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Joined 3 years ago
Cake day: June 29th, 2023
  • Skullgrid@lemmy.worldtoNo Stupid Questions@lemmy.world•is it true that linux cannot run on a laptop without any SSD ?
    1·
    18 hours ago

    TL;DR : Just install try the live ISO of one of these :

    https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current-live/amd64/iso-hybrid/ (click the one that says LXQt or XFCE)
    https://lubuntu.me/ (this OS is specifically aimed at beginners)
    https://fedoraproject.org/spins/lxqt/

    Let me answer your problem.

    The techinician you are relying on is presenting you with a typical use case. When you say “linux” there are several variants for different reasons. If you want to run a modern user interface like KDE or Gnome on a specialised version of linux for gaming that comes with a heavy install, like Bazzite, and do things like stream videos on your browser while having various internet tabs open, 2gb Ram might struggle, but it also might not.

    There are specifically lightweight linux variants that you can use with user interfaces that are trying to be lighter. I can’t find the system requirements for LXqt, but some AI will say it is 512mb of ram. Either way, if you download a live ISO , put it on a flash disk and try it out (not install it) you can see how it performs in your system without losing any data or having any problems… unless you do something funky like install it or mess around with just yanking out the USB you put the ISO onto.

    Here are some official sources for versions of linux that use LXQt. I have never tried it, but I have a shitty laptop with similar specs, and I run XFCE which is a similar approach, and it does fine, even when watching videos online.

    https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current-live/amd64/iso-hybrid/ (click the one that says LXQt or XFCE)
    https://lubuntu.me/ (this OS is specifically aimed at beginners)
    https://fedoraproject.org/spins/lxqt/

    The ones I have linked you to, Debian and Fedora , are mainstream, regular, basic versions of linux that should not be overbearing. There are many, many many variants that do various things to make themselves even more efficient, and you can feel free to dig further. Ubuntu might have a bit more stuff “bundled in” to make it easier for you to get familiarised with linux. What I 100% recommend is that you try them out on “Live ISO” versions first, so you can get a feel for if you are interested in proceeding or not.

    If you want more information, you can check out this video that shows variations on linux on 3 levels of hardware, and action retro shows alternative operating systems on “retro” computers, which might help you choose a version.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJGf8zVt3MI

    https://www.youtube.com/@ActionRetro
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhL1s9kd1Fo

    EDIT : My “heavy” linux is Debian with KDE. I am happy with it on 8gb ram. My “shitty” linux is LMDE (linux mint debian edition), which came with gnome, and I ripped that out and installed XFCE to make it run better. I DO NOT RECOMMEND A NEWER PERSON TRY THIS UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO LOSE ALL DATA OR REINSTALL A FRESH OS ON THAT MACHINE.