I just spent a few hours this week installing linux(es) on my familly's old 32bit laptops. Went through like 5 distros. I failed to install some of them because the resolution of the installer in live mode prevented me to click the 'next' button (it was off screen) :/ That wasnt fun. I managed to do it in the end. And will takeit over windows any day of the week. Mint is my usual choice, really decent distribution.