Is my Dell Inspiron compatible with Ubuntu?

Solution 1:

You can test how Ubuntu works by making live USB installation media. Then boot from that USB drive without having to install it. If you like using that version of Linux, just install from the same media -- no need to reboot.

There have been some changes made in Ubuntu 20 desktop, so try both distros to see which you prefer

You also have the choice of installing alongside the existing Windows OS, or deleting the Windows partition and running just Linux. Both choices have their merits, but on a brand-new PC, I'd opt for a clean Ubuntu-only installation.

N.B. Before making any permanent installation, image the HDD so you can go back if a disaster occurs.

Solution 2:

As others said before, try Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. The LTS stands for 'Long Term Support', meaning you won't have to bother with upgrades until 2025 or 2030 with Ubuntu ESM which is free for personal use.

I'd proceed like this:

1. Make a full backup. Everyone always forgets to copy some important stuff ;)
2. Get a USB stick
3. Create a LiveUSB as described here

4. Check out Ubuntu in the live mode by booting from the USB. This means you can boot into Ubuntu without making any changes to your systems. Check out the performance of the stuff you need; you can even install things! Just be reminded that nothing you do will persist on your machine.

   • If you like the performance, you can go ahead and install Ubuntu on your system. This will wipe your hard drive, if you choose to do so. The Ubuntu setup can also set up dual-boot for you, if you like that.

   • If the performance isn't good enough, it's most likely due to your graphics being too slow for Gnome, the Ubuntu desktop. In that case I'd recommend repeating the above steps with Lubuntu. It is a lightweight version of Ubuntu that uses LXDE instead of Gnome, meaning it is much less taxing on the graphics hardware than Ubuntu.

HTH

Solution 3:

The average laptop is optimized for Windows because of the vast market share (about 90% of laptop and desktop devices).

However, if your laptop manufacturer supplies Ubuntu drivers, or your research into Ubuntu says it has the needed drivers, it should run smoothly.

I have Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver) running as a virtual machine here using VMware drivers and it works very smoothly indeed.

If you have or can install Hyper-V, that is a good way to test Ubuntu (or possibly another distribution) without making any permanent changes.