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Have an old desktop computer sitting around gathering dust somewhere? Turn it into your Linux machine! Chances are that it will perform better than it ever did… Let’s have a look at the other system components.
Minimum system requirements
Because Linux was developed by PC users, the normal PC hardware will be supported. The bare minimum is a 80386SX or better processor, 2MB of RAM (preferably more), a disk drive or USB stick to run from (40MB or more), a video card and a monitor, and a keyboard. Mind you, this is aimed at a text-based setup. When you insist on running a GUI, you will need much more. Anyway, most ‘old’ computers are much better equipped than this…
You will need a means of transport for getting your Linux from another computer (where you downloaded it) to your Linux machine. A modern thumb drive could do the job.
Last but not least your system will need a network connection. Call me old-fashioned but a cable is what I suggest. Sure, wifi will do the trick, but an ethernet cable is more reliable
Getting help installing
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You are going to need all the help you can get when you are installing Linux for the first time. Almost all distributions I have seen come with a downloadable installation manual. Read it! It’s good for you!
Sometimes (who am I kidding, often) you will encounter problems the installation guide does not provide an answer for. Find a friendly user group, forum, usenet or whatever. There are literally thousands of users out there who are willing and able to help you when you get stuck.