New Linux user trying out Linux Lite 5.8

[Smithy]

Hi Everyone  :wave

I'm a reasonably competent self-taught Windows user that's been interested in Linux for a while. I've tried various live distros on my wonderful Thinkpad, originally I tried Ubuntu (as the universally recommended one), but found it horribly slow. Have persisted and set myself the project to revitalize an old Dell business laptop with a lightweight distro. Tried MX, but it was so non-responsive. Then I tried AntiX as I still liked the whole Dolphin Oracle thing, but again it was too sluggish. So I decided I needed to try a much smaller Distro, and tried Porteus, Q4OS, and Lite.

I settled on Lite because, maybe because I come from Windows, I liked the easy availability of the firewall, and otherwise it's attractive enough and responsive enough for my needs. While I realize it's not that much smaller than the others, it is much more responsive on this machine.

My main usage is studying to online video tutorials. Have got minimal idea around using the command line, but have certainly learnt a lot through trying out the various live distros.


Smithy  :008:



Here's my System > System Info:

Dell Lattitude E5400

-Computer-
Processor : Intel® Core™2 Duo CPU    T7250  @ 2.00GHz
Memory : 1985MB (1050MB used)
Machine Type : Portable
Operating System : Linux Lite 5.8

-Display-
Resolution : 1280x800 pixels
OpenGL Renderer : Mesa DRI Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset (CTG)
X11 Vendor : The X.Org Foundation
-Audio Devices-
Audio Adapter : HDA-Intel - HDA Intel
Video Bus
HID 413c:8157
AlpsPS/2 ALPS GlidePoint
-SCSI Disks-
ATA ST160LT016-1AF14
TEAC DVD-ROM DV-28SW

[vint]

Howdy  :wave Smithy,
I am also new to LL and though I started with LL 5.6 I updated to 5.8 recently.  I dual boot W7 HP with LL 5.8 giving W7HP more space on the HDD.  I used the LL partition guide to complete the partition space.  I've been using windows since 3.11 and before that we had an IBM 8085 machine custom built for out business.  I am new to Linux and was very cautious and deliberative when searching what kind of distros work with older laptops and software, my laptop works just fine for what I need and LL seemed to be the one that would work with the older hardware.  The problems I am having are related to not knowing much about the command line language and being able to install software and drivers for my printer/scanner, making sure I have the correct drivers installed for LL to work on my system.  My computer is a Compaq Presario CQ56, 320 gb HDD installed one year ago with a fresh install of Windows 7 Home Premium and updated drivers.  64 bit OS, Intel ® Celeron ® CPU 2.2 GHz , 4.00 GB Ram, Realtek video & sound card DVD/CDROM drive.  LL 5.8 works well on my device but not understanding how to install needed drivers is holding me back, I would like to ditch W7 this time next year and go full LL OS and never look back, but I need to be able to use my Canon Imageclass D570 laser printer and scanner first.

Best regards,

Vint