I have an HP Split 13 2x currently running windows, but it’s too slow now and I heard somewhere that an OS like XFCE Fedora works better than windows on old computers. Can someone tell me if my specs would allow it to work?
4gb ram, i3-4012Y CPU @ 1.50 GHz, Intel HD Graphics Family / 113 MB, 466 GB storage, & an x64-based processor.
That should be fine. But it would be worthwhile to test on your specific hardware. As such, I suggest that you download the XFCE Live ISO and write it to a USB key or CD.
Boot into the “live” media (which will be slower than an installed version, but won’t overwrite anything unless and until you tell it to install to the hard drive) and make sure your hardware works properly.
Assuming all works well, back up any important data (you may want to boot into Windows for that, especially if you’re using Bitlocker) then install Fedora to your hard drive.
You can also dual boot Windows/Fedora too, but that would require modifying your Windows partitions to make room for Fedora.
The advantage, of course is that you can use both until you’re ready to delete Windows entirely.
XFCE is a nice Desktop Environment (DE) (my personal choice) which is pretty light weight compared with other DEs.
Welcome to Fedora and feel free to ask lots of questions. That’s the best way to make sure you get the info you need to make this transition.
Kudos to the OP for not just binning an older piece of kit and getting some more use of out it!
This machine is about a thousand times more potent than my first Intel PC, and it was many times faster than my previous Motorola 68k based machines. Way more everything in every aspect… and I was quite happy with the Amiga 3000 running a 68030 to begin with!
I am typing this on a Dell Inspiron with a even lower configuration and regular Fedora Gnome.
Of course I use it only for the Internet and very basic “office” or editing tasks but it works.
I have been an XFCE user for years but I discovered that Gnome is better suited for laptops where you have relatively less screen “space” and often you rely on the touchpad instead of the mouse.
If I wanted to squeeze more out of it I would not use Fedora but something that is more tailored for old and low specs computers. Like Antix. But it is very “legacy” so I see it like the last resort.
True as that might be running old(er) hardware probably also means a higher energy bill. Hardware is so pottent these days running 4k video on a 5V 5Watt Raspberry Pi outsmarts any old Intel kit.