[lug] Install 'Linux' on a used (i.e. refurb/cheap) Pentium computer: need help/advice

[Paul Condon]

On 05/12/2013 10:55 AM, Davide Del Vento wrote:
> How old is the hw and have you tried an Ubuntu CD from that time? If 
> that failed, you might be having hw problems, they always said that it 
> was supposed to "Just Work (TM)". If that worked but you want a more 
> modern install because of features and security (which is what I would 
> do myself), then I'm sorry I can't help you (but I'm sure others in 
> this list can).
> Cheers,
> Davide
>
It's hard disk is SATA, it's usb is USB2, it doesn't have a floppy 
drive. I would say not so terribly old. It is a Dell Optiplex GX620, 
which http://wiki.answers.com says was made during 2002. Do newer 
versions of Ubuntu abandon support for earlier hardware so rapidly that 
it would not be worthwhile to try whatever version is offered as current 
on their web site? I really want Debian. But I can go with Ubuntu, at 
least as a test. My attempts to install Debian have left it in a 
non-bootable state. I have another computer on which I am composing this 
reply. The Dell sits a few feet away waiting for me to try something. 
I'll down load Ubuntu ...

Its good I didn't email this quite yet. I can't figure out the Ubuntu 
web site. Do they not anymore support 650MB CDs? I

Thanks,
  Paul
> On Sun, May 12, 2013 at 8:52 AM, Paul Condon <pecondon1 at gmail.com 
> <mailto:pecondon1 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>     I have done this type of install before, but a long time ago. Now.
>     everything I try fails. Because I thought I knew how to do it, I
>     haven't
>     asked for help. too proud? too embarrassed?
>     I purchased a used computer from Action Computers in Arvada. The
>     people
>     in the store said that they did not support Linux, but, based on my
>     previous experience, I thought what support do I need? So begins a
>     long
>     journey. Much too long to fit in an initial post to this list.
>     Much too
>     unbelievable unless the reader can see and touch the hardware. I have
>     many install CDs burnt on
>     various dates from iso images of Debian at various stages of
>     development. Does the Debian install process no longer work unless one
>     uses some special new secret sauce?
>
>     When and where is the next Install Fest? I hope it is soon.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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