Emmabuntus is a lightweight and beginner-friendly GNU/Linux distro that has been built to work specifically on old computers intended for reuse. It is based on the popular Xubuntu 12.04 and 14.04 LTS (Long Term Support).
There are two main reasons for its development – the first is to help power old machines meant for humanitarian purposes so as to encourage the use of GNU/Linux in places where people can not afford new computers. Secondly, to boost the lifetime of old hardware, and importantly to reduce over consumption and waste of electronics.
Features of Emmabuntus
It provides a non-profit, live mode ISO on DVD and USB to easily revamp an old machine running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. And allows users to choose which proprietary applications such as Flash, Codecs and Skype to install, all bundled within the ISO.
Users do not need an Internet connection during the installation process, since everything is included in the distro. Additionally, it ships in with over 60 extra applications.
Other notable features are listed below:
- it comes with several pre-configured applications for daily use
- enables easy installation of non-free applications and media codecs
- applications are launched from a dockbar
- enables quick setup of applications using automated scripts
- it supports 6 major international languages that is English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and German
Hardware Requirements for Emmabuntus
- Processor type: Intel or AMD(from 1.4GHz)
- RAM Size: Atleast 512 MB, however, 1GB is recommended
- Hard disk Size: Atleast 20GB, plus additional space for installing applications
- Video Card: nVidia, ATI, Intel, Sis and Matrox
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster, AC97 or HDA compatible
- Additional: DVD drive or support for booting from USB
Do you have any old computer(s) lying around? Then you can put them back into productive use by installing Emmabuntus on them. What is your take on this Linux distro, that is if you have used it before, share your thoughts with us via the comment section below.
To me, old computer means Pentium 3 at 1GHz, 1.4GHz is an onerous requirement.
I’m all for repurposing older computers but there are often crippliing limitations:
– High power consumption. Better hope your electric rates are dirt cheap.
– Lack of CPU SSE2 instructions. Most modern web browsers (except Firefox) are compiled with this requirement.
– Less 32 bit software available. Some distros and independent software developers don’t distribute for 32 bit CPUs any more.
– Lack of expandable memory. I can live with the CPU on my 10 y/o laptop, but using modern software with 2MB of RAM is often painful. Think single tasking in the ancient Win 3.1 days.