Best linux boot from CD for older computer?
 

I'm completely unknowledgeable about Linux. I have a Walmart Windows XP with 376 meg RAM and 10G HD (4.5G free) for which I ordered the Knoppix CD. What would be the best boot from CD version of Linux for my older Windows 95 computer, 166 CPU with only 48 meg RAM, 2.1G HD (250MB free) and, preferably, a version of Linux that can also recognize a WinModem? I have a cable modem connection with the Windows XP so hopefully the Knoppix (it'll arrive in several days) will recognize the 10/100 connection so I can get online with it. I'm seeking the simplest installation. I tried DemoLinux 3.0 with the Windows 95 computer but it never worked right, not recognizing the WinModem and having too little RAM likely. When I tried the DemoLinux with the Windows XP computer it powered up but I never got more than a black screen. Thanks for your help in advance.

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Try looking at Damn Small Linux, SLAX, and peanet. Also, have a look at distrowatch.com

-Joey

I have been really pleased with SLAX and PCLinuxOS. Both seem to have excellent hardware detection and SLAX runs fairly well on less robust machines. I keep copies of both of those and Knoppix for troubleshooting both Windows and Linux boxes.

Another choice that is left by the wayside is Morphix. They have 4 versions on their site. One is a "lite" install. It uses the IceWM windowmanager. Boots fast and seems to have the best of Debian already there. I have tried the Gnome version and the Gamer version. Polished. I agree about PCLinuxOS. Its sweet, but I think a bit sluggish on a lesser machine (as in P-II 350 would be my minimum recommendation). Slax'll run on a 386, reputedly (It runs well from my hard drive on the P-III 700). You'll have fun.

Thanks for the info--I'll try them. Actually I did get the DemoLinux to work on both machines by using the lowest monitor setting offered though I couldn't log onto the internet with either machine. The older one I assume because the WinModem wasn't recognized. The newer machine--don't know. I called Time Warner Cable (I have Earthlink)--they wished me luck, gave me their proxy http log on, said they didn't know the proxy FTP log on, said that several others had tried Linux with some degree of success, and that was that. So I'll see in several days whether the Knoppit CD works and can automatically log onto the cable modem (this program is 4 years newer so maybe). I came to be interested in Linux after I downloaded the Windows version of Open Office and was floored that with it files could be saved as PDFs. It's quite a good product.

You can design web pages with reasonable ease as well with the same product :D (doesn't have a ftp uploader, like most web designers, though). But still...