Dev with old laptop (slrpnk.net)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by wildflowertea@slrpnk.net to c/linux@programming.dev

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A dev friend wants to start taking steps away from Windows, starting with their old laptop.

The laptop has 4 GB ram, and an 8th gen i3 CPU, and they mostly will use it to program.

Some have recommended them Lubuntu. Would that be a good choice?

Thanks!

Edit: yeaaah. Definitely away from Windows, not Linux. Time for lunch.

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[-] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 14 points 1 month ago

Upgrade the ram and you will have a pretty good experience.

Also make sure it has a decent SSD

[-] NostraDavid@programming.dev 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Also make sure it has a decent SSD

That means any SATA SSD that can pull 500MB/s. No need to try to stick an m.2 7000GB/s SSD into such a weak laptop. Not trying to poop on his hardware - just staying realistic for when you look for an SSD (presuming he does not already have one).

After 10 years, I still remember switching to an SSD from a classic HDD. Probably the biggest hardware upgrade I've ever done.

[-] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 month ago

Not all SSDs are created equal. Some of the very cheap ones are worse than HDDs. Most reasonablely priced ones will be fine.

Also I have never seen a Sata SSD consistently pull 500m/s. You would need some serious flash for that.

this post was submitted on 17 Mar 2025

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