0

I installed Ubuntu 20.04 Desktop version on a very old (2007?) desktop Compaq presario SR5050NX. The installation succeeded, and I'm able to run Desktop Terminal Files Ubuntu Software Settings Libre Office Writer RhythmBox

However, the following don't work Firefox Chrome VS code basically, anything installed from Ubuntu Software I suspect there is an incompatibility with the graphics hardware (Intel GMA 950?) Here's a description of the system hardware. https://www.newegg.com/compaq-presario-sr5050nx-student-home-office/p/N82E16883107358R The apps that fail all present a black window and nothing else

Should I give up on this project? If not, where should I start to fix it?

Thanks for your help

MumblingFumbler
  • 31

1 Answers1

2

Your device does not meet the recommend system requirements for Ubuntu Desktop.

Notably, Ubuntu Desktop system requirements suggest that you need at least 4GB of physical RAM and your computer only has 1GB of RAM.

Fortunately, Ubuntu comes in several official flavours with different desktop environments.

Lubuntu and Xubuntu come with lighter desktop environments and tend to run better on older PCs that can't run Ubuntu Desktop with GNOME.

You can "Try Ubuntu" from installation media without installing anything. This can give you an estimate of how the operating system will perform on your device.

It's also important to have realistic expectations for performance. 4 GB of system RAM is really on the low end of the spectrum in terms of running a modern desktop operating system. RAM hungry applications, like Google Chrome, may run poorly across the board even if you are using a lighter desktop environment.

Nmath
  • 12,664