I think that is one of Linux's main strong points, the fact that you can run the OS on old hardware is a plus. I have even seen the Compiz fusion (hope I got that right) desktop effects running on a relatively low spec notebook, I think it had an Atom CPU with a modest amount of RAM but it looked stunning. As far as I know the Compiz is true 3D compared to Windows which I have heard is sort of 2.5D, typical of Micro$oft to bodge something together wouldn't you agree?

I think that is one of the good points about Linux, Micro$oft seems to be in an upwards spiral (entwined with Intel mainly) that constantly pushes the lines back with regard to CPU's Motherboards etc. This in itself isn't a bad thing in my opinion but try running Vista on an old machine! Another annoying point is when a Motherboard fails after say two years, this is considered a long time in computing terms and it often means the end of the road for an otherwise good machine. Who are the real winners I often wonder?

Ok, first, have you downloaded devx and kernel source for Puppy 431?
If you have, and have a frugal or full install, this should still work.
Go to www.murga-linux.com/puppy.
Click on Additonal Software. CLick on Index. Click on Utility. Toward the end of that you will find a link to SFS_Installer.
Download that Pet file and click on it to install.
Then, when you want to compile something, click on the SFS_installer in the utility section of the menu and select the SFS file you want to install. No rebooting needed. When you want to remove the SFS file, use the Puppy Package Manager to remove it just like you would if you were removing a PET package. Still without rebooting.

After installing the devx SFS file, open a terminal and type either "make" or "gcc". to test.

Hope that helps.

Thanks 8-bit, sorry I haven't answered only I've been away on holiday. I will have a look at that asap.

den_.

Thank you so much for your help 8-bit, I have finally got around to installing the files suggested in your post and it works a treat :-). it is such a simple solution and I am sure that the SFS installer will come in handy on many occasions in the future.

Kind regards

den_.