After installation, run driver manager. It will install any proprietary drivers, and firmware. You will need to provide the laptop an internet connection through an ethernet cable when you run it though.

https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/drivers.html

Man, do yourself a favor and get an SSD. You can get a 512 GB for as cheap as $30 and a 1 TB for as cheap as $60 on Amazon. The speed difference is night and day. That’s probably the single best upgrade you can do to an old machine.

I suffered for years before finding out about SLS causing canker sore outbreaks. Switched to an SLS free toothpaste, and haven’t had a canker sore in years. Little advice for people still suffering from them though, rinsing your mouth out with peroxide, instantly stops the pain. Also no burning sensation like you get with a fresh cut. It also seems to shorten their duration too. Just be careful not to swallow any.