the links posted in another thread here on Getting started and am coming around to downloading Linux variations to one of my thumb drives and running Linux Live until I find one that I like.

Then I can start improving the RAM speed while I am learning and testing.

It is very similar to the link you provided. Instead of being a T4200 it is a T4400. Almost twins.

Best,
Bruce
 
Last edited:
Spoiler for you Bruce ... I am that old, lol

Felix the cat
The wonderful, wonderful cat
Whenever he gets in a fix
He reaches into his bag of tricks

Felix the cat
Felix...
The wonderful, wonderful cat
You'll laugh so much your sides will ache
Your heart will go pit-a-pat
Watching Felix...
The wonderful cat

I was considering just dumping Win10 and using the laptop to install, learn and operate Linux.

A man after my own heart, certainly :).

I have to sign off for the evening down here, but even 3GB is fine, 8GB will really give you an idea of what is possible.

Cheers all

Wizard
 
Hi Wiz,

I must profess to a certain amount of ignorance concerning some of the techno that we currently enjoy. I can do the nuts and bolts stuff like replacing drives, RAM etc.

Is it possible for me to install a couple of 4gig RAM chips into this laptop?

I appreciate your humor and candor.

Best,
Bruce
 
Hi Bayou Bengal,

I thank you for providing the Crucial link. Very nice! I had read the response from the Wiz before I realized you had responded as well.

Best,
Bruce
 
Is it possible for me to install a couple of 4gig RAM chips into this laptop?

It would appear likely, from the link provided, but I have not done anything hardware-related with the innards of laptops, yet :eek:. And only a little with desktops (replace a power source, insert an optical drive, &c).

Seems to me like you could adopt a two-tiered approach.

Tier One would be to look at installing and trying a Linux or 3 with fairly modest RAM requirements, and see if you like them. You may go no further, and then if/when you get the extra RAM, they will get up and fly.

Tier Two would include that last part, but also give you the opportunity to try "gruntier" Linux, and anything that does not run like a gazelle on 8GB of RAM is not worth spending the time of day on. Unless you are expecting it to perform a lot of video-editing, music-making, or building enormous databases.

That would then beg the question ... which Linux?

Arm yourself with a few USB sticks (can be reused) or if you have a large supply of blank DVDs well and good.

BREAK

Back now, and a slight change of direction :)

Certainly take note of the above.

Have a read of some work I have just finished here, on Multisystem. But try not to get confused, it is for Linux only.

https://www.linux.org/threads/more-assistance-sought-with-multibooting.19817/#post-58867

If you can digest that, and the options of using such a solution as a method to try a number of Distros, even if you only install one for now (and perhaps a long time) - you'll get the picture?

There is a solution called multibootusb, you can find it here

http://multibootusb.org

... I have used it before and it worked OK, but not for a couple of years, but it is cross-platform and thus can be used from Windows as a base.

Read its features page, its FAQ and its Guide and see what you think.

Cheers

Wiz
 

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