Best OS that uses least system resources?

[motionman95]

Okay, I have a really old laptop (Dell Latitude C400) and have gotten really, really, fed up. My PC specs aren't that good (if you want to see them just google it!) and the speed has gotten on my last nerve. Too the point where I've almost wanted to pickup a sledge hammer and just go at it. :crying: The only reason I've refrained from doing that is that I know I won't get another one, at least for a very, very, long time. Anyway, that leads up to the title of this thread and my question: What OS uses the least system resources? I'm sure we all want to know. :smirk2: Currently I run Windows XP (no Vista for me; it uses waaaayyyy to much resources) and use these programs:


Fireworks CS3
Photoshop CS3
Flash CS3
Dreamweaver CS3


So you see why I hate the speed. :m:

-Thanks, motionman95.

[sekasi]

A stripped down version of RHL / Fedora Core or Slackware probably.

[motionman95]

You mean linux?

[sekasi]

yes

[hl]

If you're sticking to that software, save yourself a software compatibility headache and deal with XP, or hell, make some money and invest in a new computer.

[ajcates]

I would use Windows Server 03 with alot of services, and programs turned off, along with the Opera web browser as it uses 1/3 of the ram of Firefox. Also buying some ram for your laptop will do wonders to system performance.
Also no need to use Dreamweaver as Notepad++ & Filezilla are a much better combo.
Flash CS3 can be easily replaced by FlashDevelop.
You can only use Photoshop for major editing of photos instead stick with paint.net for minor things.

kirupaEdit: Please don't break the forum rules by pointing to sites that encourage piracy.

[Jeff Wheeler]

Also if you look on sites like *** you can find versions of Windows that have been striped and pre-optimized.

You should probably be weary of posting stuff like this; it’s not really legal (and I’m not going to argue about that) and against the forum rules.

[hl]

Also if you look on sites like *** you can find versions of Windows that have been striped and pre-optimized.

*cough*

edit:/ Bad Jeff!

[motionman95]

Hmmm.............

[ajcates]

Well, it is recommended that you have a Windows 2003 license. They offer versions of it online that are customized but you will still need a windows server license to use such software. Like I own a copy of XP, but use a slip stream install of SP3 with extra language files cut out and Firefox preinstalled on it.

If you would like me to help you find a version of Windows precustomized for you PM me, as the other members are right, sites that encourage piracy are bad for the forum.

[snickelfritz]

CS3 requires a Pentium4-class processor or higher and at least 512MB of RAM.
I seriously doubt that your speed issue is related to the operating system.

[Theros]

I'd say linux with VMware those programs.

[evildrummer]

^ Really? You mean run one OS to run another OS? You would have to have windows in the Virtual Machine to run the programs. Then why not just use the windows from the Virtual Machine

[GW02]

I'd say linux with VMware those programs.

Probably not a great idea... his machine is slow enough without trying to throw in virtualization, especially on older processors without native VM support.

Also wouldn't recommend Win2k3, it's an excellent server OS, which also makes it a terrible desktop OS. Unless you enjoy your mouse freezing up every time there's heavy disk access due to Win2k3's thread prioritization, I'd avoid it.

I think a fresh install of XP with a bit of nLite magic thrown in is your best bet.