I have an old laptop from 2006 with an Intel Core 2 Duo (2.2GHz) and 2GB Ram. I still have an SSD lying around with 128 GB which I could build and there's also an AVI graphics card or so in there. Am I supposed to install Windows 10 or Windows 7? It is intended for Java programming.
What would you install? Please also list the advantages of Windows 10 and Windows 7 on old devices.
If Windows then Windows 10 - because it is quite resource-saving.
Linux would be an alternative as well. In that case I would advise to Arch Linux (excellent documentation). Since you can pull yourself a frugal surface (eg LXDE) outside. Also a BSD would be conceivable. But both need some training time if you are used to Windows.
If so, then I would install Windows 7. I've found that Windows 10 handles extremely poorly with old hardware. I know a school that has put all computers after the update back to Windows 7, because the computers were simply completely unusable, in terms of performance. My personal experiences do not differ in this respect.
However, keep in mind that Windows 7 has an "expiration date" - it is, as it stands now, only supported until 2023, after which it is a significant security risk to continue using it.
Therefore, I recommend to use a GNU / Linux system on such a device. Depending on the distribution and interface, GNU / Linux systems can be even more economical than Windows and are therefore particularly well suited for weak hardware. Also regarding the purpose of use (Java programming) GNU / Linux is highly recommended.
If you have only been used to Windows so far, I recommend the following distributions:
Linux Mint (Cinnamon)
openSUSE (Xfce or LXDE)
Xubuntu or Lubuntu
Manjaro (Xfce or LXDE)
My name is 15 years old. Also a Core 2 with current SSD. 512GB. 4 Gb Ram.17 inch monitor.
Go completely. So. 2 GB of Ram extra would do your old thing well. Kosting maybe 20 euro.
Otherwise. Your old box is quite up to… I would not do it to current 3D shooters. For such a thing I still have a super duper I7 on a server board. But never in use. At most times as a stereo with 2 1000 Euro boxes.
Could my old laptop eigendlich but also.
So. Arrange for 4 to 8 GB and you'll be happy… These old things just will not break… My wife has a current Acer. Totally flat screen. To envy. 500 euro 3 years ago. Also own graphic. 1TB HDD. But as long as I keep my faith. I will keep him.
