New to linux

I have an old desktop(runs XP) that has been collecting dust and I want to get into LinuxCNC for plasma cutting. The old desktop runs Xp fine with no problems. I downloaded the linuxcnc-2.7.14-wheezy iso and used rufus3.9 to make a bootable USB. I've tried multiple USBs and even a DVD. I've done the same with thing with linuxmint just to see if the iso is the problem. The old desktop boots straight to windows no matters what the bios boot order is. I can't see and option for a boot from USB in bios. I think I have exhausted my ideas on what to google. Forgive me for being such a newb. I really want to learn how to use LinuxCNC and installing it is probably the easiest part.

The model number is DXG838 if that is relevant.

Not really. What processor and how much memory does the PC have?

A PC that runs XP may not nessisarilly meet the hardware requirements for Wheezy. You could possibly try one of the older Linuxcnc ISOs. For example I have one machine that runs great with this ISO linuxcnc.org/iso/ubuntu-10.04-linuxcnc3-i386.iso but it won't run the Wheezy one. (It is an old P4 with 1024mb ram.) That particular examples problems may be unrelated to the memory and processor though. I think Wheezy doesn't like the fact that motherboard has ISA slots and an ISA card, because similar machines without the ISA hardware run it fine.

you may need a 64bit system to get to what you like to do
the XP one is a 32bit system so invest some 50USD in a real good used system

if you tell the WorldPos where you are Continent is the main some people will try to find a good one for you

bios in the boot sequence is offen not you think it workes as it jumps back if you set DVD to first item
try to get some Foppy between the DVD and HDD even if it has none on the PC

Could you please explain what you mean by Foppy?

bbsr_5a wrote: you may need a 64bit system to get to what you like to do
the XP one is a 32bit system so invest some 50USD in a real good used system

if you tell the WorldPos where you are Continent is the main some people will try to find a good one for you

bios in the boot sequence is offen not you think it workes as it jumps back if you set DVD to first item
try to get some Foppy between the DVD and HDD even if it has none on the PC

Neither Linuxcnc, Debian Wheezy, or the Linuxcnc Wheezy ISO require a 64-bit computer.

It sounds like to me that the issue is your motherboard does not support booting from USB. I think you need to boot from Physical media (DVD or CD) but does it support booting from DVD? Maybe it needs a CD. Will Wheezy still fit on a CD?

I would also try another burning tool.

I have not had a lot of experience with old hardware but I never had problems booting from physical media.

The Wheezy iso requires a DVD (or usb).
The older iso I linked to is a CD.

The old desktop only has 256mb of ram. I think it might be preventing the install.

256mb might be a problem. Pretty sure Wheezy can run with 512mb but it is still less than the recommended minimum.
I think the Ubuntu 10.04 ISO may work with 256mb, but it would be pushing the low end of barely working.

Also having bare minimum memory could be an issue trying to run the graphical installer, and running the ISO live. But you may be able to install using the text based menus. But at that point the PC may be so pathetic, that it isn't worth the effort.

Thanks for all the help everyone. I think I've concluded that I need a 10 year old computer not a 20 year old one. Any suggestions?