I have attempted once to configure XFree86 to work with my T1960CS, but the results were unwanted. I obviously do not know how to configure XFree86 and I do not want to attempt it in fear of further damage.

So, first of all, will XFree86 even work with an 8MB RAM Laptop? Secondly, well... how do I configure it?

Sorry for being such an idiot, but I am not sure what I am doing.

what distro

Linux will run on a 8MB RAM laptop -- but x-windows will not. XFree86 is the configuration tool for x-windows.

In order to run a program in linux you need enough total memory to run the app. So lets say you want to run a program that requires 16MB of ram -- you need ram for the kernel, plus ram for your program..

Lets say the kernel needs 4MB of RAM, your program needs 16MB of RAM -- so between physical RAM and SWAP space you NEED 20MB of RAM just to have the two run. If you only have 16MB of memory total -- then your 16MB program will not run.

Second, I am not sure how big your SWAP space is -- lets say you made it twice your RAM (16MB swap) - you have 24 MB total -- Most of this is most likely used by your kernel.

There will not be enough memory to run the laptop. Plus your processor I am assuming (because of the low ram limit) will be to slow to run X -- the screen will take minutes to refresh after a change (mouse click or move).

So -- the sort answer -- on your laptop -- stick with command line -- X is not an option.

I have X running on a laptop with 12 MB

486/33

Oh, ok... Well, is there any desktop that will? If no, then nvm.

Thanks for you help though.

David -- I did not say it was impossible -- just that you need enough memory to handle the kernel and X. Plus running X with a windows manager suchs a fvm or twm is different then KDE.

I don't think it's going to be very good if it does work.
Mine is very old and the screen is very small. It's only got 64k of video ram, it does 320x204 so the panel takes up half the screen and the titlebar of an xterm takes the other half.


Anyway check out minilinux

It may work a lot better on your machine

I AM using MiniLinux. Same here about 64k video, 320×204, and such. Are there not any other desktops that would actualy work on those specs? My laptop might, actualy, do 600×800.

Not sure but I would have a problem with disk space also.

I am just going to try to get XFree86 RC6 on my laptop to just see what it looks like...

[edit=*X Windows RC6]