installing linux with low configuration
 

Hi,

I already have linux in my comp. Now I have almost convinced my friend to switch to linux. But, his comp is 64MB PIII-@450MHZ processor. The free space (for linuix) in hard disk is about 1.5GB.

He agreed to spare that 1.5 GB for linux.

Now the quesrion is, when I installed mandrake, by default, it occupied @ 2.2GB. Can I fit a fully functional linux OS in 1.5GB? This OS should also have open office and other common stuff which are present in windows.

Which linux distro is best for a system with low memory?

KDE works ok on my 64mb system, but I suggest something lighter. GNOME is a little faster, but you still may want to try something lighter like IceWM, since KDE/GNOME also take 100's of mb of space. I suggest installing as little as possible, since OO.org will want 100's of mb too.
I use Slack, but it might be difficult for your friend esp. if he's not enthusiastic. Stuff like Mandrake, RH tend to be slower. You may want to consider older versions, too.