I have an old Compaq notebook. I want to install Ubuntu 12.04.
The notebook has these specs:
Can I install on this notebook? The notebook now has Windows XP, but I don't need to keep it.
The notebook has CD and USB, is using USB faster?
I would not try and install Ubuntu on that machine - unless you want to upgrade the RAM.
I would install Xubuntu. Though you could try Lubuntu - it uses less resources than Xubuntu.
Yes you can use a USB to install with assuming that the notebook will boot from it, you can use unetbootin to do that.
If you do not need the XP on the notebook - when you boot the installer then use the Whole Disk option.
http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/
I have installed Ubuntu on a machine that has less specifications than yours, and it works. It's slow, but works. If you don't mind the system being slow, then its OK. Otherwise I would seriously get a diffrent machine, or if that's not a option upgrade atleast the RAM in yours.
As far as CD or USB? I would use USB.
If you're still wanting to do it, then See this site
Do one thing download the ISO and then make a bootable USB using unetbootin. you can find the unetbootin if you google it up. Making a Bootable USB is better as you can perform the installation faster as CD's are always slower than USB.
Also since you have ram,I suggest you to use LXDE as desktop enviornment,It will give a new life to your laptop.
In my opinion your computer is too slow to run Ubuntu. I think that even if you try Lubuntu, it might be too heavy for your machine but you might try.
You might opt for some other lightweight Linux distribution like Puppy linux for example.
It all depends what you want to use the laptop for.
