[blh102444]

I have and old pentium 2 system gathering dust, 348 M and 64 MB ram. All I want to use it for is internet access Is this old system capable of Linux? If so how do I get started? I am familar with Windows setup but know nothing about Linux. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[RobLinux]

With a PII, 350Mhz with only 64MB RAM, you won't be able to run a graphical install (Ubuntu requires 384MB or so IIRC).

What do you mean by "Internet Access"? If you're going to do a bit of browsing, email etc, then the answer's yes, but use a liteweight X based distro, may be DSL or Puppy. Xubuntu has some comments on memory requirements here http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/XUbuntu; if nothing else the screen shots give you an idea of what an XFCE lightweight desktop environment can look like. There's reviews at http://distrowatch.com/ unfortunately they're not organised into categories, and you must check the distro is actively maintained and worked on.

If you could beg/steal/borrow/buy 2nd hand some PC100 RAM for the PII then you're more likely to have a reasonable experience. I'm running Ubuntu on a dual Celeron 450Mhz, 512MB RAM system and it's usable, though don't expect things lke Firefox to start instantly.

You could also install Debian in text mode, and then add X and such, but without experience configuring a system (a working config to copy), or someone there to help, it'd probably be frustrating and too slow going for you.

OTOH, if Internet Access, means server applications, like firewall, fetching emial, web proxy than Debian is going to be a very good solid choice with low maintenance.

[monckywrench]

DSL has Firefox for browsing and performs well on old hardware. It has simple install options and good forums for support. I second the comments on getting more memory, but DSL will run on 64 megs.

http://damnsmalllinux.org/

[blh102444]

Thanks, There is so much listed under downloads that I am confused.

[monckywrench]

"There is so much listed under downloads that I am confused."

It does get complicated, so instead of suggesting a bunch of solutions I stick with solid standards. Just download a DSL .iso, burn at slowest speed possible, toss into old comp, and if the CD drive will read burned CDs you will be good to go. Instant web terminal with other cool progs.

[RobLinux]

Check out DSL, try to find screen shots. If you think it's not for you, have a look at Xubuntu to.

The thing is with Linux, you are in control. It is like choosing a vehicle, you have to choose between a Truck, 4x4, Saloon, Sports, hatchback, furry dice... and what colour you want!

With Linux, you do not go to a shop, get ordered to buy "Home Premium", then have them persuade you that you want Virus/Spyware/Firewall plus Backup. You also won't have Nagware constantly annoying you with registration, and distracting annoyances.

[monckywrench]

"If you think it's not for you, have a look at Xubuntu to. "

The nice thing about the 'buntu option is that you can, after adding memory (Christmas is coming, and after that there will be the usual flood of discarded computers to pillage!) easily choose between Gnome, KDE, and Xfce at startup.

If you have problems, just toss in the live CD. Because Linux is normally installed by the user, the focus on easy installation has resulted in an easier installation experience than Windows, much easier data recovery and system rescue.

http://damnsmalllinux.org/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi

Scroll down for the "alternate" Xubuntu CD:

"installs on systems with less than about 128MB of RAM (although note that low-memory systems may not be able to run a full desktop environment reasonably)."

http://mirror.anl.gov/pub/ubuntu-iso.../7.10/release/

The fluxbox window manager (used in DSL) is very fast and can be easily installed on any Linux system for a substantial performance boost:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/ubunt...-ubuntu-linux/

[RootbeaR]

Check out VectorLinux.

I put it on an old p2 here although it has 128MB RAM.

There are a few versions of it as well though. Some are older and perform better with less RAM.

http://www.vectorlinux.com/index.php?menu=1

That or Puppy would be my choice.

Good luck.

[RobLinux]

Originally Posted by RootbeaR

There are a few versions of it as well though. Some are older and perform better with less RAM.

Are they still maintained though. If you're going on the net, you need stuff that's receiving security updates.

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by RobLinux

Are they still maintained though. If you're going on the net, you need stuff that's receiving security updates.

I really don't know, which doesn't mean that it isn't or that the info couldn't be obtained.

It does seem to have excellent hardware detection though, especially old hardware,

which is why I suggested it. If RAM is added/upgraded to 128, then there is support.

Set-up with three partitions minimum. One each of root, home and swap. It will take

about ten minutes to re-install should anything happen and all personal data will still be

intact.

Remember, it is not the OS that dictates having back-up copies, but whether or not you

really want to save it.

A newbie like me could easily overwrite their home partition when re-installing.

[RobLinux]

Video discussing Xubuntu installation and old machines etc.

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?...02494&hl=en-GB