linux on 16MB 133 MMX , possible?

arsham · 05-10-2005, 02:26 PM

Hi there
Is it possible to install linux ( redhat or another distro ) on a laptop with these informations?
133MMX
16MB RAM
1.44Gb HDD

I had this laptop a long time ago , and I want to install a linux ( gui or text mode ) on this computer

Any idea?

Regards
Arsham

reddazz · 05-10-2005, 03:13 PM

I don't think Redhat will run on those specs unless you somehow strip it down. Take a look at distrowatch, I am sure there are some minimalist distros that will run on your specs. You may need to install a minimalist window manager because a gui environment lke KDE or GNOME won't run because of your ram.

oldstinkyfish · 05-10-2005, 03:26 PM

Im not sure how linux works with laptops but for a minimal distro I would recommend Vector if you like Slackware, or Damnsmall Linux if you like Debian. Personally I like Debian, but Vector has proven a good track record as well.

marsques · 05-10-2005, 05:52 PM

slackware would be a good choice on them specs...

SciYro · 05-10-2005, 06:24 PM

RAM has little influence in Linux, if you have low RAM, increase your swap space, but use mem-light programs, RAM is fastest obviously, and you want to use it extra wise when there is so little. personally, i would recommend LFS on that.

on a system with 233Mhz, Linux ran just fine, granted i never put the system in with big programs, to test it out, but as long as you use 1 program at a time, you can do all the normal tasks (just not as big).

trickykid · 05-10-2005, 06:55 PM

I've installed on much less.. be creative and you can make it happen..

reddazz · 05-10-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SciYro
RAM has little influence in Linux, if you have low RAM, increase your swap space, but use mem-light programs, RAM is fastest obviously, and you want to use it extra wise when there is so little. personally, i would recommend LFS on that.

I was specifically referring to graphical desktop environments such as KDE. Even if you use a lot of swap, the system is going to be very sluggish if you have just 16MB of RAM and attempt to run KDE or GNOME.

Rufus330Ci · 05-10-2005, 07:26 PM

My friend got Mandrake 8.0 running on 100Mhz works great for telnet and ftp, yet he doesn't use the GUI for anything more than basic programs like GAIM, Konqueor, etc. No video/mp3 etc.

masand · 05-10-2005, 09:52 PM

i too recommend vector linux
it also a dynamite verison which is really fast
so check that out

regards

BROse · 05-11-2005, 12:06 AM

I've seen linux on a floppy, you can install on your HD. Don't remember the name, but I'm sure someone here does.