Update old Compaq to linux..?

[fred]

Hi
For some time now we have had a dual boot setup with Linux Lite and Vista Ultimate.  We had it set up in an older Compaq Presario SR5412DE, the specs can be seen at          http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/Comp...c01386897/

The time came to retire the Compaq so we had a go at building a new desktop (which was a bit nerve racking but fun). We have now returned our attention to the old Compaq, what to do with it...  One option is to replace the HDD and run it as a standalone Linux Lite machine.

The current thinking is to replace the existing  HDD with something like a Seagate 500GB 7200 rpm 64mb and add a wireless setup like the following one from Asus;
http://www.amazon.de/PCE-AC56-Dual-Band-...Fi+Adapter 

In my head this looks like a simple task, but then I am a beginner :-) so I am looking for a bit of general input/views from people who know what to do/avoid, is this a realistic plan?

Thanks.

[Wirezfree]

Hi Fred,

If it was me...
Given you know the Hardware works with LL, because you can boot into LL,
and I assume you have it connected by some means to your network/router.?

I would be tempted to just do a "Fresh" install of LL 2.4 from boot media,
and then select the option during install to use "entire disk"
I maybe wrong.?,
Somebody can correct me if so, this will then just give you a LL "only" system.

Dave

[fred]

Hi Wirezfree thanks for the reply,We originally had the computer connected to the router by cable and that worked well, however this  time it would be nice if we could add a wireless card.  I haven't done anything like this before, with regards to the Asus I listed earlier, do you know if this is a simple task in LL or is there perhaps a better/more LL compatible option?

[Wirezfree]

Hi Fred,

I Understand,
But I would 1st though get it going like now, then when working look at going wireless.

I don't have any experience of that card, I have just what was ever in the Laptop/PC
personally I would look at doing it simply, use a USB WiFi Dongle.
You can look for info on compatible devices here.
((somebody else might have recommendations ))

From what I have seen "Broadcom" based devices can be a bit problematic.


Dave

[marnav1]

Hi Fred.
I just updated an older Dell desktop to Linux Lite 2.4. It previously had Windows XP on it, no sense even messing with that right. I'm not sure why you would need to replace the HD unless it has issues or you just want something newer or faster. My suggestion obviously would be to get whatever info you want out of Windows and install LL on the entire drive. For wireless I don't know what you need for range but I have had great success with this dongle (Edimax EW-7811Un). I have used this dongle on several installs and it so far it has connected with every version of Linux I have tried with no problems at all. No wireless card needed, just plugs into a USB port. Linux Lite 2.4 also has two packages in the package manager for the problematic B43 Broadcomm cards and after installing those packages it has worked on three different Broadcomm cards for me. The Edimax dongle I got ship to store online at Walmart for $10 or so and I know Amazon has them. Walmart might even stock them now. Its VERY small, practically fits inside the USB port. Hope this helps Fred .......

[rokytnji]

Been using this for years before buying wireless hardware. I prefer installing pci wireless n cards myself on my Desktop gear with lots of antennas because my M/C shop is some distance away from my wireless router and the shop is a all metal building.

http://www.linuxwireless.org/welcome/

Since the above link is a static link to the site.

Here is the current link to the current wiki

https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/

[rokytnji]

So doing some investigating for you. I found this with bluetooth and wireless n support new for under 20 bucks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atheros-AR5B22-3...1507091084

Which is supported by thwe ath9k driver in the linux kernel since kernel 3.2.

https://wikidevi.com/wiki/Atheros_AR5B22

https://wikidevi.com/wiki/List_of_Wi-Fi_...s_in_Linux

Edit: I made sure I picked a seller that will ship worldwide for free also.
Note that I picked a pci-e instead of pci. Research or look inside your Compaq to make sure a pci-e slot is available first before buying. If not. Safer to go with usb I guess.

Looking at your spec link

One PCI Express x16

that slot is the one to use. Unless a video card is using it. Then don't buy what I posted.

[fred]

Hi
Thanks for the responses.
An update;
As suggested by Dave, we are going to get it running on LL and then work on the WiFi setup.
We are replacing the hard drive because it is a few years old, appears to have some "problem" sectors and it is only 250gb which doesn't leave much when it is the only drive which is partitioned  for windows and Linux (and I am sick of Vista bugs).

As for a WiFi solution, I am slowly learning.  Thanks go to Dave for the point about "Broadcom" based devices having a poorer reputation, a lot of what I have seen supports that and much of what I have read suggests Atheros is a good option.  Also, many thanks to Marnav1 and Rokytnji for their input, I am now trying to decide between a dongle or PCI E card, in our location there are good arguments for both... and thanks Rokytnji for doing the extra research and providing the links. 

The new hard drive is ordered and the old Compaq has been cleaned out (why is it that prebuilt machines often don't come with dist filters or enough fans) so we should be onto the WiFi in a week or two.

Thanks for the input so far;

Regards. 

[newtusmaximus]

Keep us posted  on how you get on Perhaps you could still use your old HDD as an external backup photos etc.  USB Conversion kits are available. I bought one ( SATA+IDE) as an emergency backup kit to rescue hard drives off any pc.