Ubuntu or Xubuntu or Puppy Linux on X31?

[runningman]

I am considering installing a linux distro' on my X31, but I am unsure as to what is the best, even if there is a 'best'. I will be initially dual -booting it with Windows XP Pro SP3. My choices are Ubuntu, Xubuntu, and maybe Puppy Linux, but I think I get the impression that final option might be too basic. Although I'm not a Windows hater, I think I can decide what I want on an OS, without being saddled with a load of bloat I don't want - hence Linux. My main wish is to have faster, cleaner system that I configure to my needs without worrying about cocking up everything if I decide to remove certain applications I don't want or need, ala Windows! Your thoughts would be appreciated.

X31 2672 1GB RAM 40GB HDD X3 Ultrabase

[Pain]

Puppy would be best for old slow memory challenged computers. I think you can run either Ubuntu or Xubuntu fine. If your going to have a problem it would be support for sound so make sure to research that first.

[archer6]

The OS I'm running on my X31 is Ubuntu 7.10. Everything works well except suspend, which I've never used anyway. In less than 40 minutes it was installed and running fast. Also there is a solution for suspend, it just hasn't been a priority for me. I've used Xbuntu as well, but truly prefer Ubuntu. It's a matter of personal preference. I prefer the Gnome desktop as opposed to KDE.
.
Cheers...

[bajaman61]

My choices are Ubuntu, Xubuntu, and maybe Puppy Linux, but I think I get the impression that final option might be too basic. Although I'm not a Windows hater, I think I can decide what I want on an OS, without being saddled with a load of bloat I don't want - hence Linux. My main wish is to have faster, cleaner system that I configure to my needs without worrying about cocking up everything if I decide to remove certain applications I don't want or need, ala Windows!

I suggest you download by torrent method a copy of the latest Ubuntu version, "Jaunty" (9.04). Burn to a CD and try it in the "live CD" mode: won't have the speed of an installed system but you will get an idea of its capabilities. I think you will find Xubuntu (the thinner version of Ubuntu) tends to be more prone to have hardware connectivity issues. But there is a "live CD" version of Xubuntu to try out as well. Puppy Linux is great for small capacity machines and is screaming fast on more modern ones. But I think you are correct in labeling it basic.

DSL (D*mn Small Linux) was another good alternative, although it now appears its primary developer has left and started Tiny Core Linux. If you catch the linux bug, TCL is a good next step to configuring your own personal operating system.

But Ubuntu will be gentle with you if you are just testing the waters.

[mikeh]

With 1GB of RAM, you'll have no problems running any Linux distro.
I use Ubuntu 9.04 on the X40.

[godling]

You could also use nLite to customize your install of XP. I brought my installation image size down from 500+ MB to 250 MB. Cut out lots of crap, useless drivers, and apps I don't use. Installed quickly, and my x31 runs exceedingly well (with SSD to boot).

-J

[visionviper]

Ubuntu or Xubuntu would be my pick. Xubuntu can basically do everything Ubuntu can but several of my friends prefer it saying that it's a little bit snappier. Personally I am going to be giving Xubuntu a go once I pick up a new laptop.

[mikeh]

Ubuntu or Xubuntu would be my pick

Of course they are really the same thing, just with a different default set of packages.
You can install one, then add the other, so you have a choice of desktops when you
log in.

[kerryh8er04]

Just a question...

Has anyone used fedora on a x41 tablet

I am wanting to have a dual boot system

[visionviper]

Of course they are really the same thing, just with a different default set of packages.
You can install one, then add the other, so you have a choice of desktops when you
log in.

Well the difference is just Ubuntu uses GNOME and Xubuntu uses Xfce. Xfce is considerably more light weight yet it's still a very capable desktop environment.

[archer6]

Xubuntu can basically do everything Ubuntu can but several of my friends prefer it saying that it's a little bit snappier.

With all due respect to your friends, they are wrong. I've used both and they are the same, as after all they are from the same family. To say that there is a speed difference is inaccurate. Ubuntu & Xbuntu build on the foundations of Debian architecture and infrastructure.

Where they _are_ right is that it's all a matter of personal preference.
If you like one over the other, then that's the best one for you.

Cheers...

[mikeh]

To say that there is a speed difference is inaccurate.

Ha! That's because you used a modern computer. Try a slightly older one with 256MB
and you will see the difference as the full gnome desktop causes the PC to swap heavily.
Anyway, I guess we are saying it the same OS, but a different default desktop, and config.
Xfce doesn't seem to care as much about being lightweight any more, but it still uses
less memory than Gnome.

[visionviper]

With all due respect to your friends, they are wrong. I've used both and they are the same, as after all they are from the same family. To say that there is a speed difference is inaccurate. Ubuntu & Xbuntu build on the foundations of Debian architecture and infrastructure.

Like I said, it's just their opinion that it is a little more responsive.

[lnlds]

I've found that a stripped down XP runs the fastest. Ubuntu boots very slowly for some reason compared to XP on all of my computer t42,x31,x20. This is especially noticeable on the x20 which runs pretty well with XP and unbearable with ubuntu

[mikeh]

I've found that a stripped down XP runs the fastest. Ubuntu boots very slowly for some reason compared to XP

I read that the current release has much faster booting, but haven't really noticed as you almost never need to reboot.
Why would you care much about boot times? Its the time to wake from sleep or hibernate that matters.
But yes, the Gnome desktop (the default in Ubuntu) is rather bloated compared to XP, though nowhere near as much as Vista.

This is especially noticeable on the x20 which runs pretty well with XP and unbearable with ubuntu

How much memory does it have? 512MB minimum is recommended for Gnome.
You should get better results with the XFce desktop, as used by Xubuntu.

[ThinkRob]

I'd actually vote for straight Debian. Debian 5.0 is quite solid as a desktop system, and the Debian project takes stability and reliability a *lot* more seriously than the Ubuntu developers seem to.

As an added bonus, Debian can be trimmed down to run quite well on computers with < 512MB of RAM. A little bit of tuning can also get it booting fast. How fast? My X61s boots to the login screen in 14 seconds, and that includes the time it takes for me to type in my LUKS password.