before you install do check on what hardware
you plan to run - see how well it is supported
read some forums, find out if there is anything troublesome
and see what the solution is - then you can have a pleasant install
with no unpleasant surprises - while win drivers are available
as soon as product is shipped, it may be months before
there are any Linux drivers at all
so old hardware means no driver troubles, in most cases
I've spent too many years trying to live on the bleeding edge
I'd like to save you some scars
(and yes always backup important files)
regards