Old computer... Can I install Linux?? Thread 2

[sfbloodbrother]

Kay so I have this old computer from my dad. I'm trying to get rid of XP and put Linux on here, but I don't think I can with only a USB stick. I know I'm suppose to go into the options and change the boot order aBd every time I have done that on my other machines I had the option written in plain English, USB boot. Not for this machine, as I don't have a option for that. I only have options for a floppy disk and a CD ROM. Take a look at the picture to see what I mean.

So do you think its possible to install Linux on this machine with only a USB or will I have to get a CD disk to write on? Because I honestly don't have one.

Failed to upload picture.

 

[Rukbat]

Writeable CDs are cheap. Maybe someone in the Chicago area will read the thread and give you a few.

Or you can see if there's a downloadable flashable BIOS for that computer that will allow a USB boot.

 

[mikedt]

Kay so I have this old computer from my dad. I'm trying to get rid of XP and put Linux on here, but I don't think I can with only a USB stick. I know I'm suppose to go into the options and change the boot order aBd every time I have done that on my other machines I had the option written in plain English, USB boot. Not for this machine, as I don't have a option for that. I only have options for a floppy disk and a CD ROM. Take a look at the picture to see what I mean.

If it's beyond a certain age, it won't support USB booting. Likely CD/DVD, Floppy, HDD only. XP has been around for almost 14 years now, so it could be quite an old PC. Is it a Pentium 3 or 4 or Athlon XP or something, and how much RAM? Because if it's only a P3 with say 256MB, you'll likely have to use a lightweight Linux OS on it rather than full-blown KDE or Gnome.

So do you think its possible to install Linux on this machine with only a USB or will I have to get a CD disk to write on? Because I honestly don't have one.

If it can't boot from USB, think you'll have to get a CD/R or DVD/R disc. You got a burner? Most PC stores sell CD/Rs and DVD/Rs.

Failed to upload picture.

Image attachments have been broken for the last few days. Post it to Flickr or Photobucket or something.

 

[argedion]

Burning a cd isn't that bad. It will be a tad slower than a usb but it still works for installs.

 

[kate]

on my other machines I had the option written in plain English, USB boot. Not for this machine, as I don't have a option for that. I only have options for a floppy disk and a CD ROM.

One more option - check to see if the USB drive shows up under Hard Drives in the BIOS booting options, I've seen that on several computers.

 

[sfbloodbrother]

Looks like I will be getting a CD sometime.

 

[saptech]

You can buy CDs at Family Dollar stores for around $2-4, I think about 3 in the pack.

 

[Mikestony]

**Mikestony following this thread too**
Hiya sf!!
We're in the same boat kind of

 

[lunatic59]

We're in the same boat kind of

If you see Leonardo DiCaprio on deck, GET OFF NOW! :vroam:

 

[sfbloodbrother]

You can buy CDs at Family Dollar stores for around $2-4, I think about 3 in the pack.

Maybe I'll do that, I don't know what I really want to do with this computer. It's so old and not powerful I don't think keeping it on to donate for computing power would be that of a great idea.