Installing Ubuntu with 256 MB RAM - Unable to Install

My Ubuntu 0.04 CD says I must have atleast 256Mb of memory installed to run the installer, but I have 256Mb installed.

I am trying to install it on a computer that is atleast 6+ years old, because it takes for ever to boot up in XP, and it runs very slow all together, so I figured running Ubuntu with a clean OS w/ no viruses would help it along a bit more.

Any idea on how I can get it to install?

Heading to bed, will check on post tomorrow.

 

Well nvm, forgot I burned the 8.10 version to a CD, and during the beginning, it said I have 253MB and need 256Mb to run set up, but let me continue anyway.

Lol, 3 Mb's short ftw.

 

They count using 1Mb=1024Kb

 

I'd probably use some other distro instead of ubuntu on that computer.. it'll probably still run quite slow.

 

I agree. DSL, Arch, Xubuntu, etc would be better. Or, why don't you just buy more ram? It's hella cheap these days.

 

If you want to give Ubuntu a shot, use the alternate install disk.

 

Yes, take a look at Xubuntu. There are also other options that consume less space.

Linux can actually be a good way to salvage an old machine and extend its life but Ubuntu is a poor choice if you're that thin on system resources.

 

Yeap.. Ubuntu is one of the more resource heavy ones. Part of the blame is Gnome, I think.

 

With less than 384MB memory, Ubuntu cannot install with the normal disc. You have to use the alternate install disc.

But if your computer does not have much memory (i.e less than 512MB), I would not recommend Ubuntu. PCLinuxOS, DSL, etc. would be better options on older hardware with less memory. Ubuntu enables a lot of stuff out of the box, so is relatively more of a resource hog.

 

Xubuntu ftw.

It uses xcfe instead of gnome. It's a lot less of a resource hog.