I have an old Gateway with 256MB Ram and a 500MHZ P3 processer. I have little experience with Linux, limited to a few live CD's of Puppy, DSL, and Ubuntu, and have the hybryd Ubuntu DVD (that I made). What would be a good distru for my dad that wouldn't be too hard for him to learn (very used to Windows XP, OS X confuses him), fast, and secure. We just want to use the computer for Internet (He's used to Firefox), email (used to Outlook Express), and maybe some photo editing and Internet Radio.

I would also like a distrubution that is compatable with a sub $10 Ethernet Card.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I have a user firendly distro called Xandros Linux. You can make it look and operate like Windows XP. It comes with Crossover Office so you can install a select few Windows applications to it. It is easy to install it as a dual boot OS so you can run Linux and Windows on the same PC. I used Xandros for a few months on my Compaq which has about the same specs as what you are running. The only bad part is that it cost money but not too much. Might I recomend Xandros SurfSide Linux. It comes with a bunch of cool toys for web surfing.

What kinds of Windows Programs could I use?

I assume you are referring to the comment about using CrossOver Office...I would check their website (codeweavers). Basically, the support MS Office, Photoshop (up to some version--6?), and some other high-priority things.
The way you describe his needs, it is not obvious he would ever need Windows.

A word of caution: Does your dad WANT to switch? If he is not motivated--and is not one to tackle the occassional problem--you may be setting yourself up for a fall.

I'd second that. Unless he has a motivation to learn Linux on his own, he may bombard you with questions. Are you ready to take them?

If you're wanting to make the switch to Linux easy for a Windows user...
Seems to me the distro is less important than the GUI. Give him anything with KDE.
And maybe filterfann is right -- if you can make Xandros look and work like XP...