What Linux Distro do you use? I'll take suggestions

[HugoVirtuoso]

I have this 2009 laptop rig that I'm planning to install Linux sometime in the future. My goals are: full screen angband.live OBS recording with music, be able to use VLC, and retro gaming AND strong Windows programs emulation support i.e. ?Wine

My exact laptop model is the Toshbia Satellite L505D-GS6000 Laptop. It has a 1366x768 max screen resolution, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4200 Series graphics card, wi-fi, 8GB RAM, and ~500GB Samsung PRO 860 SSD.

I have probable plans make that 500GB SSD exclusively for non-Windows operating systems. I might do an UbuntuLinux and OpenMandriva dual-boot along with another Linux distro or something really awesome.

I'll take any suggestions on what Linux / BSD / Unix I add to this particular SSD rig for good measure

[Therem Harth]

Depends on your experience. If relatively new to Linux, any desktop distribution with Xfce is probably a good bet. I tend to prefer Xubuntu because of the sheer amount of software the *buntus have available.

[HugoVirtuoso]

I'm not totally new to Linux. I used a fair amount of it in 2004-05, primarily the KDE-based MandrakeLinux 9.2 - 10.0. From this, I learned some ./compile, make, and install commands. During that time, I compiled FCEU, ZSNES, and certain CD burner programs. OpenOffice was a good alternative. With the now much newer distros out there in 2018-19, re-learning the Linux kernel is going to be quite interesting. My primary goal: I want to see how much I can do away with Microsoft Windows. UbuntuLinux's strong support for VLC, OBS, and of course Firefox will make that a reality. I am utilizing my Samsung 500GB SSD as intended for that very reason.

[fph]

Seconded for Xubuntu. You may even be able to use the "normal" Ubuntu, since your setup is actually pretty good for a 2009 laptop. The only weak point may be your processor.

[Nick]

I use OpenSUSE - started because it did KDE better than Ubuntu, and have not seen a reason to change. It's well supported and seems to just stay out of the way.

I do second the fact that Xfce is now a good alternative to KDE.

[HugoVirtuoso]

My 2009 rig's processor is a dual core AMD Turion II. Given the age, I might be able to use MandrakeLinux 9.2-10.0 and the CD backups of software I compiled for this in 2004-05.

[Gauss]

Due to the low spec processor, i would use something very light like Lubuntu for example.
I use Arch btw.

[Therem Harth]

Hi, please don't use outdated distro versions on Internet-connected machines! That's a security hazard for everyone, not just you.

Re desktops. Last I checked, LXqt and Xfce were pretty similar in terms of memory and CPU usage. They're both reasonable options for an older laptop IMO, though I lean towards Xfce for usability and UI consistency reasons. Also the fast modern SSD can cover for an awful lot of weaknesses. The only computers I've found underwhelming despite SSDs have been netbooks with processors designed for the embedded market.

Re experience, the Linux desktop has changed a lot in the last 10 years, but mostly much for the better IMO. You'll probably be able to figure stuff out very fast.

[HugoVirtuoso]

I've wiped out my Samsung SSD as planned. Anyone know the difference between Ubuntu 18.04 LTS vs. 19.10? Which one is more preferable in functionality?

[Derakon]

LTS means "long-term support", it's for people that want minimal changes in functionality and don't care about getting access to the latest and greatest features. Generally-speaking it means that the devs will push out bugfixes (including security updates), but won't change the behavior of the product otherwise.