Free Computers

[scuzzy]

I have a number of older computers that people have given me over the last few years.

They are all operational. What happens is that people have Windows installed. And when the computer starts running slower and slower  they run out and buy a new computer. They think the problem is the old computer. However the old computer is fine - the problem is Windows itself.

While these are older most of them have lots of memory, good cpu's (I7), and I'll install an SSD drives. If you don't know what all of that is I'll just say these computers are not dogs. They run decent.

I have 4 older computers. I'll deal with one at a time since I'll have to install and operating system. Either Linux or Windows 11. Your choice. And yes I should be able to install Windows 11 on a older computer. At least I'm pretty sure.

I just want shipping costs. However be aware shipping would prob be 50 to 75 dollars. Don't know for sure though.

First up:

And I7-950. It has 48G of DDR3 memory. A 256G Intel SSD. Corsair 650W power supply. And a CoolerMaster case. So though old the specs are not bad at all.

I could just ship the internals to save on shipping - the parts could revive and older computer - IF you know how to do that kind of stuff.

I Might be able to install Windows 11 hacker version. If I can find the needed drivers (device software specific to the hardware)  In other words no MS account needed and so much more private and secure. However this assumes I can find all of the 'Drivers' needed for the older hardware. Sometimes that can't be found easily and I don't want to spend hours and hours to get it running. Sometimes it's easy to find but don't know until I dig into it.

Preferably:

Or I can install Linux. Maybe Alma9 or Slackware. I don't recommend Slackware unless you are a geek. Alma9 is pretty good. Linux is actually pretty easy to use if you just want to browse the internet and stuff like that. Just click an icon on the desktop and you're up and running.

Due to shipping costs I could just tear it down and ship the SSD, memory, and powersupply and junk the rest. If you have an older computer already and know how to setup stuff the memory and SSD would give it a heck of a boost.

I have a few others too but I just want to deal with one at a time since it does take time to setup.

It would be easier just to trash these but they are good and I think all have an I7. And some of the older parts are built better than some of the newer stuff.

Last point - I don't want to have to provide lots of tech support. I might answer a question or two but I don't want it to turn into a time consuming task. You can find info on the net for almost everything now.

[Guns&Hoses]

Is there any chance you could install "Andy's Ham Radio" Linux?
Second choice would be Mint or Ubuntu.

Thanks!
Guns&Hoses

[scuzzy]

Is there any chance you could install "Andy's Ham Radio" Linux?
Second choice would be Mint or Ubuntu.

Thanks!
Guns&Hoses

I checked out Andy's and it appears to be a collection of various ham software. The howto wasn't clear on install. But I just did a quick read.

It shows it supports the following Linux distros. So what one do you want?

    * Xubuntu 24.04.3 (Desktop)
      - XFCE supports the multitiered menu structure preferred by AHRL

    * Kubuntu 24.04 (normal installation)

    * Linux Mint 22 (Cinnamon)

    * Debian 12.12 (XFCE)
      - XFCE supports the multitiered menu structure preferred by AHRL
      - cat /etc/debian_version

    * LMDE 6 - Linux Mint Debian Edition 12.1

[Guns&Hoses]

I am almost completely linux ignorant...been a windows kid since NT. Which would you recommend?

[Guns&Hoses]

I am almost completely linux ignorant...been a windows kid since NT. Which would you recommend?

You know what? I'm gonna throw some blind trust out there, and I'll figure it out lol.
You choose, just don't hurt me.

Cashapp?

[scuzzy]

You know what? I'm gonna throw some blind trust out there, and I'll figure it out lol.
You choose, just don't hurt me.

Cashapp?

I'll go ahead and send you a PM so we don't flood the forum. This might take a few back and forths to decide what would work best.

[Yrisarri_blacksmith]

Just FYI, I learned today of a "new" Linux distro called "Hibbian" that is a version of Debian specifically maintained for ham radio operators (by a Debian package maintainer).

https://www.hibbian.org/articles/hibbian-announce/

As I understand it, it can either be installed right over a regular Debian install *or* as a complete OS install.

Haven't tried it, but have interacted with the guy who maintains it and he's a good egg who knows what he's about.