Linux distro help for really old computer?

compassman495 · 07-22-2009, 02:13 PM

Hi. I am new to linux, I have only used it three times, with Knoppix, and I would really like to use it, but before I try it on my main computer, I would like to try it on my old computer. This computer is an HP Pavillion 4430 with 32mb RAM, 3.2 GB HDD and is currently running Windows 98 with no internet connection. What distro should I use? If you could also tell me how to install it, and get rid of 98 and everything else that is currently on there, that would be great!

mostlyharmless · 07-22-2009, 02:42 PM

Slackware traditionally has had excellent support for older hardware, though there is some disagreement about whether it's a good starting distro for a newcomer to linux. You need no internet connection for it, and older versions are still available with security updates.

You can order CDs for it and get ample help right here.

linus72 · 07-22-2009, 02:46 PM

Welcome to LQ!

You do realize that 32mb of ram is Bad?
not much of anything is gonna run on 32mb ram

Debian minimal install Might run.....

You need to buy more ram first

the trooper · 07-22-2009, 02:52 PM

As Linus72 has said,32mb of ram is really pushing the absolute limit.
However,Tinycore might work for you.Here's a quote from their faq:

Quote:

What are the minimum requirements?

An absolute minimum of RAM is 32mb. TC won't boot with anything less, no matter how many terabytes of swap you have.
The minimum cpu is i486DX (486 with a math processor).

Might be worth trying.

linus72 · 07-22-2009, 02:56 PM

actually, Tinycore needs to edit that as they have added some stuff and I believe it's up to 48mb just to boot to desktop

You just gotta get more ram, it's cheap and easy to do

the trooper · 07-22-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

actually, Tinycore needs to edit that as they have added some stuff and I believe it's up to 48mb just to boot to desktop

That's a damn shame,although still impressive.
I'll take your word for it as you are the man for Tinycore

linus72 · 07-22-2009, 03:09 PM

it seems since version 2.1

Quote:

Note: New minimum memory required is 48MB during boot.

http://tinycorelinux.com/forum/index.php?topic=2161.0

you' d think it would take less....Wait!

Of course,
You need to do a HD install of tinycore!

They "frown" on that cause you would have to Manually upgrade every pkg...
but that doesn't really matter at the moment...

a tinycore hd install, with dillo2 aand little else, may do it
and should run at a lower ram
http://tinycorelinux.com/forum/index.php?topic=308.0

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...65&postcount=9