REPAIR IT WITH LINUX.

This article from Linux Format explores how Linux operating systems can be effectively used on older machines. It highlights that while modern operating systems may struggle on older hardware, there are Linux distributions that can run on machines up to 20 years old. The article provides examples of these distributions and offers advice on upgrading old hardware for better performance. It also discusses the system requirements for major desktop Linux distributions and dispels the myth that 32-bit hardware cannot use more than 4GB of RAM. The article concludes by mentioning the increasing demands of newer software and suggests various ways to upgrade and optimize old hardware. It introduces Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) as a user-friendly distribution suitable for older hardware and provides information on installation and troubleshooting. The text also advises users on installing a PAE kernel if their CPU supports it and discusses lightweight web browsers and alternative Linux distributions for older machines. It concludes by mentioning the option of enrolling older machines into Ubuntu Pro for extended support. [Extracted from the article]