How can I boot a laptop from USB to run Lubuntu, and will it actually speed up an old Windows laptop?
You boot Lubuntu from USB by entering the BIOS/boot menu during startup (often Delete, F2, F8, F10 or F11) and setting USB as the first boot device [#20827585] The forum advice is that Lubuntu is not “faster” than Windows, but less demanding, and that the paid E-xtra PC idea is not worth it; if the laptop is really weak, install a free Linux instead, preferably on the hard drive rather than on USB [#16846617][#16846382] On the described Asus with a Turion X2, 2 GB RAM and a 120 GB HDD, the main bottleneck is likely the disk and overall age of the machine, so a replacement with a faster HDD, SSHD or SSD is the practical upgrade path [#16855363][#16855926] You can also try disabling APM with hdparm, since the disk may be parking heads too often, but don’t expect miracles [#16859064][#16855363] The poster later reported that Lubuntu did not bring any major acceleration, which matches the general advice to focus on hardware upgrades instead [#16858997]
Hello colleagues, in the network I came across the advertisement of the E-xtra PC device, which is said to speed up the laptop. The program is installed on USB and includes LUBUNTU, it costs $ 35. My question concerns: how to boot to USB and load LUBUNTU (this op system is free). The problem is, I don't know how to do it. What program and how to clone such a USB? I am a beginner, so I apologize in advance if this is not the section / topic. I will be grateful for your help.
in the network I came across the advertisement of the E-xtra PC device, which is supposed to speed up the laptop
As you can see, it also has a great impact on the audience. Rather forgive yourself such inventions. If you actually have problems, describe them here, provide hardware specification, maybe we can all come up with something together, without "Wonderful inventions"
So if I understand correctly, you advise against this "invention". I guess they mean that the LUbuntu maintenance system is faster than Windows (which I have a lot of trouble with, the internet is also slow, although I have a good connection). I have tried to clean my laptop with Tuneup, but with little success. More than 2GB ROM also can't install. That's why I thought about the E-Xtra pc. (https://www.xtra-pc.com/).
. What they mean is that the LUbuntu maintenance system is faster than Windows
No, it is not "faster", it needs less resources from the computer (it is less demanding) and therefore it works fine on weak hardware. Install Linux on USB, why not on disk? I wrote earlier "If you really have problems, describe them here, provide hardware specification, etc."
I have an ASUS A7M, TL52x2, AMD Turion 64, 1600 MHz, HDD 120 GB, Mem 1024MB, Graphics nVida GEFORCE GO 6100, Win 7, HomePremium, SP1, RAM 2.0GB (1.87 usable), 32 bit operating system laptop It is all quite slowly, especially websites load slowly. Can you do something about it to improve the situation? I'm trying to go to Lubuntu and already downloaded the program to the USB boot. Will installing Lubuntu improve the situation? Thank you for your help.
Is this an exact processor designation? Post the screen of the CPU-Z program.
Added after 15 [minutes]:
OK, I think it's the Turion 64 x2 TL52. At least dual-core. You need to check if it is possible to replace it with a faster one. After all, this memory is 1 GB or 2 GB? What is the condition of the hard disk (SMART reading, surface scan)? If you wanted to spend $ 35 on the "accelerator", how much could you spend on replacing individual parts (CPU, memory and SSD)?
CPU-Z, if I googled it correctly, it is prog for an Android smartphone and I have a laptop with windows. There is an AMD Turion64x2 Mobile Technology badge on the housing sticker
Is this an exact processor designation? Post the screen of the CPU-Z program. Added after 15 [minutes]: OK, I think it's the Turion 64 x2 TL52. At least dual-core. You need to check if it is possible to replace it with a faster one. After all, this memory is 1 GB or 2 GB? What is the condition of the hard disk (SMART reading, surface scan)? If you wanted to spend $ 35 on the "accelerator", how much could you spend on replacing individual parts (CPU, memory and SSD)? [/ Quote
$ 35 is not a lot, but I'm afraid that as a beginner I will not be able to replace the components in a laptop. I have 2.0 GB of RAM and probably more can not be installed in this laptop.
With a dual-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, there should be no tragedy. Install Crystal DiskInfo and read the SMART parameters. I don't know about Sweden, but in Poland $ 35 is a used SSD 64 GB - small. Could you go this way?
I don't like the C7 parameter. Is the drive connected to the disc with some sort of tape? Besides, I would turn off the APM functions - saving energy at the expense of efficiency and parking the heads too often if possible. In general, however, the drive would be replaced with a faster one: HDD 7200 rpm, SSHD or SSD. Depends on your budget and needs.
With a dual-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, there should be no tragedy.
I think 4-5 years ago.
In my opinion, there is nothing to diagnose or play with acceleration, this computer is simply physically too weak for the current requirements and the only remedy is to upgrade, and in this case to buy new hardware.
For this to work somehow, you need at least some modern dual-core processor, 8GB RAM (with 4GB there will indeed be no tragedy, but the comfort of use will suffer severely) and a 7200 RPM disk. This is the minimum, then you could consider an SSD drive.
It is true that the computer is already old and there is not much you can do to make it run faster. I use it because it has a comfortable 17 "screen. I tried lubuntu but did not notice any major acceleration. How to disable this APM?
With hdparm. If you have Lubuntu, it should be there, you need to download under Windows. Rather, do not get your hopes up, there is no need to modernize it. Take a look at ebay.se or whatever you have, how long are working 120GB SSD drives in use.
1. Turn on your computer and then turn it on again and press while it boots up Delete, F2, F8, F10 or F11 (this varies by device) to enter the BIOS. 2. Use the cursor keys to find the 'Boot' menu or something similar. 3. Change the order so USB is at the top of the list as the number one boot priority
✨ The discussion revolves around the E-xtra PC device, which claims to enhance laptop performance by booting from a USB drive containing LUBUNTU, a lightweight Linux operating system. The user seeks guidance on how to boot from USB and install LUBUNTU, expressing concerns about their laptop's slow performance with Windows 7. Various responses suggest that LUBUNTU may improve performance on older hardware due to its lower resource requirements. Participants discuss the user's laptop specifications, including an AMD Turion 64 x2 processor, 2GB RAM, and a 120GB HDD, and recommend checking hardware conditions and considering upgrades like SSDs for better performance. Instructions for changing boot order in BIOS to prioritize USB booting are also provided. Generated by the language model.
TL;DR: To speed up an old laptop (e.g., 2 GB RAM), boot Lubuntu from USB and consider an SSD; "Linux needs less resources." [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16846617]
Why it matters: This FAQ shows beginners exactly how to boot from USB, tweak settings, and choose low-cost upgrades instead of buying gimmicks.
Will Lubuntu actually make my old Windows laptop feel faster?
Lubuntu demands fewer system resources than Windows on weak hardware. That frees CPU and RAM for browsing and apps. As one expert put it, "it needs less resources" than Windows on old machines. Expect smoother basics, not miracles on very old CPUs. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16846617]
Is the E‑xtra PC USB worth $35, or should I avoid it?
Forum experts advised against buying such "wonderful inventions." Their guidance: describe your hardware and fix the real bottlenecks instead. A clean Linux install or an SSD gives more transparent gains than a paid magic stick. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16846382]
How do I create a bootable Lubuntu USB the simple way?
Make a standard bootable USB from the Lubuntu image, then set USB as first boot in BIOS. This thread’s focus is the boot order and testing from USB, which is the key step beginners miss. After writing the USB, follow the boot steps. [Elektroda, Nox1381, post #20827585]
Should I run Linux from USB or install it on the internal drive?
Install to the internal drive for better speed and persistence. A helper asked, "why not on disk?" because USB boots can feel slower and wear sticks. Internal installs also simplify updates and drivers. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16846617]
What low-cost upgrades help most on this class of laptop?
Swap the hard drive for an SSD if possible. A participant suggested sourcing a used SSD around $35 to revive responsiveness. Storage upgrades deliver the biggest day‑to‑day improvement versus CPU swaps on old platforms. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #16852675]
CrystalDiskInfo shows C7 CRC errors—what does that mean?
C7 Ultra DMA CRC errors often signal a flaky cable, port, or controller path. One expert flagged C7 as concerning, and also suggested disabling APM. Treat C7 as an integrity warning and check connections or replace the drive. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #16855363]
How do I disable HDD APM to stop head parking and lag?
Use hdparm to turn off APM on the drive. If you’ve booted Lubuntu, run the tool there. Disabling APM reduces aggressive head parking that hurts responsiveness. Reapply after reinstalls or automate in startup scripts. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #16859064]
Websites are slow despite good internet—what’s the likely cause?
Ageing disks and limited resources bottleneck browsers. The disk here shows 10,466 power‑on hours, which hints at wear. Old HDDs add latency for tabs, caching, and OS paging. Moving to SSD or a lighter OS reduces that lag. [Elektroda, mikolajf, post #16854793]
Can this ASUS A7M go beyond 2 GB RAM?
In this thread, the owner reports 2 GB installed and suspected that is the platform limit. Check your exact board revision and manual to confirm slots and maximum supported memory before buying modules. [Elektroda, mikolajf, post #16852382]
Is a CPU upgrade worth attempting on Turion 64 X2 era laptops?
One helper suggested checking for a faster compatible CPU, but labor and risks are high. Thermal limits, BIOS support, and sourcing parts make returns uncertain. Storage upgrades outpace CPU swaps for perceived speed. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #16852334]
If I can’t get an SSD, will a 7200‑RPM HDD help?
Yes. A 7200‑RPM HDD or SSHD was recommended as a faster alternative to slow 5400‑RPM units. It will not match SSD snappiness, but it cuts load times and paging delays on legacy laptops. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #16855363]
Which key opens BIOS/UEFI on older laptops?
Try these during power‑on: Delete, F2, F8, F10, or F11. Tap repeatedly right after pressing the power button. The correct key appears on the splash screen for many models. [Elektroda, Nox1381, post #20827585]
How do I clone an E‑xtra PC or Linux USB stick?
This thread steers users away from buying or cloning such sticks and toward real fixes. Create a fresh, bootable Lubuntu USB and address hardware bottlenecks instead of copying a commercial image. [Elektroda, kokapetyl, post #16846382]
