Linux Lite Forums
Software - Support => Installing Linux Lite => Topic started by: harryf on June 22, 2020, 11:20:37 AM
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I have just installed Lite 5.0 (a clean install) on a new build PC using old parts and it seems to be running rather slow, for example if I shut down Firefox and click on Menu, it can take up to 10 sec for the menu to open. It is as if Linux is using the hard disk to shift data instead of RAM.
When I use the drives icon and try to open the hard disk I get an error "Can't mount file". Is this normal? When using the Disks app to look at the hard disk partitions there is a FAT32 partition there even though I used the option to erase the disk at install.
I'm afraid I am finding Linux very strange after being a Windows user for a long time and my experience with the command line is very limited so please be gentle with me. BTW, I have searched the forum for answer to this stuff with no luck, but that could be because I don't understand the replies to the posts!
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Hi. i also have an old Athlon processor, but I have 6 GB ram. you may do better with Linux Lite 4, and maybe even 3 (which is still supported until next April - that's what i'm running, due to my video card having expired, putting me back on on-board graphics). LL 3.8 runs flawlessly for me. LL4 is too much for my graphics, I get display failures. If you are not getting display failures, you can probably use LL4.
Also, a lighter browser would help. I use Vivaldi, and disable all acceleration and other settings that might slow things down. There are lighter ones out there as well. Firefox is pretty demanding.
I would try a lighter browser, and adjust the settings, to see if that helps. If not, an earlier version of Lite may be desirable. Here is an article about light browsers for Linux. If you need help installing it, we'll be glad to help. (If you go with Vivaldi, download the .deb file. It should then install easily).
https://www.triveditech.com/best-lightweight-and-fastest-browser/
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Thanks for the advice, I may try some of your suggestions, but I have ordered another 4G of RAM so I will try that first.
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@harryf ,
While it is good to have more RAM, your main problem does not sound like a memory issue. It sounds like an issue of you mistakenly changing something when using the Disks app. The Disks app is for formatting and creating partitions. Seems like you were using it as if it were your File Manager.
Do you have a flash drive inserted into your computer when you have Disks open? Perhaps the FAT32 partition is that drive. Do you have more than one storage drive? Not sure why you would have a mounting issue after a fresh installation, but consider this part of the Help Manual for guidance:
https://linuxliteos.com/manual/install.html#mountpartdrives (https://linuxliteos.com/manual/install.html#mountpartdrives)
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torreydale,
I deleted the FAT32 partition and re-installed Linux Lite 5.0. The FAT32 appeared again - it looks like the BIOS is putting it there. Still confused :(
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Hi!
Can you post a screenshot of this problem. Maybe in GParted?
Also, could the computer be an old AlienWare or gamer PC? Some had a small SSD for "caching".
Other guess would be a hidden restore partition.
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TheDead,
Here is a screenshot as requested.
https://imgur.com/8ev1bUt
My PC was built from leftover parts from old PCs and is certainly not a "gaming" machine!
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mdiemer,
I have added another 4GB of RAM and Linux works a treat now. 5GB total, shows as 6GB in my profile as there is no option for 5 ::)
Thanks for your input.
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Glad the extra RAM made a difference. As for the fat 32 partition, I personally would just delete it, then expand the sda5, which has your Linux Lite on it. Assuming, of course, there is nothing on it that you need.
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Sounds like the way to go, thanks. Still strange though.
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Be careful, you could get an unbootable system if you delete it.
The partition is the UEFI related one. It is usually used to boot a computer but could be one created by Windows during install.
If it's a system you can reinstall easily and your system supports legacy, I'm guessing repartitionning to MBR (and not GPT) + wiping the disk could remove it.
This is all theorethical for me since I do not have an UEFI system, 'coz I use legacy when I can. ;)
I'm sure I will get a UEFI-only sytem one day because legacy has been officialy kicked out the door by Intel.
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@harryf ,
DO NOT delete that partition. It is a boot partition likely created by your UEFI BIOS. If things work fine right now, it is not worth it, unless you just want to try it for curiosity reasons. If you want to tinker, I understand. But if you're ready to start using Linux Lite on your refurbished machine, move on and enjoy the good as new computer experience.
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Yes. some of us like to tinker, and don't mind reinstalling. what I do when I try something that could render my system unbootable is to use the Boot Repair disc:
https://linux.softpedia.com/get/System/Operating-Systems/Linux-Distributions/Boot-Repair-Disk-99450.shtml
Almost always solves the problem. But the advice to leave all as is, and start enjoying Linux lite now, while learning more as you go, is sound. Personally, I like to be adventurous. If I have nothing on the system yet, I figure there's nothing to lose, and I'll learn something in the process.
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I deleted the FAT32 partition and it has made no difference that I can see - everything still works the same. The only issue, and I had this from the start, is trouble re-starting after suspend, but I can live with that, considering the use that this PC is for.
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I have Ubuntu 14.04 as the other Linux on my computer. although technically out of date, Canonical offers free extended support for it, for home machines. Anyway, I have the same problem with it that you have (returning from suspend). I'm sure it's related to the old on-board video graphics. So I don't use suspend with that operating system. Not a big deal.
Linux Lite 3 and Ubuntu 14 are the only operating systems that will work on this computer, and still have support. LL3 is good until next April; U14 until 2022. I'm actually amazed that Ubuntu 14 works on this system, but I guess it still was light enough back then. now it's become a very different animal with Gnome 3.
I think it's great to keep your old machines going. Too many people throw therm away after a few years, bad for all kinds of reasons. and with Linux Lite, you can have a perfectly functioning older computer. No better choice for old machines.
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You must be careful about your system there with the Fat 32. In some of the older machines there have been a few created that ran 32 bit system and then changed to 64 bit. Not sure which comps they are but if your rebuilding from old machines that might be whats going on. When you re install it will probably come back again because it needs the fat 32 to do what it requires for f64 bit. Not sure if I am right here but I know there are some out there. Good luck.
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That's very interesting. Kind of reminds me of when I would install Windows 7, I had to first install the Vista that it came with, then W7 as an upgrade. but that was more a licensing issue. But it does sound like you could be on the right track.
If he does reinstall, I would first make the Boot Repair Disc I mentioned earlier. May or not work but worth a try. May be best to just leave well enough alone, however. Keep using Lite until it drops!