i am a noob in linux but i want to use a computer here that is an old laptop LifeBook C325.

i tried to ran freenas but i only have a linksys wireless PCMCIA card (wpc54g-v2) that i cant get to work. tried to run ubuntu, xubuntu and fluxbuntu but they are still heavy. tried to use ubuntu lite but can't connect to the internet. tried dsl but seems too difficult.

my idea is to or use it like a server for files or a dedicated jukebox or something (i have an external drive). i want to use it. but didnt get it yet. what should i do? what do you think? more ideas? what linux distro to run? please help

remember i am beggining so i need clear instructions

thanks

On a machine that vintage, your best bet is as a server using a command line only install. A basic Debian install should do, I think. You can try installing a light window manager on it, but chances are it'll run similar to xubuntu or dsl.

the problem is wireless how do i install the drivers?

You can try using ndiswrapper, I suppose. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=3954576

Hmmm. Or you might invest a couple bucks in some more RAM since it's expandable and then you could run xubuntu or one of the others.

but i will be able to do that for example in ubuntu server? i dont understand nothing of command line

Hi,
You could try Slackware. I would suggest Slackware 10.2/11 for the vintage of hardware you have. As for 'X' on a server, Why? If you really need a desktop then use 'xfce' that will be light for this laptop.

You should look into increasing the RAM & HDD if you plan on a server. Most of the modern distributions will be a little much for this laptop.

i have an external disk so storage is not eally a problem for file. the internal should be enough for the system. i prefer not to buy anything because it is difficult to find something for this and i like to think this as a challenge and for me to learn. thanks

Hi,
The amount of RAM is really limiting for a server, even a SOHO.

I think all of your suggestions are good, but,

The simple fact is, there's only 32 megs of ram. X windows will kill the poor computer. Gnome or KDE are horrible options. Even xfce or fvwm would be too much.

I recommend a minimalist linux, Damn Small Linux would be, I think, the best choice for your system.

DSL is based off of Debian, you can turn on apt(a very easy to use packgae manager). There is an easy to use window manager, and it's a live cd, so just pop it in the drive, boot up the system, wait a few minutes, and there a desktop to start pointing and clicking.

Just go to their site, grab a copy of their ISO image, burn it to a CD.

Read their documentation, they do things in a very straight forward way, but it's a little off-standard.

Hi,

I agree that 'X' will be slow with the amount of RAM. I've used 'xfce' on a similar laptop but with more RAM. Slow but tolerable. But if the OP is wanting to setup a SOHO server then the increase in RAM is a must. Why 'X'? You will get more bang for your buck with the cli on a server. Plus the OP wants to learn! Point & click is not going to teach you much. Just train the hand eye!

We can continue on the distribution debate but why waste time. The selection will be up to the OP and how much research he/she does on the subject. If the OP was wanting to use a modern wizard based server then i would suggest the 'Ubuntu Server Edition'. But for his hardware, near to impossible.

I still prefer Slackware for ease of use as a server and stability. For the OP, a roll back to Slackware 10.2/11 would be suggested. Newer is not always better. I've got stable servers still running kernel 2.4.

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

i already tried dsl. the problem is i think it is too difficult. don't know how to install the drivers and how to make the server.


the use of x would be easier or me thats all. i dont mind using cli as someone tells me how to do it. but i dont know anybody with experience in linux so it would be difficult.

thanks for the answers

edit: decided to give slackware a shot. now i will need help with wpc54g v2. how to install?

Hi,
You can look at the 'Linux Newbie Admin Guide' to help you. The 'Linux Command Guide' can assist you with the cli. Remember that you can always 'man' a command to get the full explanation for understanding.

If you are going to try Slackware® then I would suggest that you read the 'Slackware® Essentials', the official guide.

These links and others can be found in the 'Slackware-Links' .