So, what's the easiest distro to mess around with?

I picked up a Compaq Evo N600c a few days ago and everything on it works, its just really old and outdated, Pentium 3 m @ 1.2GHz with 256MB DDR ram and a 30GB hard drive (and some form of an ATi Mobility graphics card according to Windows XP).

What I'm looking into doing is turning it into a testbook I can mess around with using Linux, so I can figure out how to use it and get somewhat decent with it, but the only distro I've ever messed with was Puppy Linux (which was interesting to use, but I wasn't looking at using it permanently).

I've heard of (and seen) Ubuntu a few times in various places, but I'm not sure how well the newer version will run on something from 2003, but I am looking for a full version I could use on the little Compaq. Something else I'd probably find interesting is being able to use the silly little window transition effects (I like messing around with these).

And yep, I'm pretty much a total noob with linux, but I'll be able to pick up fast enough

 

You can use an earlier version of Ubuntu, like 8.04 or 8.10. But I don't see why the latest (10.04) won't work.

 

Try Ubuntu Server install. It'll give you a minimal command line install and from there you can slowly add packages to get your computer to a usable desktop. You'll definitely learn about Linux, the command line and package management.

For your system, try LXDE as a desktop environment, or you could not use one at all. IceWM or Fluxbox are both good light window managers for low end systems.

 

Try Lubuntu a (not yet official, but soon) Ubuntu derrivate. Main focus is to save resources and still provide a graphical user interface and a certain amount of "comfort". I tried the beta - it worked like a charm on a SL500 (my test machine).

Lubuntu - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

You can look in the recent thread I posted,

http://forum.notebookreview.com/linux-compatibility-software/476040-linux-old-notebook.html

I had good luck with Puppy Linux, runs very fast on the old computer. Ubuntu's notebook remix was a bit slower, but easy to install, same with the new Ubuntu.

 

i agree with puppy linux...and the earlier versions of ubuntu..
you could also try Zenwalk..DSL..crunchbang.fluxbuntu...
just some ideas

 

Your PC *should* run Ubuntu 10.04. However, it would not be ideal for performance. Lubuntu is the first option you should check out, it's the same base of Ubuntu, but with a much lighter LXDE for the user interface, it should run just fine, good luck!

 

I just checked prices on DDR ram for it and a 512MB stick isn't past 20 dollars on newegg, I might pick one up with a WiFi G connector (don't need N because its only 2 USB 1.1 ports).

Are user interfaces swappable within the OS without having to reinstall? I might end up going with Lubuntu or the Ubuntu Server install, depends on which one I feel like downloading on Saturday.

 

Arch is great because you just install a barebones 'core' system. Then everything else is up to your creativity and desire.

 

That's not exactly the easiest distro to mess around with, is it?

 

Hardly.
TS, if you've purchased yourself 512 MB, check out Linux Mint.
It's an Ubuntu derivative and one of the most complete/user-friendly distro's around.
MP3 codecs and whatnot are all installed allready so no need to find and install software in order to play music, movies etc.

Still, when you've mastered Mint/Ubuntu, Arch will be tempting...
Wellcome to the wonderfull world of distrohopping.

 

The easiest distro to mess around with, has to be Debian. Other debian based distros add stuffs to the distros, so you can't play with them so much or else you'll break the dependencies.

Other non-aptitude based distros don't have apt.

 

Debian - Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia

read the part 'Debian IRC support'

 

Sadly, it is true. LOL myself.

 

If it can run XP it'll run most modern distro's. Be sure to stick to LDXE or XFCE desktops to save on resources.

Puppy would also be a thought.

 

If it can run XP it'll run most modern distro's. Be sure to stick to LDXE or XFCE desktops to save on resources. Linux Mint is good for beginners as is PCLinuxOS.

Puppy would also be a thought.