So, you have an old computer that is slow as molasseses and you just don’t know what to do with it? Hand it down to another family member, use it as a internet station, homework computer, torrent machine, home telephone (with skype), kitchen recipe database, firewall, home/print server, jukebox, or install a new operating system for donation.
Which operating system? No, not Vista or any Microsoft products. There are solutions better suited for older computers. Here are solutions: Puppy Linux, Damn Small Linux, or Feather Linux. All are free, open source, small, fast operating system running from CDs, USB sticks and hard disks, which is perfect for that dusty old computer sitting in garage.
Puppy Linux
What is Puppy Linux? Though Puppy is small, it’s still able to offer the complete range of a applications you’d expect to see on any average computer, like word processors, spreadsheets, internet browsers, games and image editors. Any extra software Puppy Linux are called dotpets and dotpups, cute. But don’t worry, there is a Puppy Software Installer that offers repository searches and automatic installations.
- flash-Puppy – runs of flash card or any USB memory device
- live-Puppy – runs off a CD
- zippy-Puppy – Runs from a Zip Disks or Superdisk
- floppy-Puppy – Runs from a floppy disk (remember those)
- hard-Puppy – Runs just like your common computer, from the internal hard drive.
What can you do with Puppy Linux? Everything with your shinny new computer, except the applications are configured to used efficiently in a older computer. Puppy Linux is also aimed to be as easy to use as possible and very little technical knowledge is assumed. Here are some screen shots:
What is pre-installed?
- AbiWord
- ash
- bash
- BitTorrent
- BusyBox
- chmod
- Gnumeric
- GRUB
- GtkFish
- GxineHOWTO
- Inkscape
- JesseLileyMUT
- MtPaint
- OpenOffice
- PdisK
- PupGames
- puppyapps
- RoxFileSelector
- RoxFileSelectorAppStart
- RoxFileSelectorAppFileTypes
- RoxFileSelectorInstall
- RoxFileSelectorSelect
- RoxTips
- SeaMonkey
Mozilla Seamonkey is an all-in-one internet suite: Web-browser, advanced e-mail and newsgroup client, contact manger, IRC chat client, and HTML editor. This is a great solution for any computer. - TightVNC
- WineUse
- WineWorking
- XfcePuppy
EZpup is a one-step usability updater that is meant to be easy … very EZ … and that applies to installing and removing too.Dot Pups Extras?
- EnlightenmentWM
- FluxBox
- GimpGraphics
This is Adobe Photoshop equivalent program - IceWM
- Java
- MegaPup
- NetworkTools
- NVUWebDesign
- XaraLX
Puppy Linux was first released in June 2003 by Barry Kauler and what he feels about his project.
“The real Puppy, the mascot for Puppy Linux, was a very tiny dog, a Chihuahua, but totally fearless. He didn’t seem to know that he was vulnerable because of his small size. Once when my sister was visiting my country property, she brought her Blue Heeler, a very solid middle-sized dog named Muti. We were out walking, and suddenly there was a substantial rustling of branches of a large bush, something was in or behind the bush. Muti took fright and ran back behind the legs of my sister, whereas Puppy got into launch position in front of the bush and barked furiously. It turned out to be my dad playing a trick on the dogs. Puppy used to chase kangaroos and other big wild animals. Anyway, Puppy Linux is like that, reckless, unshackled, in memory of the mascot, even though we know there’s some risk.”
The installation is quite simple and it will change how you view all those expensive computers and commercial software. So, is it Puppy Love? If you have an old computer that is just sitting around pretending to be a piece of furniture go and install Puppy Linux.
Come back for Part I (Damn Small Linux) and Part II(Feather Linux)