Hey folks...

Yes, another one of those threads....

I've an old laptop... 256mb ram, 40gb hard drive, dvd-reader (no cd-writer), 56k modem, zip disk, etc.


I'd like a distro which is small, easy to use for a newbie (only previously used Knoppix), and downloadable via a 56k modem. I'm prepared to download all extra software that I need seperately (it'll probably only be GAIM and Firefox). I also plan to purchase Star Office since I don't even have a office suit for Windows yet! :P

I already like using a few programs for Linux which were ported over to Windows, but would like to switch to a Linux distro but need some recommendations.

Thanks all.

Also, I use an external keyboard (logitech multimedia) and mouse (logitech optical via usb). playing games isn't imp. for me on linux, as i'll keep a bit of my hdd for windows to play games.

Lots of threads here asking questions like yours...

My personal suggestion for what you describe (hardware, no broadband internet and what you want to do with it) would be Slackware or one of its derivatives. Amigolinux or Vectorlinux should be good. In order to save you download time a small, b asic distro would be desirable, probably. Look for contributions authored by gnashley around here. He is the creator of Amigolinux and some even smaller distros, that still make a valid system.

As these systems use Slackware package management, you will be able to start small and then expand your system step by step with additional software.

gargamel.