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🖥️ 2010 HP Z230 SFF (Linux Mint xfce) Desktop

This small-form-factor desktop computer is pretty old but runs like new. It's been upgraded with a new SSD and lightweight OS. So despite its age, it's ready to run for many more years.

Photos

These are photos of the actual unit.

Front

Showing, from left to right:

  • CD-RW/DVD-RW drive
  • Power button
  • 4x USB-A ports
  • 3.5mm headset port
  • 3.5mm headphones port

Front of this HP Z230

Back

Showing ports, from left to right:

  • Standard NEMA power inlet
  • No GPU and missing metal plate
  • 3.5mm speaker and mic ports
  • 4x USB-A
  • RS232
  • 3x DisplayPort
  • 2x USB-A
  • Analog keyboard and mouse

Back of this HP Z230

Inside

Showing, clockwise from top left:

  • Power supply
  • CPU (Intel i7-4790 @3.6GHz (8-thread))
  • Hard drive (1TB HDD, 256GB SSD)
  • CD-RW/DVD-RW drive

(Sorry for the blurry photo)
Inside of this HP Z230

Bottom

Clean, all 4 rubber feet intact

Bottom of this HP Z230

Top

Some scuff marks

Top of this HP Z230

Linux OS

Linux is an open-source operating system, offering increased privacy and security. Linux computers receive security updates for decades and are easier to maintain, repair, and upgrade. This makes them immune from planned obsolescence. Linux computers are virtually immune to viruses too.

Why would you switch to linux? You might be concerned about how windows tracks you. Or maybe you're tired of buying a new mac every few years when your battery stops working? Maybe you don't want to see ads in your filemanager. Or you just don't like that it's possible for anyone to inject ads and trackers on a computer you paid for.

Linux comes in various distributions. These might be more or less user-friendly or customizable. They can come with different desktop environments which determine the appearance of the interface.

XFCE

XFCE is a lightweight windows-like desktop environment. It is extremely simple and stable, like a modern remake of windows 95. XFCE is one of the lightest interfaces available, making it great for slow/old computers. Despite its plain looks, XFCE is highly customizable, and can even be tweaked to look like a mac-like UI.

More about XFCE >

A screenshot of Linux Mint with xfce desktop

System settings:

A screenshot of Linux Mint with xfce system settings

Software center:

A screenshot of Linux Mint with xfce software center

Theming:

A screenshot of xfce 4.14 with various themes

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a linux distribution that is intuitive and great for beginners. Linux Mint is extremely reliable and just works. It comes with an easy-to-use "app store" called the software center that will install thousands of free apps in a single click. The programs in Mint's software center tend to be older and more stable, leading to fewer error messages. On the other hand, programs installed this way might not have the latest features.

More about Linux Mint >

History

  • 2022-07: Diagnostics (pass)
  • 2023-01-31: Installed OS (Linux Mint 21.1 xfce)
  • 2023-02-24: Installed SSD, configured HDD for timeshift backups
  • 2023-06-22: Software updates

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