🖥️ 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
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
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)
Bottom
Clean, all 4 rubber feet intact
Top
Some scuff marks
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.
System settings:
Software center:
Theming:
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.
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