Best Linux Distro for Console mode

jdomingos · 09-01-2003, 11:19 AM

I want to install a Linux distro in my old laptop, but I will stay in console mode. Nevertheless I want a distro which will offer me power and the best compatibility and stability on the market. Also I'd like one with a lot of utilities out of the install.

I've investigated a bit and I'm inclined to Slackware... Do you agree?

Thanks in advance
Jorge

DrOzz · 09-01-2003, 11:32 AM

yes slackware would be a good choice i think...but then again, if your only working in the CLI i personnally don't see what the difference is in whatever distro you end up using...

2damncommon · 09-01-2003, 11:46 AM

Either Debian or Slack are kind to older PCs by default. Depending on your processor, most distros will allow selection of a text install mode (use less RAM) and deselection of Xwindows packages with a little looking.

german · 09-02-2003, 06:16 AM

Agreed. Slackware is perfect for old-skool computers, I managed to get slack 3.4 working on this old compaq 4/25c (486 25mHz processor, 4MB RAM, 112MB HDD, no USB, no mouse (physically broken PS2 port) and even got a 640x480 IceWM X server working (though without mouse it's totally useless) though that required a special X11 driver which took months of scouring the internet for, to work with compaq AVGA.

I would try slack first.

B.