need a low resource os

SteveS · 15 Jul 2009 at 18:37

i have a small dell latitude l400, pentium3, 500mhz! 256 ram!
Currently runs XP and has done for some time, but its just slow (no supprise)

Im looking to try a linux (or another?) O/S which may run better on it. only want it for browsing the internet (firefox pref) I also have a dlink dwl-650 wireless card which is needed. however i dont know if that will work with it?

cheers for any help/advice/etc

Abraxaz1 · 15 Jul 2009 at 20:32

damn small linux?
Or maybe one of the linux netbook based distros

theheyes · 15 Jul 2009 at 20:35

Have a peek in here http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18031800

SteveS · 15 Jul 2009 at 20:38

already peeked

theheyes · 15 Jul 2009 at 20:58

Just making sure.

Roland0 · 16 Jul 2009 at 00:28

I've noticed that Xubuntu doesnt seem a great deal faster then Ubuntu with Gnome, i think it maybe becasue my pc is powerfull enough perhaps

Rich43 · 16 Jul 2009 at 22:19

Stoned_SpaZZZ said:
I've noticed that Xubuntu doesnt seem a great deal faster then Ubuntu with Gnome, i think it maybe becasue my pc is powerfull enough perhaps

Correct.

SteveS · 17 Jul 2009 at 18:03

xub... doesnt seem to work any better than xp. and it cant be because its a good spec.. cuz its not..

EdAllonby · 17 Jul 2009 at 18:06

Linux. Possibly Ubuntu or if you want the visuals then linux mint.

manic111 · 17 Jul 2009 at 18:08

Crunchbang ought to be light enough, as it does away with a lot of the visuals used by Ubuntu. If not, then try TinyMe or Puppy.

SteveS · 17 Jul 2009 at 18:30

which one is the lightest, i only want firefox and amsn working..?

.walls · 17 Jul 2009 at 20:29

If you'r comfortable with a command prompt - then either Arch (either a core or an FTP install) or Debian (net install). If not, then go for Knoppix (debian based), Puppy (dunno what this is based on) or DSL (Damn Small Linux - might be Deb based as well - not used it in a long time).

Knoppix is basically a mini-fully fledged linux which comes with a bunch of apps. To install, get the normal Knoppix live CD and there's a menu entry to install to your HDD.

Puppy has slightly less bits, but will generally do everything that you want (internet, email, etc).

DSL is a mini-distro which his optimised for both size and [lack of] resources: it comes as a 50 MB ISO and can be installed to the HDD if wanted.

Your best bet is to try them all out, as they all come on live cds.

Personally, I would recommend Arch or Debian - as these are by far the most powerful and flexible of the five that I have suggested.

The Debian net install allows you full choice whilst installed, however, my personal preference goes to Arch as I find that Debian "holds your hand" just a bit too much, even once it's installed.

The down side of Arch is it does not come with a window manager by default, so if you're not comfortable with the shell, you might not like this one very much.

SteveS · 17 Jul 2009 at 20:31

great post, thanks!

i will give "puppy" a go, not sure a console based op will suit, ill get annoyed and means having to learn commands!

will report bk