How can I make Ubuntu run well (including with wifi) on a 32-bit machine?

Solution 1:

Myself I'd rather run a flavor on x86 (32bit) due to it's lighter desktop, but it's a personal preference as to whether or not flavors are for you, or not. I've also done loads of testing on x86 ISOs for 18.04.3 flavors that should be released in only a few hours, so no x86/32bit is not EOL yet.

Ubuntu 16.10 is EOL & I'd not suggest it (just like i'd not suggest either of the two 18.10 releases that were also available in x86/32bit as it's also EOL). Why not use a 18.04 LTS flavor? Also Ubuntu 16.04 LTS is still supported; the flavors for 16.04 only are EOL (with exception of kylin)

LTS means long-term-support, and Ubuntu 16.04 LTS was a long-term-support release meaning it came with 5 years of supported life (which could be extended with Ubuntu Advantage for fee). Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (2016-April) release and Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (2018-April) release are both LTS with 5 years of support; flavors of LTS releases only come with 3 years unless specified otherwise on release.

Ubuntu 16.10 you mention was not a LTS thus only had 9 months of life with it release-upgrading to 17.04, (2017-April), then to 17.10 (2017-October) then to 18.04 LTS. Ubuntu 16.04 LTS had two release-upgrade paths; the default path was to the next LTS release (ie. Ubuntu 18.04 LTS; with LTS releases coming out every even year in April), or via each release (thus 16.10, 17.04, 17.10 then finally to 18.04 LTS where the decision path could be chosen again). The every-release path is for those that want the latest software always, and don't mind release-upgrading every 6-9 months (most users find this a hassle and stick to LTS releases)

https://www.ubuntu.com/download/flavours is the site I'd suggest to download flavors of Ubuntu, most (if not all) supported x86 or 32bit for 18.04 LTS though that was the last release for x86 for all but Xubuntu & Lubuntu (which continued with x86 until December-2018, so whilst 19.04 still receives updates for x86, 18.04 LTS will likely end up being supported longer!).

Part of the reason I use the aforementioned site is ubuntu.com is pretty easy to remember as legit, however with flavors like Lubuntu, http://lubuntu.me is a little harder to remember, as lubuntu.net is a fan site and not official; where you'll note ubuntu.com only ever points to lubuntu.me

Solution 2:

sudo apt update does not run on unsupported releases, but you will be able to install the Broadcom driver on any supported release, for example on Ubuntu MATE 18.04 32-bit. Xubuntu 18.04 and Lubuntu 18.04 also have 32-bit ISOs available to download. It is a misconception to think that Canonical has pulled the plug on all 32-bit flavors, however support for 32-bit architecture is being phased out bit by bit. Planning forward the next computer that you buy should support 64-bit architecture if you want to continue to use a supported *buntu flavor.

Solution 3:

You can download 32 bit Lubuntu 18.04 LTS here: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/18.04/release/

Distro choices are personal and opinion-based but I'm a big fan of this one.

You can try before installing using a 'live USB', highly recommended.