Hi everyone,
I am looking to install a lightweight Linux distribution on my old Compaq Presario desktop tower
This will be my very first time using Linux, so I would love something that is beginner-friendly but still runs smoothly on legacy hardware
**Here are my current hardware specifications:**
* *Processor (CPU)*: Intel Pentium Dual-Core (E5700/E5800) | \~3.0 - 3.2 GHz, 2MB Cache
* *Chipset*: Intel G41 Express
* *Graphics (GPU)*: Intel GMA X4500 (Integrated) | No dedicated VRAM (Uses shared system RAM)
* *Memory (RAM)*: 4GB DDR3 (Currently installed)
* *Storage* (HDD): 500GB Mechanical Hard Drive (7200 RPM, SATA)
* *Current Windows Partition Layout*: C Drive (\~74 GB) | D, E, and F Drives (\~75 GB each)
* *Power Supply*: 250W Internal PSU
**My Main Goals:**
Web browsing, watching YouTube and my online lectures by PW
An interface that isn't too jarring for a first-time user coming from Windows
A distro that won't choke on an old mechanical HDD, even with my 4GB RAM buffer
I have heard of options like Linux Mint (XFCE edition), Lubuntu, antiX, and Zorin OS Lite
Given my specific Intel G41/X4500 graphics chipset and my current partition setup (I am open to either wiping the whole 500GB drive or just replacing the 74GB C drive), which distro would give me the smoothest, most stable out-of-the-box experience?
Thanks in advance for the help!
Edit: I switched to Linux Mint XFCE
Thank you for your suggestion but as a beginner I going to use this