Bodhi Linux for Windows XP Computers

Introduction - Part 1

The digital revolution is leaving many behind as technology leaps ahead. Many countries are limited to personal computers with Windows XP as its operating system (OS) and processors with memory that cannot support newer Windows, or Linux OS. Windows 10 minimum requirement: newer CPU (1 GHz or more), 2 GB RAM (64 bit), and 32 GB hard drive storage plus display at 800x600 pixels. These requirements are similar for newer Linux, or Chrome OS. However Linux does provide options for 'lite' versions that could run on more minimal hardware that supported Window XP and Window 7.

The objective of this tutorial is to try to install a lite version of Linux on a Windows XP laptop with a Pentium M CPU, with 512 MB RAM and a 40 GB HDD. We know that we could install Puppy Linux, which supports Raspberry Pi up to version 4, however this was not pursued because we also wanted it to be able to run LibreOffice which is a functional replacement for Microsoft Office, so that it could be used in an office environment. 

Our search began with the following link:

https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/

Free Open Source Software (FOSS)

Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft. Sometimes we call it Commercial Off The Shelf Software (COTS). The commercial paradigm has changed over time where users have been able to pay a one time perpetual license. Today, with universal access to the internet, developers are able to secure their applications and force users to pay annual license fees. While the internet has provided a pipeline for developers to make more money it has also made it possible for the global community to collaborate and create strong FOSS applications for the masses who do not agree with, or who cannot afford to pay annual license fees. 

FOSS applications include the Linux operating system, LibreOffice which provide a free alternative to Windows and Microsoft Office. There are advantages and disadvantages to either alternative. We are proponents of the FOSS approach. If you are a newbie you will need to be open minded, patient and be prepared to get help on-line.  There are a lot of internet websites and YouTube tutorial videos to help you. However, since it is community driven, it means that you could get advice that are not applicable or wrong for you.

Our general advice is to make sure you find help on the same version you are using and be prepared to try a few options. Once you find the answer that works for you, document it so that it will be easier the next time. Generally it has taken me three or four search tries before I find the answer I am looking for. So be patient. Second be flexible; the Linux desktop and GUI interface may have a different layout and terms it uses may be different. You will get used to it. Enjoy the journey.

Linux versus Windows

We are naturally biased in favour of Linux because it is a FOSS application, but cost is not the only reason to gravitate to Linux. Our experience in developing and emerging countries is Windows does not work well there because many install non-licensed versions, which do not have the latest patches and updates and are affected by virus and malware. In addition we found many PCs are using generic Window drivers because they do not have internet access or know where or how to download the drivers for their hardware. Finally many are trying to install the latest version of Windows on legacy hardware which do not have the CPU speed or memory required to run efficiently.

One big advantage of Linux is that it will run efficiently on PC hardware that would be inadequate for Windows. Lite versions of Linux can, and have been, developed to run on hardware with slower CPUs and limited memory. In addition a huge advantage is Linux is more secure against virus and malware attacks because of its design. You will still need the internet to update and upgrade Linux, but virus and malware will not be able to attack your Linux PC just because you have not installed the latest security patch.

Bodhi Linux 

There are different Linux distributions mainly based on Ubuntu (Debian) or Red Hat. Essentially they use the same software kernel (core), but have different approach to installation and updates. Ubuntu is the most popular Linux desktop. It also has different flavours (desktop look and feel), with their own choice of default applications and settings. They are all backed by the full Ubuntu archive for packages and update. You may have heard of Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Mint, Bodhi, Zorin, etc. They all use the same kernel/core with a different shell or application interface layer.

The lite version of Ubuntu that we found that will work on the old Windows XP laptop we have, was Bodhi Linux. It is possible that an older 32 bit version of Zorin Linux could work but we did not have time to evaluate it.

Physical Address Extension (PAE)

Modern CPU chips are designed to handle memory above 4 GB. Most operating systems developed in the last decade supports that via the Physical Address Extension (PAE).  This support is built into the installation of the system. Unfortunately, legacy systems such as the Pentium M chip is non-PAE compatible. Consequently many of the newer Linux OS will not install on old PC hardware.

We had to do a little digging to find a non-PAE version of Bodhi Linux that could be installed on DELL Inspiron 700 M. The iso file is named bodhi-5.1.0-legacy.iso. You can download it at the following link:

https://www.bodhilinux.com/w/selecting-the-correct-iso-image/

The good news is that this legacy version is based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. LTS stands for long term support (5 years). This version of Ubuntu will be supported until 2023. All other flavours are supported for 3 years.

Live USB-DVD Installation 

In the past most PC workstations have CD/DVD drives so it was easy to install by downloading the iso image and burning it onto a CD/DVD. Most computers allow you to modify the BIOS to boot from the DVD drive. Today most laptops do not come with a DVD drive, however the newer BIOS allows you to boot from a USB drive. Similarly you will need to install software that will allow you to make it a bootable USB drive.

You can set up your PC to boot from the USB drive or DVD using the BIOS setup which can be access by pressing F2 on power up, from most computers. Check your computer manual or website for the key to by-pass the boot record. Once you are in your BIOS setup you can change the boot order. If USB boot is not an option then you will need to use the DVD drive. Some computers like DELL allows you to select the boot order on boot up by pressing the F12 key.

Bootable USB drive

You will need:

1. A 4GB or larger USB drive
2. Microsoft Windows XP or later
3. Rufus, a free open source USB stick writing tool
4. Bodhi ISO file from the download link above

You can download Rufus from the following link: https://rufus.ie/

Rufus is an application that enables you to boot from a USB drive if your computer's BIOS would allow booting from the USB port. Most will allow you to boot from the CD or DVD drive.

Launch Rufus, insert your USB drive (note it will overwrite your drive). From the Rufus dialog select your drive, the location of the ISO file and run Rufus when everything is selected. You should select the default MBR (master boot record) and run START to execute. If it prompts you for Additional downloads select Yes.  When it is complete you will have the new bootable USB with your Bodhi OS ready to install on the PC.

The following assumes that your computer supports booting from the USB. Otherwise you can run Bodhi Linux live from the DVD, and follow the tutorial using the DVD boot instead of the USB.

An alternative application to create a bootable USB is balenaEtcher flash. See link below:

https://www.balena.io/etcher/

Live USB Bodhi Linux

Boot Bodhi Linux from the live USB drive. You can now check if your PC hardware works with Bodhi Linux. It is important to check that your wireless card works because you will have to use it to download drivers, updates, upgrades and applications you want to use. Because this install is a lite version only minimal applications will be installed on your system.  

When you are satisfied that it works on your hardware you can install it on your PC. You should backup all the important files from your Window XP on to an external drive before installing Bodhi Linux. Your hard drive will be reformatted and all will be lost once you begin. Linux uses a different drive format than Windows. 

Once you have completed your installation you can boot Bodhi Linux from your PC.

Note: On my second install of Bodhi Linux on a Dell M1210 laptop the wifi drivers did not automatically install. I had to connect via Ethernet cable then install the wifi drivers manually. For more advanced users you would do the following via the terminal command. Type:

lspci -vnn | grep Network 

this will show the wireless card, for example:

Broadcom Corporation BCM4322 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Controller [14e4:432b]

Check the 14e4:432b revision for the correct package to install. The above would be:

sudo apt install firmware-b43-installer

sudo reboot

This worked on the laptop. Once it rebooted the wifi was activated.

Using Bodhi Linux - Part 2

Linux Terminal Shell

If you are a long time Windows user you will be familiar with the Window shell or command line interface which is initiated by typing "cmd" from your start menu. A command shell dialog will be displayed with a prompt usually c:\users\username>_ prompting you to enter a command. Typical Windows command are dir for a directory listing, ipconfig for your internet configuration, etc.

The Linux shell is mostly referred to as the "Terminal". Unlike Windows which has made it OS more GUI oriented and has moved away from the shell, Linux users still rely on the Terminal shell for many of its commands especially in the security area like system update and upgrade because many actions you will be prompted for your password. This prevents applications from automatically updating in the background without your knowledge which could lead to virus and malware being added to your system.

Both Linux and Windows opens the command shell in your current directory. Windows displays your drive and folder path in the prompt. Linux uses a link to your folder with the following: the name of the user bodhi followed by the computer name bodhi-Inspiron-700m and the current directory ~ and the prompt following the $ symbol (bodhi@bodhi-Inspiron-700m:~$ ). To execute a command you would type the command after the prompt.

Useful Linux Shell Commands

The following link will describe some of the key shell commands Linux users should know. However as a beginner there are two commands that you should learn immediately. The first is to use the terminal to update your software. the command you type after the $ prompt is:

sudo apt update

Sudo (super user do) is a utility that gives permissions to system commands at the root (most powerful) security level of the system. You will be prompted for your password. Enter your password and the system will update. You may be prompted to enter yes or no in the process to continue. When it is completed it may suggest you also upgrade.

sudo apt upgrade

This is the command to upgrade your system applications. 

Other important commands can be found via the link below.

https://www.howtogeek.com/412055/37-important-linux-commands-you-should-know/

Installing Applications in Bodhi Linux

There are several ways to add applications to your Bodhi desktop. The first is to use the Bodhi AppCenter via your web browser. The second is to use Ubuntu Software Center application. The third is to use Terminology to manually install the application. 

Using the Bodhi AppCenter Website

You can access the Bodhi AppCenter website with the following link:

https://www.bodhilinux.com/a/

If you select Office Software from the Category pull down you will see four applications. If you do not have LibreOffice installed double click on it and select the Install button to install LibreOffice in your system.

If you are interested in other browsers you can select Web Browsers and install Chromium or FireFox browsers for your laptop.

Using Ubuntu Software Center

This option is not available for older installs of Bodhi Linux. If you have a newer version such as 5.0.1 then this option is available under applications. This will give you a greater selection than the Bodhi AppCenter because it will give you access to all the supported Ubuntu applications. You can find this under Applications from the Main pop up menu in the desktop.

Using Terminology (Terminal Shell)

As you get more comfortable with using the Linux shell you may find that some applications are not available in the AppCenter or Software Center, however you may still be able to install and run them on your system. Normally these applications would be found during your web searches, and if they are suitable for Ubuntu or Debian Linux then you would also find instructions on how to install them via the terminal shell. The command would be something like:

sudo apt install application_name

You will be prompted for your password and the installation will progress. If it does not install because it cannot find the repository you will have to do additional searches to add the repository to your system. 

Do use the Linux community on the web to help you progress from a newbie to super user. Be aware that there are many who post answers that may not work for you. So be patient and find the right answer that will work for you. Make sure you check the dates and versions that are posted. As systems are updated and improved the legacy posts may not work for you.

Links

Video Tutorials:

https://youtu.be/g_0cU1g3dm4

https://youtu.be/Z4oG0yA4VG0

Tutorial Blogs:

http://tutorials-gwntech.blogspot.com/2020/06/introduction-to-bodhi-moksha-desktop.html