DSL running X on 16MB of RAMForum: Laptops Topic: DSL running X on 16MB of RAM started by: livingdaylight Posted by livingdaylight on Sep. 26 2005,16:02
I spoke to someone who couldn't install X even with 32 MB of Ram.When DSL says that it can run with as little as 16MB of Ram does that include 'X' ? or does that mean DSL is running from command line only? Wonder whether i could successfully run 'X' from a Toshiba Tecra 510 CDT. This system comes with only 16MB of Ram. thank you people, livingdaylight Posted by AwPhuch on Sep. 26 2005,20:46
It is capable..it will run dog slow and possibly crash if you try to open too much, I will recommend at least a 128Meg Swap partition, but with that amount of ram it might not make it DSL doesnt use a standard X server either, so it uses at least 12-14Meg just for the X, which doesnt leave much for the other apps... Brian AwPhuch Posted by adssse on Sep. 27 2005,01:26
I grabbed this from the wiki for reference. CLI (non-graphical Linux) Minimum Requirements * 486dx or 100% compatible processor * 8mb ram (16mb recommended) * CDROM drive * 1.44mb floppy drive (for boot floppy, if needed) * Monochrome (2 color) monitor Minimum Requirements for DSL with X-windows * 486dx or 100% compatible processor * 16mb ram (24mb recommended) * dual-speed CDROM (quad-speed or better recommended) * 1.44mb floppy drive (for boot floppy, if needed) * VGA monitor and video card * a mouse (serial, ps/2, usb) Recommended Specs * Pentium 200mhz * 64mb ram * 8x CDROM * 1.44mb floppy drive (for boot floppy, if needed) * VGA monitor and video card capable of handling at least 16 bit color * a mouse with a scroll wheel Posted by cbagger01 on Sep. 27 2005,05:17
A swap partition or swap file is a MUST for such a system.Even so, you might find that the performance with only 16MB of RAM is not to your liking. Posted by clivesay on Sep. 27 2005,13:37
I need to find a 16mb machine and use friedgold's hack to see if opening up the swap makes a difference. I would think it really has too. I'm not sure what the issue was on the 32mb machine as I install versions of DSL on these machines all the time. The performance is acceptable. You do want to make sure you have swap as others have said. Chris Posted by livingdaylight on Sep. 27 2005,18:13
Thx for that. That makes it clear. So, in theory i should be able to run X on my laptop but its really gonna be dragging its heels along. What i'd do for a little extra memory. I can't believe what people are charging even for 16mb of Ram?! For an old laptop like this. If someone does know of a real cheap contact for memory for old systems (toshiba tecra 510cdt) i'd be grateful. But i haven't seen anything cheap enough to warrant putting my hand in my pocket. For the current prices i might aswell just buy a better laptop with higher (required/desired) specs. Defeats the purpose otherwise. Anyways, i'm rambling now. thank you again, livingdaylight Posted by sarah on Sep. 28 2005,00:14
Having successfully just got DSL up and running on a Toshiba Satellite 100CS with 16MB RAM, I will vouch that it can be done. My machine currently runs like a sloth from a HD install, but I will be increasing the swap when I get a chance, and I am hoping that it will make a difference. I didn't have a CD-ROM and I was unable to coax that baby into running straight from zip drive. It is astonishing the difference between a P166/48MB ram running from a zip drive vs a P75/16MB RAM running from a HD with 48MB swap. I was lucky enough to find a laptop for AU$50 at a garage sale which has some serious problems with a dead CD-ROM and a HD that's throwing up error messages on boot, but I knew I could run DSL, and as you have already noticed, it was cheaper to buy that machine than to buy RAM for the 100CS. It can be done though, to get X running on such a low spec machine, and I will be putting full details up on the other thread later, but as was stated earlier, the performance leaves a lot to be desired, and I'm going to be doing some customising of the window manager to draw every little bit out. Posted by Who on Sep. 30 2005,09:11
I just installed DSL on a Acernote950 pent120 24meg ram and a 75meg swap, it runs ok but not fast thats for sure
|