Need advice on which linux OS to use and which software will work on it?
 

Ok I have a HP Compaq Armada m700 which is an older laptop. It only has an 850processor and 512mb memory. It was running windows XP3 pro but something is corrupt. I would like to switch to linux because is cheaper. Here are my questions:
1. Which linux to use?
2. Will linux work with my wireless card?
3. Is there compatable free or cheap software?
(wordprocessor, presentation software)
4. Is it easy to install and will it compleatly wipe out windows?

I know this is a lot of info so I appreciate the time and help
Wade

i would recomend trying lightweight live-usb (assuming the thing can boot from usb).

puppylinux
fedora-xfce/ fedora-lxde
xubuntu

what is lightweight live usb? and how does it work? And no I do not think it can boot from usb only cd or what is on harddrive.

The only realistic way to answer your questions is to try some. Free download and all you do is use a CD. If you have VitualBox installed, you don't even need a CD. Take a look at the site below for some options or google "lightweight linux distributions" for a lot more options:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-light...pc-lease-life/

Another option not mentioned in the above link is AntiX, a Mepis based distribution.

With a machine like that I would go for Debian, the standard install should run fine on that machine, it comes with the software you mentioned by default and has over 30000 free software packages in its repositories.