What to do with old desktop?

I know this is a laptop forum, but its linux so I will ask it anyway.

I have an old desktop computer running windows 98 on it, and right now it is just sitting downstairs collecting dust. I would like to give it a "new life" by installing linux on it. I dont know if ubuntu would be the best to install on an old computer.

Also, I would like to know what I can do with the old desktop. I've read about using it as a home server type of thing. Anyone have information on that?

thanks!

 

Ubuntu might not be the best choice for such an old desktop. You may want to try something lighter like Fluxbuntu, Xubuntu, or another light distro made to run on old computers.

 

if your pc is like a pentium 2 or 3 linux like ubuntu open suse will run very poorly
like he said you have to run a very light linux in the end you might be better of installing win 2000 or xp
or just keep the hd and trash it

 

Specs?
AntiX might be good, but we need your specs....

 

the only spec i know right off hand is that the hard drive has only 8.4GB worth of space

That was after I googled the model number of the hard drive.

I'll find out more about the comp. when i hook it up (probably later on today).

 

I wouldn't bastardize linux on that machine, rather I'd put something like Windows 3.1 on it

 

Oh that would be horrible, why not put the kernel on it and let him be?

 

Hey, I bet you can find a copy of OS/2 somewhere!

 

Let's go for something more advanced, how about XNU?

 

how about dos
and run kings quest on it

 

ahhh yes, Kings Quest and my favorite, Space Quest! LOL

 

To be honest, I would just recycle it. That old of a machine wouldn't be able to do much productive and would just use a lot of electricity.

 

Yep, boat anchor.

 

Yes, power consumption can be a real problem with old machines.

 

NO NO
QUEST FOR GLORY 4 IS THE BEST GAME EVER
I HAVE TO GO PLAY iT NOW
never really like sq that much
i still think qfg is best quest series

 

Bring it to the blunt side of a sledgehammer.

Well, do you have any use for it? Even if you install Xubuntu or anything, will you even use the computer?

 

Maybe a base Debian system ?

 

Xubuntu is smokin' on my C90s !

 

Do you have any use for a router or firewall? If not, don't expect anything more than a project, playing with light weight window managers and such. Slackware would be a good fit, if you're up to it.

I'd guess at something like a 300Mhz P2 with 64-128MB of PC100 RAM. These days you'd be better off with a thin client.

BTW, it's all about Wizardry, screw * Quest

 

how dare you insult the quest games

 

No kidding, I spilt a lot of beer on the desktop playing those And don't forget Leisure Suit Larry either!

 

lol
iam so sad that they shut down sierras studios that made the quest games
it was like 1997 when they did it

 

Hmm, I'm sure I could find something to do with your old desktop

 

Mybe using the ting as a Hard-core paper weight?

On a serious note, you could get an old version of Xubuntu, http://www.xubuntu.org/get#dapper and strip down the OS untill you have something workable.

 

maybe you could try lighting it on fire that would be a cool youtube video
umm just keep it for dos i guess

 

See, not only were they boring as all hell, but they spilled beer. What's the statute of limitations on that?

 

What are the specs on this thing? I can virtually guarantee that it will run some distro of Linux.

Btw guys, nice job with helping the OP.

 

Seriously, I would try Antix (the Mepis Team)....debian based and thin thin thin......

 

Yes, maybe an old version...I'm running Xubuntu Hardy on my C90s, and it's really not exactly lightweight It's what gnome _used_ to be way back when.

 

I run debian etch on a 500Mhz laptop with 128MB ram. Runs quite well. Reasonabley fast.
Xubuntu should run just fine IMHO. I'd recommend getting the latest Xubuntu version.
You can also try debian etch, if you are somewhat familiar with linux. After installation, immediately remove gnome and install fluxbox or some other lightweight window manager.

 

Like I said, if you seriously have a need for it, then install an OS, if not, why not install an OS then donate it to charity or something? Don't use it for the sake of using it.

 

thanks everyone for your advice, I havent decided what to do with it now, so it will still stay downstairs for now.