this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2025
17 points (100.0% liked)
linux4noobs
3255 readers
1 users here now
linux4noobs
Noob Friendly, Expert Enabling
Whether you're a seasoned pro or the noobiest of noobs, you've found the right place for Linux support and information. With a dedication to supporting free and open source software, this community aims to ensure Linux fits your needs and works for you. From troubleshooting to tutorials, practical tips, news and more, all aspects of Linux are warmly welcomed. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals driving Linux's ongoing evolution.
Seeking Support?
- Mention your Linux distro and relevant system details.
- Describe what you've tried so far.
- Share your solution even if you found it yourself.
- Do not delete your post. This allows other people to see possible solutions if they have a similar problem.
- Properly format any scripts, code, logs, or error messages.
- Be mindful to omit any sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, IP addresses, etc.
Community Rules
- Keep discussions respectful and amiable. This community is a space where individuals may freely inquire, exchange thoughts, express viewpoints, and extend help without encountering belittlement. We were all a noob at one point. Differing opinions and ideas is a normal part of discourse, but it must remain civil. Offenders will be warned and/or removed.
- Posts must be Linux oriented
- Spam or affiliate links will not be tolerated.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
You probably installed GNOME on first laptop but didn't notice (or it came ad a dependency with something else). However, you only need Wayland to run Waydroid, so any DE or WM that made for Wayland should work. On the other hand, Cinnamon is still on X11. You cannot run Waydroid on X11, hence the black screen.
Cinnamon can run on Wayland but it's still experimental. You can install any Wayland DE of your choice, not just "Ubuntu DE", which is kind of heavier than others, but it's fine if you want that.
Okay, thank you, ill try to do that.
No problem! Good luck!
Worked great thanks. I didn't realize how easy it was to install DEs
That's nice to hear!
Yeah, it's quite easy and straightforward. It starts like that and then you find yourself tweaking the kernel later. :)
I'm interested in lightweight distros also for a different, older computer.
I tried puppy and like it but am doing something wrong with full installation.
Is there a more failsafe method than bookworm to install a puppy linux?
For dumdum noobs?
I found bookworm full installation a little confusing.
While it depends on how old the older computer, I recently installed LMDE 7 on a PC from 2011 and it runs fine. If that PC has an SSD, it should be fine for your needs.
LMDE is Linux Mint Debian Edition, it's basically Debian with Mint coat of paint. Also, Bookworm is old now, you should install Trixie if you want Debian, which is the latest stable version.
It actually has a graphical installation now, so you can install Debian and choose a lightweight DE inside installation. For example LXQT is quite lightweight. XFCE is also fine, though is heavier than this. By the way, I use KDE on a laptop from 2011 and it runs great. You just need an SSD.
If the PC is too old, there is a distro called antiX Linux. I don't know how it is nowadays but it's one of the fastest and easiest distros you can find IMO.
Awesome thank you! I will try trixie first, this thing has an HDD and i liked how responsive it was with the bookworm live environment.
First I'm hearing about antix! i just checked out their site and I'll definitely try a live usb of antix as well.
Thanks, that really helps.
You're welcome!
Trixie won't be much different though it's better to use something as lightweight as possible because of the HDD. However you can still use something with Wayland unless its CPU or GPU is too old. antiX is Debian based but it uses X11, at least it was like that last time I used. It's really great if the PC is too old.
I think you can even install KDE with Debian Trixie. If Wayland would be problematic (probably won't) you can still use X11 with it. At least until its next big release which they will drop X11 support entirely.