Try a lightweight Ubuntu such as Xubuntu, shouldn't use much resources at all, I have a laptop with 1GB RAM running Windows 7 and it's really not that bad but has slowed down lately and required constant maintenance, I'd say Ubuntu.
The newer versions of ubuntu are less battery friendly than windows 7 starter when it comes to laptops, so I would stick with windows 7 if you have the starter edition. Otherwise, get xubuntu.
Most RAM modules in netbooks are user-accessible. I replaced my 1gb DDR3 with 2gb easily. I thought about replacing Windows 7 Starter with a lightweight Linux distro such as Puppy/Mac Puppy. But, I settled for maximum compatibility and used a spare 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium instead.
I tried XP. But, somehow, the BIOS of my Toshiba Mini NB305-N600 refused to take XP Home.
[QUOTE="kuraimen"]Ubuntu definitely, or try a lightweight Linux based on Ubuntu like EasyPeasy http://www.geteasypeasy.com/Hexagon_777
Ah, similar to xPud and MeeGo. I'll have to check it out. Yeah I haven't tried it myself but a friend did and he's pretty happy with it. I have to replace my Ubuntu 10.10 for my Netbook soon though so maybe I'll use that one.
As a white male of the age of 21 I would say, Windows 7.
CHOASXIII
My friend who is a black male of the age 22 is on a netbook and uses Windows XP and still has slowdowns and such, despite the lower requirements. Guess he's a power user just like me. I couldn't imagine him using WIndows 7 on his netbook.
As a white male of the age of 21 I would say, Windows 7.
Hexagon_777
My friend who is a black male of the age 22 is on a netbook and uses Windows XP and still has slowdowns and such, despite the lower requirements. Guess he's a power user just like me. I couldn't imagine him using WIndows 7 on his netbook. "Power User" and netbook shouldn't be in the same scenario haha. These aren't workstations and shouldn't be treated as one.
As a white male of the age of 21 I would say, Windows 7.
Hexagon_777
My friend who is a black male of the age 22 is on a netbook and uses Windows XP and still has slowdowns and such, despite the lower requirements. Guess he's a power user just like me. I couldn't imagine him using WIndows 7 on his netbook.
Windows XP was never designed ot be lightweight. Windows 7 is designed to work on a netbook. Windows 8 is further optimized for a netbook.
Do you want a headache and the sudden urge to tell everybody in the world that they got ripped off for their OS? Ubuntu.
Wasdie
I don't know how anyone could fail at Ubuntu these days. My grandmother doesn't know thing one about computers and she has been running Ubuntu problem free since 10.04. It's insanely easy to set up and maintain.
Do you want a headache and the sudden urge to tell everybody in the world that they got ripped off for their OS? Ubuntu.
famicommander
I don't know how anyone could fail at Ubuntu these days. My grandmother doesn't know thing one about computers and she has been running Ubuntu problem free since 10.04. It's insanely easy to set up and maintain.
Unless you would rather use mainstream software and not have to use alternatives. Or if you want to use tech gadgets, smartphones, tablets, iPods... Then the hassles start piling up.
Also you're average user isn't going to understand file formats and compatibility between programs. If you believe that they do, you need to get off the internet and try to show some random people how to use software. I've had to do that a lot in my line of work and I can tell you it's damn near impossible.
Do you want a headache and the sudden urge to tell everybody in the world that they got ripped off for their OS? Ubuntu.
Wasdie
I don't know how anyone could fail at Ubuntu these days. My grandmother doesn't know thing one about computers and she has been running Ubuntu problem free since 10.04. It's insanely easy to set up and maintain.
Unless you would rather use mainstream software and not have to use alternatives. Or if you want to use tech gadgets, smartphones, tablets, iPods... Then the hassles start piling up.
Also you're average user isn't going to understand file formats and compatibility between programs. If you believe that they do, you need to get off the internet and try to show some random people how to use software. I've had to do that a lot in my line of work and I can tell you it's damn near impossible.
I work at a computer store and I have run Linux for well over a decade. There is nothing you can tell me about stupid computer users I don't already know, and there is nothing that you can tell me about Linux that I don't already know. Linux can easily handle pretty much any Android device and the Software Center contains programs for free which can manage your iPod. GIMP, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Libre/Open Office, Skype, VLC Media Player... most common desktop applications have Linux support or a free Linux equivalent. Not to mention we're talking about a netbook here. I doubt he's going to be using Photoshop CS6 or 3DSMax on the thing.
[QUOTE="famicommander"] I don't know how anyone could fail at Ubuntu these days. My grandmother doesn't know thing one about computers and she has been running Ubuntu problem free since 10.04. It's insanely easy to set up and maintain.famicommander
Unless you would rather use mainstream software and not have to use alternatives. Or if you want to use tech gadgets, smartphones, tablets, iPods... Then the hassles start piling up.
Also you're average user isn't going to understand file formats and compatibility between programs. If you believe that they do, you need to get off the internet and try to show some random people how to use software. I've had to do that a lot in my line of work and I can tell you it's damn near impossible.
I work at a computer store and I have run Linux for well over a decade. There is nothing you can tell me about stupid computer users I don't already know, and there is nothing that you can tell me about Linux that I don't already know. Linux can easily handle pretty much any Android device and the Software Center contains programs for free which can manage your iPod. GIMP, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Libre/Open Office, Skype, VLC Media Player... most common desktop applications have Linux support or a free Linux equivalent. Not to mention we're talking about a netbook here. I doubt he's going to be using Photoshop CS6 or 3DSMax on the thing. I agree I've also been using Linux for more than a decade now. Unless people need a very specific program that is only on Windows most people would have no problem adapting to Linux now since it has become very user friendly. The problems most users could face on Linux now regarding compatibility are basically the same users face on Windows. Except the performance issues since those are always worse on Windows :)
Do you want a headache and the sudden urge to tell everybody in the world that they got ripped off for their OS? Ubuntu.
famicommander
I don't know how anyone could fail at Ubuntu these days. My grandmother doesn't know thing one about computers and she has been running Ubuntu problem free since 10.04. It's insanely easy to set up and maintain.
I'd be willing to bet your grandmother is like most old people and never actually uses her computer.
I've tried many flavors of Linux and the conclusion I've always come to is that while it might be a great OS for servers, it's a mess for end users.
Depends on what you like to do. If you want to play any games whatsoever though, Ubuntu isn't going to be your top choice. I prefer Linux and currently have Ubuntu 12.04 dual-booted with Windows XP SP3, but I use Windows for gaming, not Ubuntu. It just doesn't work well.
I would say Linux Mint. It's been my favorite for a while, but I would personally stick with linux mint 11 rather than the newest one. Linux Mint 12 ran sluggishly on my computer, but 11 ran wonderfully. I prefer Linux to windows for everything except games, but with 1gb ram you might not be doing too much gaming.
As a white male of the age of 21 I would say, Windows 7.
xXDrPainXx
My friend who is a black male of the age 22 is on a netbook and uses Windows XP and still has slowdowns and such, despite the lower requirements. Guess he's a power user just like me. I couldn't imagine him using WIndows 7 on his netbook. "Power User" and netbook shouldn't be in the same scenario haha. These aren't workstations and shouldn't be treated as one. Money is limited for him thanks to not being a citizen yet and his dad being foolish with money i.e. getting a second wife along with a third child. >_<
As a white male of the age of 21 I would say, Windows 7.
Wasdie
My friend who is a black male of the age 22 is on a netbook and uses Windows XP and still has slowdowns and such, despite the lower requirements. Guess he's a power user just like me. I couldn't imagine him using WIndows 7 on his netbook.
Windows XP was never designed ot be lightweight. Windows 7 is designed to work on a netbook. Windows 8 is further optimized for a netbook.
Windows 7 is perfect for a netbook.
Him being an electronic engineer, I would expect him to know that! K, so Windows 7 is versatile. My over three old laptop is more powerful than a netbook and yet still pretty loud and gets pretty warm too. I know that HP iso partially at fault here, but...
Depends on what you like to do. If you want to play any games whatsoever though, Ubuntu isn't going to be your top choice. I prefer Linux and currently have Ubuntu 12.04 dual-booted with Windows XP SP3, but I use Windows for gaming, not Ubuntu. It just doesn't work well.
bub166
I don't think people use a netbook for hardcore gaming. And small indie games like those of the humble bundles are already coming up with Linux versions
Depends on what you like to do. If you want to play any games whatsoever though, Ubuntu isn't going to be your top choice. I prefer Linux and currently have Ubuntu 12.04 dual-booted with Windows XP SP3, but I use Windows for gaming, not Ubuntu. It just doesn't work well.
kuraimen
I don't think people use a netbook for hardcore gaming. And small indie games like those of the humble bundles are already coming up with Linux versionsExactly. My aforementioned friend downloaded Portal off Steam on his netbook just to experience it in slideshow form! :D
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