Help me speed up my laptop..

Finally, a suggestion that makes sense!!!!!

Quit fighting the losing battle called "Windows", with all the headaches and total CRAP it brings to the table! Click this link: http://blog.linuxmint.com/ for release information and download links to Linux Mint 15 MATE and Cinnamon editions.

I use Linux Mint MATE on every computer I own, three late model laptops and one desktop. I quit playing Windows' stupid corporate money grubbing hand in my pocket game, dictating what I could do and not do with my own computers, about 8 years ago. Never looked back and sure as hell don't miss it!!!

If you don't know what's available in today's cutting edge Linux distros like Linux Mint, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Click the link above. Read what's presented on that page. Then download Linux Mint 15, burn the .iso file to a fresh DVD or flash drive, and boot your computer from that device.

You don't even have to install it on your hard drive to check it out! It will run from the DVD or the flash drive itself and you'll be able to check it out to your heart's content, giving you an idea of what Mint installed on your computer's hard drive can do -- which is everything!!!!!

I don't miss Windows at all. I run the Windows programs I need such as Photoshop and a hand full of others right in Mint itself by installing the latest edition of WINE from the massive online repositories.

In Mint everything can be done point and click style, with your mouse and keyboard, just like in Windows. Makes it easy for those making the switch from Windows to Linux to immediately feel comfortable with their new operating system! In addition there are no more worries about viruses or malware, no need to defrag your hard drive any longer, no 'Registry' to clean up on a regular basis, and no big monster corporation with their hand in your pocket telling you what you can do with your own computer and what you can't. Gotta love it!!!!!!

Put "Personal" back in personal computing!! Check it out, you'll be glad you did!

 

x2

I would continue to use chrome afterwards, runs smoother IMO

 

My desktop is an HP with a Lightscribe DVD Drive I have no idea how to use. It runs on Windows XP 2002. Intel Pentium 4 2.93GHZ 504MB of Ram.

That's all I really know about it, I just went to the system properties and read that off. I did put a new video card in maybe 5 or 6 years ago, and I know nothing about that. I had this computer completely whipped clean, with nothing on it, thinking I would build it up from scratch. It just sits connected to my 32" flat screen. I have a nice logitech cordless mouse and keyboard for it.

I was thinking I could tear out the old hardware and replace it with new stuff, but I don't know enough about any of that stuff.

 

Think i'll do this. I'm running windows 8 right now,

Which links do I want to download?
And I will have the option of dual booting if I use a disk correct (ISO file), because I still want windows 8 if I need it

 

Click this link, then scroll down the page that opens to the download links section. Torrents are often the fastest: http://blog.linuxmint.com/

Personally I like the MATE desktop environment best. Those who enjoy the Cinnamon desktop are equally as partial to it as others like myself are to MATE, so the choice is yours! Heck, you might as well download them both then boot them live and play with both of them before deciding which one you want to use.

As far as dual booting, Linux Mint's installation procedure provides the option to install Mint alongside Windows and choose which one you want to run when you start your machine.

Depending on the computer you're running Windows 8 on you may have to turn off the "secure boot" feature in UEFI in order to install Linux Mint. Click these links to learn how: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/17058-secure-boot-enable-disable-uefi.html and http://superuser.com/questions/5258...-and-secure-boot-will-i-still-be-able-to-inst

 

New question. Referencing to my laptop settings listed in the OP, am I able to somehow upgrade the system hardware on this laptop to 64 bit somehow? I would like to add some ram (well a lot) and update the graphics. The only manual hardware updating I have ever done was a graphics card in my desktop PC about 8 years ago. I know nothing about working with laptops. I really would like a better system and better graphics card, but I can't afford a better laptop. Maybe I can afford to replace some parts of it but that is about it. As far as installing something like Windows 7, I can get that covered for free through a guy a know. But upgrading, I need you guys. Any ideas?

 

Toshiba Satellite L305-S5955
Intel Celeron Processor 900 (2.2 GHZ)
2 GB Memory
160GB HDD
Windows Vista Service Pack 2
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If I remember correctly from my cisco class.. the 32 bit/64 bit is decided upon the processor, and generally you won't have much choice with different processors if you are on the same motherboard. Motherboards=expensive in the end.. at least for decent I would say. $75 plus. Maybe that's not alot for you, but for a $350 laptop that is a lot (Googled your laptop)
and a processor can run you 75 (I think its more like 150 but I am not sure) so I don't think spending $200 on your laptop would be wise.
I tried to find your motherboard part number, to see if you could add more RAM, but I couldn't find it. Do you happen to have that info?
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Laptops and working on them..

Generally, laptops aren't made to work on, or replace things with "better" products. They are a pain to work on. When I say that, I don't mean upgrading RAM, but processors, CD/DVD drives, graphics cards are difficult.

For instance, I am working on a HP Dv6, which screen is very dim. (Backlight is out, I have to use a very bright light to be able to see anything). I have taken out the graphics card (I believe!), removed the screen, removed the keyboard. Compared to a desktop (Only can be compared to graphics card) it takes a whole lot lot lot more time. On a desktop, it would only be pushing two tabs down, and pulling the graphic card. On the laptop, I had tore move every visible screw, take off several covers, remove the HD (Simple enough, but still), then had to unhook two cables to it in addition to unscrewing it from the board. So 30 minutes +, vs less than a minute on a laptop.

In addition to that frustration, you will also find a very small selection of products that will fit, and work with the motherboard of a laptop.
To my knowledge, laptop processors are usually very specific. Meaning you might have one other option for your laptop other than original.

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Operating systems

Have you considered windows 8? I switched a few months ago, (New laptop, i'll mention that later) and I am pretty happy with it.

In my opinion, once you open up a window, it is the exact same as windows 7. For me at least. Functionality. Attached is a screen shot related.
​

I have a strong dislike towards vista.. Never sure why Microsoft did that. lol.
It is really annoying..
Performance wise, I am not sure if simply upgrading to windows 7 or 8 would give you better speed.. or allow you to play games with less laggnyess.. Tough to say. Windows 7 and 8 handle programs a whole lot better, so I guess you would see some improvement...

What I have..

As mentioned, I got a new laptop recently. It is a dell, which is a must. it is the inspiron 15z, a ultrabrook. i7 processor , with 2 gb more ram than dell sells it with. I bought it from Bestbuy, and it was manufactured by DELL.
I have only had two issues so far. My ac power adapter wasn't being reconzied. Called Dell support, within 7 minutes someone was remoted in and downloaded something from dells website and they put the new drivers on my computer for that adapter. It should have been installed or something, but who knows. Currently, my SSD (Solid State drive) which is much faster has been giving me a pop up once a day or so, saying it has been removed, the it has been put back in, then reconized. Each of these is a different popup. I haven't had a chance to screen shot each one, and put them in paint or I would call dell about it. On my 32 GB SSD, is my operating system (Windows 8) and the thinking behind that is if your operating system (EVERYTHING has to go through it), is faster than where your programs are, you will be super fast. So I also have a hard drive that is 200 GB or something. . No programs would be installed onto the SSD.

Basis of this is Dell is the way to go. I dunno how old you are, but sometimes registering as a student with them, can save you a bit of money. However when I tried that, all they could offer on this computer was a $100 gift card to dell that expired in a month or two.. I'll pass on that. I think the price was slightly higher also with the student, but I am not sure.
With dell you get great support. ON the HP laptop I am working on (Dim screen) support is non existent, even when the laptop was in warranty. (Not non existent.. but you know, just crappy). I also have a bad gateway that I need to get started on.. but this darn tacoma world keeps me distracted.. I think it has a bad screen also, but I am not sure.



My last laptop was a toshiba satellite. It was a decent computer.. Nothing compared to this. It's still in use.

I know this is alot.. most of it is probably useless for ya, but I hope it helps a bit. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them.
I am sure I made a few mistakes in this as well.. I'll look over it in the morning.. or afternoon when I wake up . 2:00 AM here..
​

 

Upgrading Windows is simple. I think I posted the type of RAM you will need in previous post (DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered). The Processor is 64 bit compatible meaning you can run either x86(32bit) or x64 (64 bit) Operating system. You need to go thru your computer and collect all your information you want to keep and back it up somewhere. Get the serial codes for all the programs you have and write them down or put them in a notepad file. If you think you have a virus/trojan/worm (bug) only get the stuff you really want to keep (music, documents, etc.). Once you have backed it all up to a separate HD. Install the memory. If you can float $150 extra grab a Samsung SSD HD 256 or larger as well (trust me you will love it). If you go this route its not a lot of space so you will need a larger USB drive but its worth it. You can unscrew all the panels in the back of the LT to get to the HD and Memory. Its a good idea to check and make sure you get the correct memory. Once you do this insert the Win7 disc and choose x64 and it takes about 10-30 minutes depending on if you upgrade to the SSD. It will prompt you for configuration. WAMMO! Done just reinstall your programs and you are off to the races. Do yourself a favor and don't install norton like I said if you have legal copy of windows you can use windows security suite then get a firewall like comodo (they have a free one). If you have questions PM me.

I have a list of freeware that you can grab also which is better than most the paid stuff. 7zip is a must. Just let me know.

 

This is very helpful, and a ton of info. If i had the money to buy a brand new laptop, it would probably be another satellite, just a much better one of course!

 

Which one in the link you listed would be the best to upgrade to? From everything I hear, you want at least 8gb for any type of gaming or anything. And I honestly could care less about what version of windows I'm using, as long as everything that I want to do works right!

 

Dohh... Just looked at the price of the 8gb. Tell you what open up your LT and see if you have 2 dimms (2 mem slots) if you have two and only one is used meaning you and one 2gb stick then look at getting another 2gb stick. Otherwise its super spendy to get 8gb. Thats prob cuz this is old tech and legacy prices are always higher. If you have two 1gb sticks then for the money I would do just (2) 2gb sticks (4gb) total. That with a new operating system will greatly improve your system. Don't leave Vista on it. Its a resource hog and full of bugs. Go with Win 7 or 8. Then new win8 is good 8.1 otherwise I would say stay with win7. As far as mem goes I would stick with a name brand. G-skill, kingston, crucial, cosair, etc. Clear as mud eh.....

 

So was it 5, 6, 7, or 8 years ago?

 

I'm honestly guessing in all those. Add them all together and divide by four and that would be when

 

.... what is the LT? That sounds like it would work great. I'm not sure what is has now or how to look.... And I think I would be happier with windows 7. Windows 8 just looks a bit confusing and I don't want to have to get used to it lol

 

I dunno what LT is either.. But inferring, take off the cover on the bottom of your laptop where the ram is?

It took me no time to get used to windows 8. I didn't realize your processor was 64 bit

 

LT = Laptop There should be 3 covers on the bottom of your LT with tiny screws. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE BATTERY OUT!! Take the middle cover off that should be your memory. Look at the label and write it down also notice how many dimms (mem slots) there are and how many sticks you have installed. (Just take a pic)

Also even if you didn't want to get an SSD HD they make Hybrid Hard Drives which have a SSD and traditional Platter HD combination. These are reviewed well and will greatly speed you up as well. Typical laptops have a HD with a 5400 rpm platter and that one i linked is 7200 with a 8gb SSD cache which means its MUCH faster than yours. It will use more battery so be aware but will be like a diff computer. That one I posted has a promo coded and can be had for $94 which is a deal.

Good Luck!

 

Save yourself a LOT of headaches and get rid of Windows on your laptop! Replace it with Linux Mint -- www.linuxmint.com. It'll be forever free of viruses, never need cleaning or defraging, easy to operate, much faster than Windows, clean and simple interface, can be set up to run many Windows programs if necessary, and truth be told you'll end up loving it! ..On top of that it's FREE to use any way you wish!

 

I'm starting to think you work for Linux Mint...

 

LoL Im not sure what the headache is. Does Mint Linx install memory or replace your HD? I am very computer savvy and I still do not do Linx and why? Because I don't want to spend hours upon hours dicking with it and trying to make things work.

 

As others said, ditch Vista and get 7 pro. However, my IT guy at work recommended NOT doing the upgrade, but doing a clean full install on a new drive. I did this and no probs since. Vista stopped booting at one point, and no one could figure out why. POS. Every other OS Windows puts out is a POS. XP good, Vista bad, 7 good, 8 bad...