FAQ
TL;DR: On an Atom N570/1 GB netbook, "Download live version of slackware and run" to test; a full Slackware 14 install uses ~8 GB. Keep things lean, and skip a GUI for server-only use. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17402988]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Acer Aspire One D257 owners choose and trial a Linux setup that stays responsive for Python, web, and office tasks.
- Target device and use: Acer Aspire One D257, Atom N570, 1 GB RAM; learning Python, web, and office. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17391300]
- LXDE is lighter than XFCE on low-power machines. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391437]
- Full Slackware 14 install needs about 8 GB disk space. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17402988]
- Upgrading to 2 GB RAM won’t fix slow browsing; Atom CPU is the limit (HD video/Flash). [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17391376]
- Test live from USB first; ISO size matters less than runtime resource needs. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391408]
Quick Facts
- Target device and use: Acer Aspire One D257, Atom N570, 1 GB RAM; learning Python, web, and office. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17391300]
- LXDE is lighter than XFCE on low-power machines. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391437]
- Full Slackware 14 install needs about 8 GB disk space. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17402988]
- Upgrading to 2 GB RAM won’t fix slow browsing; Atom CPU is the limit (HD video/Flash). [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17391376]
- Test live from USB first; ISO size matters less than runtime resource needs. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391408]
What’s the best lightweight Linux for an Acer Aspire One D257?
Start with Puppy Linux (Tahr). As one expert put it, “Atom is not suitable for browsing the network,” so choose the lightest stack. Puppy Tahr is recommended specifically for Atom-based netbooks and keeps overhead low for basic tasks. Use lightweight browsers and minimal background services for best results. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17391319]
Will upgrading to 2 GB RAM improve web and office use on Atom N570?
Not significantly. The Atom CPU is the main bottleneck. A helper explained the upgrade “would not give” much because HD video and Flash-heavy sites overwhelm this processor. You may see minor multitasking gains, but heavy sites still stutter. Focus on lighter desktops, browsers, and blockers instead of RAM alone. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17391376]
Which desktop is lighter here: XFCE or LXDE?
LXDE is lighter than XFCE on low-end hardware. One contributor also warned that Slackware can cost time in configuration with limited payoff for home use. If you want responsive performance on 1 GB RAM, prefer LXDE-based spins or switch XFCE to LXDE post-install. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391437]
Will Slackware run well on this laptop?
Yes. The OP reported Slackware with XFCE ran very well on the Aspire One. They planned to consider LXDE afterward for even lighter operation. If you like Slackware’s approach and can tune it, it’s viable on this hardware. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17406253]
How big is Slackware 14 and should I test live first?
Budget ~8 GB for a full Slackware 14 install. The advice given: “Download live version of slackware and run” to gauge performance before committing. Live testing helps confirm driver support and responsiveness. If you only need server roles, consider skipping a GUI to conserve resources. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17402988]
How do I try a Linux distro from a USB stick before installing?
“It’s best before the installation to see how it will go on live” from a USB. Do this:
- Download the chosen distro’s ISO.
- Write it to a USB stick with your preferred imaging tool.
- Boot from USB and test performance, Wi‑Fi, and browser behavior.
Live mode runs slower than disk, but it reveals fit. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391408]
Is Lubuntu a good lightweight choice for this netbook?
Yes. A helper suggested trying Lubuntu 18.04.1 i386. Grab the 32‑bit desktop ISO and run it live to evaluate speed and compatibility. If it feels sluggish, consider an even lighter LXDE-based or Puppy-based option, or install fewer services. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391385]
Is AntiX worth trying on old equipment like this?
Yes. One user encouraged installing AntiX, noting you can still “get some fire from the old equipment.” AntiX targets modest hardware and offers snappy experiences for basic tasks. Test live first, then install if it meets your needs for Python and office work. [Elektroda, Baltramiejus, post #17689450]
Are ultra-light distros like TinyCore usable for modern web browsing?
On 256 MB RAM, Firefox became very slow, and light browsers (e.g., Midori) weren’t suitable even for Wikipedia. With 512 MB, performance felt sensible. Expect browsing to be the limiting factor, not the desktop alone. “Light browsers… are not suitable even to Wikipedia.” [Elektroda, jta, #17402967]
Can this Atom handle HD video or heavy websites?
No. The limitation is CPU performance, not just RAM. A contributor noted HD movies and Flash-heavy sites overwhelm Atom-class processors. Expect choppy playback and sluggish interaction on complex pages. Use content blockers and simpler sites for acceptable results. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17391376]
How many Firefox tabs can 1 GB RAM handle?
On a comparable 1 GiB system with a Pentium M 1600 MHz (63% of N570), Firefox was usable with only a few tabs—at most a dozen—before RAM ran out. Manage tabs carefully and avoid heavy pages to keep the system responsive. [Elektroda, jta, #17407208]
Does ISO size matter for performance on this netbook?
No. One expert wrote the ISO size matters “None. It is important how much the system needs resources to function.” Focus on lean desktops, fewer services, and lightweight browsers. Test live to validate resource use before installing. [Elektroda, linuks, post #17391408]
What about PorteUS or MX Linux on Atom N570?
Both were suggested as lightweight options. With PorteUS, you can add the latest Firefox as a module. Improve responsiveness by using Firefox add-ons that block most objects from loading on heavy pages. This reduces CPU and network strain significantly. [Elektroda, bicik4096, post #17424280]
Is Damn Small Linux (DSL) still a viable option here?
DSL was proposed as another ultra‑light candidate to try. If your tasks are very simple and you value tiny footprint above all, test it live and compare with Puppy or AntiX. Always verify browser compatibility with your target sites. [Elektroda, danthe, post #17403008]
Which Puppy variant should I choose for lowest overhead?
Consider Puppy’s Slacko builds. A helper noted Puppy is available in a Slacko version with a light environment. That combination keeps memory and CPU usage low on Atom-based netbooks. Test Tahr and Slacko to see which feels faster for you. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17391376]
