Hello,

I am very familiar with most distributions (with a decent sized community). But I am building a Linux desktop for an associate of mine and would like everyone's opinion on which distribution to go with. Here are the specs for the computer:

Dell Latitude C600 (http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/ug/specs.htm)
Intel PIII ~590MHz
512MB RAM
ATI Mobility Video Card
ESS Technologies Sound Card

He wants a Linux distribution light enough to run efficiently on this old hardware. I am thinking about a couple of options:

1. Ubuntu 6.06 w/ Alternate WM
2. Kubuntu 6.06 w/ Default (XFCE4) WM
3. Your Opinion Here

I know I've only listed "Ubuntu" distributions, but I've been really impressed with the new 6.06 Ubuntu (and its derivations). But I am very open to suggestions. If you have a suggestions please post it along with your reasoning.

Thanks for the input,
~Justin

If you're going to pick a lightweight Ubuntu, just install Xubuntu (which should be like your option 2) or do a base install (I think you can do that with the alternate CD) and then just install what you want.

Generally, I would say if you're going to be his buddy that he comes to for help, give him whatever you use the most. That way you'll be comfortable helping him. Or if you want him to sink or swim, give him Slackware.

There are only about 4700 of these threads already posted. My attitude is that if you're going to use Debian derivatives, you should just use the real thing.

Debian...A Sales Pitch

I'm not attached to a Debian derivative. I'm just a comforterable using a RedHat derivative, a BSD derivative or a "from source" distribution. I actually haven't had that much luck with the base Debian (I know that doesn't make much sense), as Debian by itself doesn't seem to have very good hardware detection (which is also a good thing). Because of my previous experiences with Debian, I hadn't actually considered it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work for my current situation.

Thanks to both of you for the input.
~Justin

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux Distributions and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

For that kind of hardware, I would suggest Debian, Slackware and Vector Linux. To be frank with you, any distro will work fine as long as you choose the right Desktop Environment or Window manager as well as disabling services you don't use.

jeelliso,

PCLinuxOS
http://www.pclinuxonline.com/pclos/html/download.html

This is the distro I use and recommend, Why because it works right out of the box. No need to configure Everything, everything just works. It also comes as a 1 CD install that is a live CD that you can install later if you wish. plus it comes with Everything you'll ever need.

Mandriva
http://frontal2.mandriva.com/en/downloads/mirrors

This is what PCLinuxOS is based on it is a BIG distrobution with all you will ever need

Mephis
http://www.mepis.org/

Everything you will ever need on 1 CD. Hardware detection is exelent, as is the feel and look of the distro

you can go to tux mobil and see what others have put on your moidel of laptop, SUSE 9.3, RH 7.1 Debian Etch seem to be the choices for your c600. http://tuxmobil.org/dell.html

or you can try this Link: http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

Jake

Xubuntu is the best option for old computers, IMHO. It's lightweight and quite easy to use.

Download the liveCD and see it in action!