Linux Lite lets this $20 computer live in 2019

[TheDead]

Most of the computers have been core 2 duo processors E7500 and 4.0 GB of memory and they seem to work well with Windows 10.

That's pretty nice for a used computer!
The basic PC we build at the help center are P4 3.0GHz with 1.5 or 2GB RAM and 120GB HDD.
Those are sloooow/unworkable with W10 (or any "updated" Windows for that matter).

Also, thanks @newtusmaximus for the "Linux Replacements for Windows Programs" forum reminder.

[newtusmaximus]

 A large proportion of the  programs  in the LL suite are available on windows as well as LinuxLite.  before swapping over to LL I had been using Libre Office, Gimp, VLC Firefox, Thunderbird  on Windows Vista for some time , in preparation for a possible change to Linux later.    My only concern was whether my scanner and printer would work on linux.  Printer did, but had to update scanner - Latter bought used, so no great cost. 
 "Linux Replacements for Windows Programs" section of this forum gives a wealth of information on what is available.

[MS]

The problem of GNU/Linux is infrastructure.

What I mean by that, by default, in the PC domain, every program is written to work under Windows.

To responsibly push someone with Linux, first know what do they want to do with their PC.

If they mention something like using proprietary software, which includes gaming, it is a no-go.

For general purposes, such as both office or Internet browsing, it is better than Windows, given right distro.

[The Repairman]

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[TheDead]

With the super heavy updates in W10, those computers will cry under the load.

When I speak to people I don't "start" saying it's Linux because they get scared and run away easily.
Most are like lost puppies (sheeps? ) and you have to guide them in with what they know first.
I usually mention what apps are on there...
"You have your Firefox, Google Chrome, VLC Media Player, Skype, Dropbox, Telegram/Slack, Gimp and Microsoft Office Compatible suite!"
Next is the obvious "Whatcha mean compatible?" that gets asked.
When you explained it's a truly free/legal version and show them, they're all "Oh, I recognise this, OK"
THEN, you mention it's Linux, Fast and Free!

BONUS : Also mentionning that Android is based on Linux and that Apple's OS is based on Unix, like Linux, that gets points sometimes.
Strangely enough, also like lost puppies they also become faightful once you show them the way.
Edit : Clarifications / Typos

[The Repairman]

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[TheDead]

I pulled this Dell Dimension E521 off the curbside on big trash day.
Ya can't beat free when your poor and broke.

Grats on the salvage!
I also prefer keeping things working and giving them to people who need them when I get my hands on something better, free or used.
Last thing I bought new was a few years ago. A videocard for my small form factor PC, none were available used locally .
At least it's not a car... I don't get why/how some people always buy a new one each year. If it's for the smell, that's a pretty expensive habit... lol!

[The Repairman]

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[MS]

There is a trend in thinking a low space consumption distro to be good only for older machines. Personally, nowadays - regardless of the machine - I would hesitate to ever again go anything systemwise burdensome, like, a gigabyte of RAM usage just for basic operations, having the palette of options the GNU/Linux world provides. There is no excuse for running heavy operating systems. In fact, operating systems should vanish or turn minimum entirely, but that, is a separate issue.

[minesheep]

Bought even slower with 32bit intel single core 1400MHz, 2GB of ram and 15 minutes lasting battery. Cost about 25$. Some lag but not too slow to use. boot time under 3 minutes. Even ran light browser video games on it.

[minesheep]

Recently got a Lenova Thinkcentre from e.bay for £30


It had no o/s installed.


Installed LL 4.4........Running great 

I got my hp nc 4200 laptop for about 12$ It is 32bit only, but I can run LL 3.8 32bit just fine untill April 2021. Here is some specs
2GB ram installed, 2GB max
Intel pentium M 1,73GHz
60GB HDD
LL 3.8 32bit OS (I needed to install the OS myself no OS was preloaded)

[Jerry]

Lower cost computer than a Raspberry Pi, with a nicer OS

Indeed

Sent from my Mobile phone using Tapatalk

[bitsnpcs]

Lower cost computer than a Raspberry Pi, with a nicer OS

[TheDead]

Nice friendly video! Presentation was good quality too.

I will share it will people "scared" of Linux/computers because it's not too techno-bable, me thinks

[Artim]

I have done several of these now, mostly for schools and students, but also for a couple of churches and some elderly folks without a lot of money and perfectly good "old" computers that aren't used for gaming and CAD and stuff.