What operating systems are there for laptops? Best Windows Alternatives

Most likely, you have Windows installed on your computer. This operating system may seem free, but it is not. Manufacturers must pay Microsoft a license to supply Windows computers, and you need to buy a copy if you want to install Windows yourself.

There are many operating systems that are actually free. Most of them are quite famous. The most popular is Linux, and if you regularly read news about computer technology, this name is unlikely to be unfamiliar to you. Keep reading this article and by the time you get to the end of this list, Linux will seem completely ordinary. Here are ten other free operating systems that most of us have never heard of.

1. FreeBSD

If you are using a free operating system that is not Linux, then it is probably based on BSD. FreeBSD is just one of several UNIX-like operating systems. Others include NetBSD, OpenBSD and PC-BSD. Whichever you use, most of the experience is similar to what you'll find on Linux. Free and open source software available to one person can usually work on another.

Even if you're not a free software person, you may be using parts of FreeBSD without realizing it. Due to the project's permissive license, some of the code has made its way into Apple macOS, Sony PlayStation 4 and Juniper routers.

2. ReactOS

Most free operating systems are alternatives to Windows. ReactOS, in a sense, strives to be Windows. The goal is to provide users with the means to run Windows software without having to purchase the operating system from Microsoft.

ReactOS is a free and open source operating system, so it cannot use any real Windows code. The project has partially implemented many of the Windows APIs, and it collaborates with the Wine project to run programs, applications, and software.

3.FreeDOS

Have you used computers when DOS was the only option? Do you have good memories of MS-DOS?

FreeDOS allows you to relive this bygone era. OS barebones gives you a means to run older DOS programs on more modern hardware or inside a virtual machine. Or you can just use it to run older games.

4. Haiku (Haiku or Hokku)

Haiku takes inspiration from BeOS. BeOS was a graphical operating system developed by Be Inc to run on the BeBox back in 1995. The operating system was stuck for five years before the last update came out in 2000.

BeOS may not have been a household name, but it attracted some users, and some wanted the operating system to live long enough to create their own open source version. The goal is for software written for BeOS to run on Haiku, similar to what ReactOS wants to do on Windows. All things considered, the haiku team may have an easier time of it.

5. Illumos

Oracle is used to support an operating system called Solaris. It was initially closed, but the project was opened in 2008. Oracle discontinued OpenSolaris in 2010 and returned to its own model with Solaris 11 in 2011.

6. Syllable

Syllable is based on AtheOS, an AmigaOS clone that was abandoned at the turn of the century. As for AmigaOS, it is still alive despite being born in the 80s for a line of computers long considered ancient.

Syllable is aimed at home office users with a user-friendly interface and native applications, including a Webkit-based web browser and email client. The thing is, it can only do this on a computer with 32MB of RAM (although at least 64MB is recommended for viewing). The complete installation should take approximately 250 MB of hard drive space.

7. Research operating system AROS

Although Syllable is based on an AmigaOS clone, AROS takes a different approach. It actually puts its binary compatibility with AmigaOS at the API level. This is similar to how ReactOS targets Windows and Haiku targets BeOS.

You might be wondering if AmigaOS is worth all the attention. Did I mention that AmigaOS is still here? It's not free either. Someone out there is still willing to pay for an operating system that most people have never heard of. AROS offers a way to use some AmigaOS programs without having to pay money. Plus, it's open source, which can leave you feeling secure.

8.MenuetOS

That's what MenuetOS is - it's small enough to fit on a single floppy disk. These were flash drives from the 90s and only offered up to 1.44MB of storage. Considering that many Linux distributions struggle with the 700MB CD, booting from a floppy is difficult these days.

MenuetOS is written entirely in 32-bit assembly language and is designed to run with minimal overhead, although it supports up to 32GB of RAM.

9. DexOS

Do all desktop operating systems feel the same? Here's one that takes a different approach. Bringing DexOS to life will feel less like using a computer in keyboard class and more like playing on a mainstream gaming console.

Launching apps in DexOS feels vaguely like inserting a disc into an old Dreamcast. The experience feels more authentic if you actually play the game. And another cool thing? This free OS is also small enough to fit on a floppy disk.

10. Visopsys

Like DexOS, Visopsys is a hobby project of one developer. Install it if you want to see what just one person can create.

The Visual Operating System (admittedly, this name can be applied to any OS with a desktop environment) has been in development since 1997. It is not based on any pre-existing OS. This does not mean that the project does not use existing code. Here you will find common GNU tools and icons that may be familiar to KDE Plasma users.

Will you use any of these free operating systems?

Most of them are not. Haiku developers do not work full time. Developer Visopsys is clearly saying that their OS is not as capable as Linux or, perhaps a fairer comparison, Syllable. DexOS is more of an experiment than anything else.

However, there are many people who prefer FreeBSD over Linux. illumos may not be well known, even among FOSS enthusiasts, but it has its uses. And didn't I mention using FreeDOS to play all the old DOS games?

Are there systems on this list that you would like to use? Do you know of another unknown free operating system that is not on this list? Let us know about it in the comments!

The next step after purchasing a laptop is choosing an operating system. An unsuitable option does not allow you to use all the capabilities of your PC or work comfortably. In this article we reveal the key points in choosing an operating system for a laptop.

The laptop consists of two parts - hardware and software. Hardware is the processor, memory, screen, keyboard, software is all applications. The main component of the software is the operating system.

The OS serves as an intermediary between the computer, executing programs and the user. The operating system provides applications and the user with a set of universal services:

loads programs into memory for execution
receives and executes user commands.
organizes interaction with a printer, scanner, network

Windows or Linux

More than 90% of the operating system market is occupied by Windows OS. Users receive better support for computer hardware, a larger number of application programs than for Linux, and almost 100% the ability to consult with specialists in case of problems.

For the average user, the choice is clearly in favor of Windows. Exceptions include cases of using a laptop for work and training in the IT field. But user preparation when using Linux is higher.

Laptops for Windows XP

Windows XP was released in 2001 and has become the standard for a reliable, stable and secure operating system. Today, XP is used on new laptops that are equipped with single-core processors and up to 1 GB of RAM.

Conclusion: Windows XP is an acceptable operating system for laptops with limited memory and outdated graphics, suitable for office use.

Why we skip Vista

After the successful Windows XP, the unsuccessful Vista appeared. The system had many errors, inflated hardware requirements, constant “brakes” and freezes.

As a result, proven XP was installed on laptops with Vista pre-installed. After the failure, Microsoft did some serious work. A new OS has appeared with better performance with lower hardware requirements. This was the final verdict on Windows Vista.

Choosing the optimal version of Windows 7

Almost half of computers run Windows 7. Reason: Windows 7 is faster than Vista and Windows XP. If the laptop is equipped with at least a 2-core processor and the amount of RAM is more than 1 GB, the choice in favor of Windows 7 is obvious.

When choosing a 32 or 64-bit version, they are guided by the amount of RAM. If the RAM is up to 4 GB inclusive, the OS “sees” a little more than 3 GB. Then it’s better to stick with the 32-bit (or x86) version.

The latter requires more memory to operate. The transition to a 64-bit version of the operating system is relevant when the installed memory capacity is 6 GB or more.

Windows 8 and difference from Windows 7

For most programs there is no difference between 8 and 7. Accordingly, the performance of Windows 7 and Windows 8 is almost the same.

The main difference is the desktop design. Windows 8 was created at the peak of tablet popularity, so the interface is focused on them. In version 8 there is no Start button on the taskbar, in 8.1 it appears again, but the classic menu does not return. There is no point in installing Windows 8. This is confirmed by less than 8% of computers that use the OS

Windows 10 – when there is no choice anymore

Microsoft Windows 10 is the last OS released according to the old scheme. The main difference from previous versions is that Microsoft supports Windows 10 with constant updates, which have become impossible to disable. As a result, users have the latest version of the system installed.

This is part of the strategy to transition to the “Windows as a service” model, when the system changes constantly through updates, without releasing new versions.

The official OS requirements remained at the same level as for 7 and 8. There is no point in installing Windows 10 on laptops that run Windows 7 normally.

Old laptops may experience problems after installing Windows 10:

The touchpad does not work correctly
Old printer and scanner won't connect
Wi-Fi disappears

Added to this are privacy concerns: under the terms of the license, Microsoft can dispose of user data.

New laptop models work best when running 10. If the manufacturer's official website only has drivers for Windows 10, opt for the 64-bit version of the system.

We present to your attention a selection of the 10 best operating systems that are perfect for both everyday work and for finding new features for your PC.

Despite the widespread use of different versions of Windows, every year more and more users begin to look for new interesting operating systems.

Installing a new system on your computer allows you to work with programs that do not run on Windows. Some users prefer to use other operating systems to ensure the security of their data. Also, simple and lightweight OS options significantly speed up the operation of old laptops and help get rid of the problem of constant overheating and slowdowns.

10th place – Windows 10

Despite the fact that in this rating we abstract from the huge number of versions of the well-known Windows, we cannot help but highlight one of the most successful and fastest versions – Windows 10. Don’t be surprised that we put Windows in 10th place. Yes, it is the most popular, but precisely because of this, it is one of the most hackable and not always safe. And it also costs money, unless, of course, you downloaded its distribution from pirated sites.

The system is very simple to use and will appeal to both fans of the metro interface and those who are accustomed to the regular Start menu. The official build has all the necessary programs to get started, including the new fast MS Edge browser.

Windows 10 benefits:

The START key has been returned. In the eighth version of the OS, the developers relied on a tiled interface, which did not delight users. Now the PC owner can independently choose how it is more convenient for him to work with the start screen;
Windows 10 is Microsoft's latest development. This means that all the company’s efforts are aimed specifically at improving and maintaining the operation of the OS. Security update packages are released almost every week. Microsoft also performs well in quickly eliminating viruses. Owners of computers with licensed tens have repeatedly noted that they managed to avoid the massive spread of malware thanks to quick developer updates;
Availability of voice assistant Cortana. With the built-in speech recognition service, working with search will be even easier;
Reliable Firewall. With built-in Microsoft Defender, there is no need to install additional antivirus programs. The firewall does an excellent job of detecting threats, quickly blocks the execution of malicious code, and allows you to scan the system;
Quick start. The operating system starts in less than 15 seconds, regardless of your PC's performance;
Setting up multiple desktops. Users can add an unlimited number of home screens and easily switch between them using hotkeys.

It is worth noting that Windows supports almost any games and programs, so there will definitely not be any problems installing the software.

Disadvantages of Windows 10:

User tracking. Microsoft does not hide the fact that the new Windows 10 is capable of tracking user actions. The system regularly scans your PC for the use of illegal software products from Microsoft. Now the hacked one will simply be deleted from the PC. It is also no secret that the OS sends the developer data about visited resources and desktop photos. If desired, all these options and permissions can be disabled in the settings;
Usage Policy. Even after a long time since the release, the developers still have not decided on a distribution policy. In the first year, Windows 7/8 license holders could upgrade to ten for free. Today it costs money (from 8,000 to 14,000 rubles, depending on the assembly). At the same time, a loophole has been found that allows you to update for free using the built-in Accessibility utility.

9th place – ROSA

ROSA is a Russian build of the open Linux OS. The standard kernel of the operating system was completely rewritten by the developers of the ROSA company. The goal of the project is to create a functional, free and convenient system that will suit any Russian-speaking user.

ROSA OS is a completely free system. There are no purchases within the OS itself either. The availability of the distribution contributed to the spread of the system not only among ordinary users, but also among large companies. As you know, ROSA is used both in units of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and in many private companies throughout the country.

Advantages of ROSA OS:

Everything is ready to go. After installing the system, you do not need to install any drivers or additional programs. Everything you need is already in the system. If you wish, you can download the software from any specialized site. As you know, Linux has almost zero percentage of virus programs, so installation from third-party sources does not pose any danger;
Test mode. For those who have not yet decided to completely switch to ROSA OS, the developers have provided a guest mode. You can create a regular installation flash drive and boot from it. The OS will not be installed, and the user will be able to get acquainted with its interface and functionality;
User-friendly interface. The arrangement of all elements is very thoughtful. Even a beginner can master the new system in 10-15 minutes. All programs are conveniently divided into tabs on the desktop. You can pin frequently used programs to the Toolbox. The start screen is reminiscent of Windows functionality;
Virus protection. The risk of downloading malware is minimal, so you can browse any sites and install programs and games without any problems. If a virus is “sewn” into them, it will only work in Windows or other more common operating systems.

Among the disadvantages of ROSA OS, one can highlight a small number of programs. Not all Windows software has analogues for the Linux kernel.

8th place – FreeBSD

FreeBSD is an operating system that is designed to work with servers, and now regular desktop PCs. More than 30 years have passed since the first development of this system began. Today FreeBSD is a simple, reliable and convenient OS that will be a good replacement for the usual Windows.

Benefits of FreeBSD:

Free license and download from the network;
Open source code allows you to modify the system;
Spreading. FreeBSD is used by many popular sites in the world to maintain the server part - Webmoney, Aliexpress, ASOS and others;
Protection and reliability. It is worth noting the well-thought-out OS logic and rational consumption of PC resources. FreeBSD runs fast even on low-end computers;
Large selection of software. More than 4 thousand developers from all over the world are developing versions of programs for FreeBSD. Thanks to this, current versions of all popular programs quickly become freely available.

Disadvantages of FreeBSD:

Difficulty setting up. This is the main reason for the low popularity of FreeBSD among ordinary users. Once you've figured out the first OS setup, you'll have a system that runs much faster than Windows;
Difficulty obtaining documentation. If you want to set up administration for your FreeBSD site, you'll need to take the time to find the administration documentation.

To ensure security, FreeBSD uses all the necessary levels of protection: encryption mechanisms, authentication control, checking incoming and outgoing traffic, and regular monitoring of the system for the presence of malicious code.

7th place – Fedora

Fedora is a Linux-like operating system that features free software. It should be noted that the drivers used may be closed source, and some types of software may have a limited license (for example, codecs for media playback).

Fedora Advantages:

Using the Gnome environment. Gnome's development for Fedora is considered one of the most successful desktop implementations in operating systems;
Easy to use. The developers have created a simple and beautiful design for the desktop and program tabs. Quick movement between open applications and folders is possible thanks to the side toolbar;
Pre-installed programs. After installation, you will have access to a software package to fully start working with Fedora (web browser, explorer, utility for viewing images, software for managing virtual machines, etc.);
Quick installation of new applications. Installation of the software occurs through the “Application Center”, in the same way as on a regular smartphone;
Possibility of over-the-air updates. You can download and install new OS firmware using the Gnome Software utility.

Disadvantages of Fedora:

Among developers, Fedora is considered a "free ground" for testing programs. All applications appear faster, but there is a high chance that the software will be unfinished and unstable.

6th place – Elementary OS

Elementary OS is a fast and at the same time functional replacement for the usual Windows. The developers position the system as a simple environment for work, which logically follows from the name of the OS.

The system uses the Linux distribution kernel. Elementary OS is distributed free of charge and works on absolutely all computers, regardless of hardware components.

Advantages of Elementary OS:

Convenient and pleasant interface. The minimalist style is the basis of the operating system functionality. A minimum of elements have been added to the desktop, but all of them allow you to manage the OS without any problems. It should be noted that windows switch smoothly and programs load very quickly;
Easy to learn. Even a novice user can understand Elementary OS. No complex commands, forced work with the console and unclear parameters. The functionality can be compared to the ease of use of the Android mobile OS - all basic settings can be adjusted in the desktop tools window.;

An excellent set of standard programs. As a rule, users do not take applications pre-installed in the OS seriously. In the case of Elementary OS, the developers tried to create a useful basic software package that you won't want to remove;
Regular stream of new programs. Developers quickly adapt programs for Elementary OS.

Overall, the system is great for home use. Such an OS is still not suitable for administering a server or creating a workstation. Elementary OS security is ensured by built-in Linux protection modules.

If you have a weak computer or want to install an additional “light” OS, feel free to choose Elementary OS.

5th place – Chrome OS

Chrome OS is an open source operating system from Google. The main feature of the system is the use of a hybrid kernel (Linux kernel combined with Google services).

The OS is distributed completely free of charge, and its popularity among users is due to its fast operation and pleasant design.

Advantages of Chrome OS:

The system is dominated by web applications, and the Chrome browser plays a key role in system management. It is with its help that web applications are loaded and run;
There are no special requirements for hardware architecture. Thanks to the simple concept of Chrome OS, you don't need a powerful PC or laptop to install the system. On the contrary, the system was specially designed for low-performance machines (netbooks, low-price laptops). Using web services allows you to reduce the load on your hard drive and RAM;
Automatic security. Protection module update packages are downloaded regularly. Also, the system has a built-in defender to quickly identify threats;
Easy to use;
Availability of software. You can download all programs from Google Play or the Android Nougat service. The abundance of software in these online stores will not allow the user to experience a shortage of applications. In addition, all software is perfectly adapted for the desktop operating system.

At first glance, the Chrome OS interface resembles a combination of Android and Windows. Installed programs are placed in a separate menu, and the system is controlled using the toolbar, as in the Windows desktop.

Among the disadvantages of Chrome OS is the need for a constant connection to the Internet. It is advisable to use a Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection. Otherwise, you will not be able to work with web services.

4th place – OpenSuse

OpenSuse is another popular distribution that runs on the Linux kernel. Used to support both servers and home computers. New system firmware is released regularly; all release dates can be found on the developer’s website.

An OpenSuse user can independently customize the system. You don't need any programming skills to do this. Changing the interface consists of choosing the desktop environment you like. While most Linux builds can only work with one desktop environment, OpenSuse supports multiple styling utilities. The most popular of them are KDE and XFCE.

Benefits of OpenSuse:

Easy setup. You can manage the operating system using a single YaST application. This tool allows you to adjust OpenSuse operating parameters. Users can independently add repositories, manage boot parameters, OS partitions, network connection settings and other parameters;
Free distribution of software. OpenSuse will run all the programs you need. The system automatically adapts the software for your computer;
Easy installation of programs. Unlike most Linux builds, you no longer need to install repositories, add access keys, and carry out complex settings yourself. All you need to do is download the required program from the official source https://software.opensuse.org/ and install it in one click.

Disadvantages of OpenSuse:

The standard build lacks codecs and driver software, which complicates the first OS setup;
Users note the unstable operation of the standard MonSoon torrent client.

3rd place – Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a universal operating system that runs on the Debian GNU/Linux engine. The system works perfectly on servers, personal computers and laptops. The standard build comes with a desktop environment running Unity.

Ubuntu benefits:

Working with equipment. Ubuntu supports a huge number of connected device types. For example, any device connected via USB will work without any problems and driver software;
User support. Ubuntu OS has the largest and most responsive community. If necessary, beginners will be able to get answers to all questions using the official website of the developer;
Reliability. The OS has built-in utilities for backing up data. The system independently creates copies of important files, archives them and sends them to the cloud. This ensures the reliability of Ubuntu. If you administer a server on this OS, there is no better way to quickly roll back data;
Safety system. The developers have provided a whole system of applications that monitor vulnerabilities in the background. Ubuntu is considered the strongest Linux distribution in terms of security;
Program Center. A special utility for searching and installing programs also allows a beginner to become familiar with the basics of installing software under Linux. On the page of each application there is a detailed description of the software, its requirements and reviews from other users.

Ubuntu is distributed free of charge. As for the shortcomings of the system, we can highlight the lack of simple means of migration from the Windows OS. Also, Ubuntu lacks effective parental control utilities, so installing the distribution for family use is not recommended.

2nd place – MacOS

MacOS is a family of operating systems from Apple. At the moment, the most current build is Mac OS Sierra. Unlike the operating systems described above, Mac does not run on Unix-like systems, but using Apple’s native engine.

The system distribution is distributed free of charge.

Advantages of MacOS:

Usability and graphical shell. This OS is recognized as the best system for users. All options and settings are designed for quick learning. The interface is multilingual, intuitive and convenient;
High degree of protection. Mac OS is the most secure among all modern operating systems. The number of viruses is almost zero, and the built-in antivirus can handle all “pests”;
Easy to install and remove programs. Simply move the shortcut to the trash to completely remove the application. Mac OS does everything for the user. You don't need to manually wipe your hard drive like you do in Windows or Linux;
Stable work. Due to the high compatibility of components, users do not encounter bugs, freezes or crashes in the OS.

Disadvantages of MacOS:

Compatibility. If you own a regular PC rather than a Macintosh, you can install an operating system only if it is compatible with the hardware components. MacOS runs on a limited number of processors (mostly Intel Core and Xeon);
Fewer programs than in Windows.

1st place – Linux Mint

Linux Mint is recognized as the best build for installation on user PCs. It satisfies all the requirements of the average user - it is distributed free of charge, is compatible with any hardware, efficiently consumes PC resources and has a user-friendly interface.

Benefits of Linux Mint:

Quick start. The system boots in 10-12 seconds, which is significantly faster than Mac OS and most Windows systems;
Support for working with multiple desktops;
Built-in utility for quickly installing and uninstalling programs. In this version of Linux, users will not have to deal with repositories. Everything is done for convenient work with the software;
Multilingual interface;
Quick system debugging. If you encounter programs freezing, you can disable the process by pressing one key;
Supported by all desktop PCs and laptops.
User-friendly interface.

Disadvantages of Linux Mint:

A limited amount of software for specific tasks (video editing, working with graphics, etc.);
Lack of a stable graphics driver for AMD, which may cause some games to not work correctly.

Bottom line

When choosing an operating system, first of all pay attention to the tasks you set for the software environment. Need a fast and secure OS for everyday use? Pay attention to Unix-like systems.

If you want a reliable OS with excellent graphics, we recommend choosing Mac OS. For lovers of the interface and functionality of mobile systems, you should start using Chrome OS.

Over the past months, quite old budget laptops and netbooks from various manufacturers have fallen into my hands several times.Inexpensive devices manufactured in 2008–2012have not yet turned into museum exhibits, so they are unlikely to please fans of old hardware. On the other hand, the latest OS and the most modern versions of browsers on such equipment are virtually unusable. So the question arises: what operating systems should I use to give my old laptop a second life? There may be many answers, in this case I will talk about my experience with inexpensive devices of previous generations.

What are we working with?

Of course, it is impossible to test all existing equipment models. I will briefly mention which models of netbooks and laptops I have encountered recently (photos taken from the Internet, since the devices were given to the owners):

Acer Aspire One AOA 150

Screen – 8.9 inches, Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz processor, RAM capacity – 1.5 GB (initially 1 GB, the owner replaced the memory stick), HDD capacity – 160 GB.

Acer Aspire One D270

Screen – 10 inches, Intel Atom N2600 1.6 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, HDD – 320 GB.

Lenovo ThinkPad SL500

Screen – 15.4 inches, Intel Celeron T3100 1.9 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, HDD – 320 GB (originally 160, the owner replaced the hard drive).

Dell Inspiron 1545

Screen – 15.6 inches, Intel Pentium 4300 2.1 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, HDD – 250 GB.

HP ProBook 4525 s

Screen – 15.6 inches, AMD Athlon II P360 2.3 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, HDD – 320 GB.

As you can see, everything here is modest: not a single MacBook, budget equipment. The more pressing is the issue of choosing an acceptable OS.

Let's consider the options

When I began to consider possible operating system options, I first decided to discard unacceptable solutions. There were two such solutions:

Installing new versions of Windows. The reason is simple: laptop owners lack a license. I have a negative attitude towards piracy, and device owners did not want to buy a new license.
Installation of “exotic” and server OS. It is possible to install and configure DragonFlyBSD or ReactOS, but then users will have to somehow interact with these systems themselves, which can be difficult.

So, based on the available equipment, I have identified the following possible options:

“Tuning” of pre-installed outdated versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7);
Installation of outdated versions of Linux distributions;
Installation of new versions of Linux distributions (with lightweight GUI versions).

Let us briefly list the advantages and disadvantages of these options.

“Tuning” outdated versions of Windows

The Acer Aspire AOA 150 netbook comes pre-installed with Windows XP, the D270 and ProBook 4525s come with Windows 7, and the Thinkpad SL500 comes with Windows Vista initially (the owner changed the system to Windows XP). These operating systems are fully functional on this hardware, but the subjective “responsiveness” of the OS left much to be desired. At the request of the owners, I reinstalled the OS on the AOA150, ThinkPad SL500 and ProBook 4525s while maintaining the license. The owners of these laptops used specific software that only worked in Windows, so I only made a small “tuning” of the operating systems. On all three laptops, only the most necessary programs were left in startup, the disks were defragmented, and some previously installed programs were replaced with lighter and free analogues. Also, in two out of three cases, the size of the paging file was increased. In the Acer Aspire AOA 150, I first replaced the hard drive with a more spacious one (I found a Seagate ST500LT012 with a capacity of 500 GB, in perfect condition, it worked for only 300 hours). The cooler in the ProBook 4525s laptop has been replaced. The ThinkPad SL500 was disassembled and cleaned of dust, and I also replaced the thermal paste. After these software and hardware improvements, the devices began to work a little faster and more stable.

The disadvantage of this solution is obvious: Windows XP no longer receives security updates, and Windows 7 only receives some important fixes. In addition, some new versions of software cannot work on older operating systems (this is especially noticeable in Windows XP, where the latest versions of browsers no longer work).

Installing legacy versionsLinux

The Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop that came to me was purchased without an operating system, and the owner independently installed Windows XP SP3 on the device. The laptop was used infrequently; judging by the operating time of the HDD, the computer only worked for five months (the hard drive was not replaced). The laptop owner wanted a more modern operating system. There were no special wishes: just to be able to read e-books (fb2, pdf, djvu), check email and listen to music. The owner of the device is not interested in messengers and video communications (by the way, this Dell model does not have a webcam), and does not use specific Windows programs. Therefore, I suggested that the laptop owner try Linux.

A slightly outdated, but quite functional Debian 8 distribution was installed, the desktop environment was XFCE. You may ask: why is the old version installed? Everything is simple here: the software versions in this distribution are well tested, so the likelihood of “catching” unknown bugs is extremely low. The only significant problem that arose after installation was Wi-Fi not working (resolved by installing a more recent firmware-b43-installer package from the Ubuntu repositories). There were also minor problems with adjusting the brightness (the system did not respond to pressing the function keys). This issue was fixed by adding the blacklist video line to the module blacklist (/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist).

In general, the system turned out to be quite responsive, the only “heavy” component is Mozilla Firefox (the binary ESR version is installed). Knowing that the browser can “get into” swap if many tabs are open, I created a 4 GB swap partition during the system installation. To solve possible problems, TeamViewer was installed, which has never been needed yet.

The chosen solution is also not without its drawbacks: in order to take advantage of the latest versions of the kernel and programs, the user will sooner or later have to update the entire system. However, the owner of the laptop is still satisfied with the installed versions of the main programs; the user visits trusted sites on the Internet and does not experiment with the system on his own, so this drawback cannot be called critical.

Installing new versionsLinux

The owner of an Acer Aspire One D270 wanted to get acquainted with UNIX-like operating systems. I offered him a compromise: leave Windows 7 Starter on one partition of the hard drive, and install a modern Linux distribution on the other. As it turned out, such a precaution was not superfluous.

The Lubuntu distribution with the “light” LXDE desktop environment was chosen. The installation went smoothly, the wireless connection worked immediately, and overall the system’s performance did not raise any questions. But, unfortunately, she did not cause them only in me. The owner of the netbook is a movie buff, so he wanted to watch movies on this device. Unfortunately, support for the Intel GMA3600 video card in Linux cannot be called acceptable. If in Windows 7 this netbook at least supports acceleration of 2D and 3D graphics and can play movies with a resolution of 720p, then in Lubuntu watching a movie resembled a slide show. At the same time, the load on the processor during viewing reached 100%, and the netbook became noticeably warm.

I was also not pleased with the battery life: in Windows the netbook worked for about 3 hours without connecting to the network, in Lubuntu - on average a little more than one and a half hours. After installing and configuring the TLP utility, this figure increased to 1 hour 50 minutes, but it was not possible to “squeeze” more out of the system (the owner did not want to replace the worn-out battery with a new one).

Of course, there were also pleasant moments - the Lubuntu interface quickly responded to user actions, LibreOffice, installed instead of a set of Abiword and Gnumeric, worked more stable than in Windows. In general, the owner of the device has not lost interest in Linux, but to watch movies and run small games he left Windows7 in dual boot.

Drawing conclusions

Working with outdated laptop computers led me to certain conclusions.

In 2018, inexpensive laptops and netbooks from 6-10 years ago can be used for home and office needs. Problems may arise with browser performance (hello to the developers of modern websites) and video. A competent choice of OS can smooth out these problems a little, but still, computer obsolescence is inevitable, so you shouldn’t expect miracles.

The choice of OS is always subjective, but in general, some recommendations can be formulated for outdated devices:

Installing the latest versions of Windows (8, 10) is usually pointless. Even if the system works, the performance will be unsatisfactory.
If your computer runs Windows XP, Vista or 7, pay attention to the selection of software. Look for lightweight and free analogues of paid programs, try antiviruses that are not too resource-demanding. And don't forget: after all, older systems are not very well protected from some modern malware.
If you want to install Linux, the first thing to consider is how well the system supports your hardware. Take the time to search the Internet for reviews from users who have previously installed Linux on similar laptops (especially English-language reviews - there are always more of them). Also take a look at lightweight desktop environments: XFCE, LXDE, LXQt. Heavier environments (eg KDE5) may not be suitable for you. As for specific distributions, I won’t risk giving any unambiguous advice. Choose what is more convenient for you or a Linux friend who agrees to help you with the setup.

So, if you have a capable old economy laptop, it may still be quite useful in 2018. However, unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect outstanding performance, since modern programs have become “heavier” and websites are consuming more and more memory.

Before you move on to choosing an OS for a weak computer or laptop, you need to know the characteristics of your PC. Based on these characteristics, we will select a specific version of the system for installation. It is important to take this task seriously, because the speed of your device will depend on it.

Let's figure out which operating system is worth choosing and which Windows is better for weak laptops and PCs.

Difference between 32 and 64 bit systems

An important component when choosing is the processor. First, you need to find out what bit depth your processor supports (32 or 64). Just like 32 bits. The processor only works with 32 bits. systems, while 64 bit. processor, can work with 32 and 64 bit OS. You can find out this on the official website of your CPU manufacturer.

For example, on the Intel website, it is designated as follows:

If you need an OS for a weak netbook, it doesn't matter whether it is 32 or 64 bit. The only difference between them is that the first one does not see more than 3GB of RAM. That is, if your PC is equipped with 6GB of RAM, but you have a 32-bit system, then the device will use only 3GB of memory, while the rest will simply not work.

Therefore, if your PC is equipped with no more than 3GB of RAM, then the answer to the question of whether it is worth installing a 64-bit version of Windows is obvious. If you suddenly don’t know which Windows is currently installed on your laptop, you need to:

Windows Xp

Along with Vista, XP is one of the most versatile.

As for the minimum technical requirements, we have the following indicators:

Pentium 300 MHZ.
1.5 GB of free hard drive space.
64 MB of RAM.
Integrated video card and monitor with a minimum resolution of 800×600 pixels.

XP can be installed either from a disk or from a flash drive - it doesn't matter.

Before the release of Windows 7, XP was the best system for a long time. However, back in 2014, Microsoft decided to stop supporting this version and provide updates, which means today it is no longer relevant and is installed for only two reasons:

For old computers and laptops with weak characteristics.
If there are no drivers for certain hardware, programs, or applications.

The second option applies more to work PCs than to home PCs.

That is, Windows XP is a lightweight operating system that is perfect for simple devices. However, we can say with confidence that it is outdated (the last update was back in 2014) and is not particularly fast.

Windows 7

This version is also suitable for weak laptops.

And now you will understand this when we look at the minimum technical requirements:

1GHz processor.
1GB RAM.
16GB of hard drive space.
Video card with DirectX9.

Nowadays, Windows 7 is considered one of the most famous and popular, despite its age, and it was released in 2009. Seven combines the best qualities of all other versions:

Low system requirements.
Stable operation without errors or failures.
Quite high performance.
Supports a large number of programs, applications and equipment.
Optimized work on laptops.

That is, we can say with confidence that the seven is superior to XP in many respects, and at the same time it is not much more demanding and is perfect for an old laptop.

Windows 8 and 8.1

Minimum technical requirements:

1Ghz processor with support for NX, SSE2 and PAE.
16GB of free space on HDD.
1GB RAM.
Video card with DirectX9.

Windows 8 is not superior, but also absolutely in no way inferior to Windows 7, and in principle is suitable for weak computers, but it is unlikely to be able to fully function on outdated models.

The only difference is that by default this version does not have the “Start” button familiar to users; instead, a tiled screen appears. I would also like to say that it works a little faster than its predecessor, which is especially noticeable when loading the PC after turning it on. That is, there is not much difference between them: the applications and equipment work the same, and they themselves are very similar.

Windows 10

Before we talk about whether Windows 10 is suitable for an old computer, let's look at its technical requirements:

Processor – at least 1GHz.
1GB of RAM for 32-bit systems and 2GB for 64-bit systems.
16GB of free space for 32 bits. and 20GB for 64x, respectively.
Video card with DirectX9.

Almost 5 years have passed since the release of the dozen (release date June 1, 2015). During this time, the OS has been updated hundreds of times, and if previously among dozens of users it was famous for its large number of flaws, today it can be called a fairly stable OS.

Therefore, if your PC meets the stated hardware requirements, then you can safely install Windows 10. But before that, I want to draw your attention to one important point, especially for users of weak computers:

In addition, Windows 10 and 8 differ only in a slightly modified graphical appearance, browser and the presence of some new functions. When choosing any version starting from 7 and higher, you need to be prepared for the fact that yours will consume 2-3 times more RAM (512MB-2GB) than on XP. Exactly how much RAM it will consume can be read in each antivirus. Therefore, be sure to take this factor into account.

So what OS should you install on a weak PC?

Having carefully examined the most popular operating systems today, we can come to the conclusion that the best operating system for a weak PC is Windows 7. It is significantly superior to Windows XP and is practically no different from Windows 8, except for being less demanding. That is, we can say that Windows 7 is a lightweight version of Windows 8 and 10, which is almost in no way inferior to them.

Some clarifications:

An old computer means a machine manufactured before 2009-2010. With approximately the following hardware (1-2GB DDR 1, Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron and integrated graphics or video card with 128-256 MB memory). If you own such a PC, then the Windows 7 (optimized) operating system would be the ideal option for you.

In all other cases, you can give preference to the new ten.

But if you are chasing maximum performance, then you shouldn’t look further than seven.