Hello,

Since support and security updates for Windows 2000 has stopped, I am looking for a free Operating System that runs on my PC. Here is a list of specs:

Processor: Intel Pentium II Klamath (266MhZ)
Soundcard: Aztech PNP.
Graphics: S3 Savage 4
Memory: 288MB RAM.
HD Space: 4GB.

The PC is used by my family, so it needs to be able to run these applications:

1. Mozilla Firefox
2. Mozilla Thunderbird
3. OpenOffice or similar.

And boot up quickly. Also, I would like to have multiple user accounts to keep the settings for each user separate.
Last but not least I need a GUI like KDE or Gnome, anything similar to Windows will do, as long as my family can click on an icon to start up an application it will do.

Remember, it needs to fit within 4GB.

I've tried Ubuntu, Slackware and DSL. Ubuntu cant install all packages (too little HD space), DSL doesn't remember my settings, and Slackware requires people type commands, I want it to work with a GUI. All modern distros I've looked at are either 3CDs or more.
Obviously thats not an option, as the HD is only 4GB.

Don't say: "Just buy another computer", as my family is not rich, and we need the money for other things. Thanks in advance

Xav.

try vector linux or damn small linux.
yuou can get them at distrowatch.org

DSL didn't work that well, I'll read a bit about Vector Linux before trying it, thank you.

EDIT: Sounds great, downloading it now from the Ibiblio mirror. If I encounter any problems, must I use this thread or create a new one?

"All modern distros I've looked at are either 3CDs or more.
Obviously thats not an option, as the HD is only 4GB"

That is because the other cds include a lot of optional packages that you don't have to install. Like for instance with fedora core during the install you choose which packages you want or don't want. They have an option for a base install. I don't know how familiar you are with hardware at all but if you have a computer recycling center near you you might be able to scrap a bigger harddrive from a recycled computer. My friend worked at a center and a lot of people recycle the computer when there is good ram and harddrives in them just because they don't know better. He grabbed me a 20 gig drive that i use a slave to backup my music and such on. Good luck.

Thank you dr_zayus69, thats a very good idea, there's a recyclingcentre for old equipement (washmashines, refridgiators etc.) nearby, maybe they have PCs too. I'll check it out.

I know how to install a DVD writer and VGA cards, a harddisk is almost the same to attach as any other device, right?
Anyway, in the old days I can remember OS's comming in 1 CD.
Windows XP Professional SP2 is one CD. I just need a base install, i'll install all other software myself.

harddisk is the same thing. But just increasing the harddrive wont fix everything. Your CPU is slowish and your RAM is limited. Might make sense to stay with the smaller distros.

Ok, thank you for the great advice, I burned the Vector Linux distro, and I'm trying it tomorrow, I'll keep you updated, thanks again