Which Linux for Old Desktop

Hey guys,
I've decided to see how Linux will run on my old desktop and need some help in choosing which distro. I've used Linux here and there but have no real experience in using it, but I'll think I'll manage quite fine.
The main specs of my desktop are:

Intel Pentium 3, 600MHz
128 MB RAM
13GB Hard Disk
Nvidia Riva TNT2 32 MB

Also use a cable modem for internet (only USB connection), HP printer and Canon Scanner.

I'm thinking of either installing Fedora or openSuse. Are there any other linux which I should consider? Do most installation procces's give me the option in formatting the hard disk before installing? Or do I need to format seperatly?

Thanks, jam.

 

1- Almost all installers will let you partition/format your hard drive the way you want

2- OpenSUSE is not for you! You don't meet the requirements ( http://en.opensuse.org/Sysreqs) and even with the requirements, it's a slow distribution..

3-You don't meet Fedora requirements: http://docs.fedoraproject.org/release-notes/f8/en_US/sn-ArchSpecific.html#sn-ArchSpecific-x86-hw

4- You could consider XUbuntu which is a lighter version of Ubuntu (read https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/SystemRequirements) or Vector Linux (but not the SOHO edition... http://www.vectorlinux.com/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=10&page_id=13)

 

Ah right, I thought my computer could at least handle Fedora 8, and I probably could make it run but as you've suggested, best to go with another one.
I've leaning towards XUbuntu and was wondering, will it be compatible with my modem, graphics card and printer?
Also, what are the main differences between Ubuntu and XUbuntu? (I know my computer can't run Ubuntu)

 

XUbuntu is Ubuntu with a different desktop environment (XFCE instead of Gnome)

Riva TNT2 is supported

Take a look here http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=187152 about supported graphic cards and printers

 

Thanks for the link.
I've decided on XUbuntu now and was wondering what installation should I use; XUbuntu or XUbuntu Alternative?

The normal installation needs at least 128mb however I was thinking that my computer may run faster if I choose XUbuntu Alternative which only needs 64mb.

If XUbuntu Alternative is best, what will I be sacrificing compared to XUbuntu (normal)

Thanks, Jam.

 

The difference with the alternate version is what you get during install (text-mode installer instead of live cd)...it's lighter on resources

other than that, it will be possible to get the same result

 

Ah right, thanks. I think'll I just use the normal XUbuntu installation.

Jam.

 

You should take a look at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/SystemRequirements under "Low-spec computers"

 

For the VM Cable Modem, you'll have to search for the specific make/model of Cable Modem to see if there is a USB linux driver.

I am fortunate because my VM Cable Modem (I think it is an Ambit 255) only has an Ethernet port, so I was not tempted over to the dark-side

 

I would recommend dropping in some memory and you should be able to run any distro you want. Memory for that system is fairly cheap.

 

Hmm, I think'll I research on that as obviously I need the internet working. Where shall I research for the driver, ntl/vm website or google?

 

jam12. could you be more specific about the modem?

 

Hmm, I just done a bit of researching there isn't really a lot of info on connecting a modem to linux via USB. Plus, stupid virgin media doesn't seem to have any driver for my modem.

My modem is a NTL 200 Broadband (08004EU) . Its a good 4-5 years old I think.
If I were to some how get an ethernet connection to my computer, will my modem install without a driver? I was thinking of getting a ethernet PCI adapter.

Thanks, Jam.

 

VM/NTL do not support Linux, and since NTL rebranded as VM they no longer support USB on their current Cable modems.

Looking at http://www.chetnet.co.uk/articles/index.php?page=index_v2&id=91&c=4 you have an Ambit 200 modem.

Looking at the 2.6.x kernel source, if you are lucky, the USB driver cdc_ether.c may work with the NTL (Ambit) 200 modem.

I still think connecting via Ethernet is the better choice, as Linux distros are normally designed to work with Ethernet out of the box, depending on the distro - Ethernet can enabled at the installer stage opening up the possibility of a minimal CD net based install, etc. You can buy Ethernet cards very cheaply these days, and your NTL (Ambit) 200 has both USB and Ethernet.

Later, I've the Cable Modem Howto, I can't believe that it didn't find this earlier!

http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/Cable-Modem

 

I think TinyMe is definetely worth a shot.

http://tinyme.mypclinuxos.com/

 

Infact guys, my scanner may not also function with Linux. I've just gone to the canon website and they have no drivers for my particular scanner (LIDE 35) on Linux . HP, manufacturer of my printer, does however - the HPLIP website offers these.

I'm thinking that Linux could cause me a lot of hassle despite the OS being free and potenially making my computer run faster.
Any suggestions?

Thanks, Jam.

 

Dual-booting is a good option.

 

The best advice that I can give you is - Stop thinking like a Windows user!

Things are a bit different in Linux, it is usually best (unless you know what you are doing) not to download drivers directly from a manufacturer's web site or from any other web site for that matter, unless you are really sure that they will work with your particular linux distro version and linux kernel.

As you have discovered, manufacturers don't often have linux drivers on their web sites, but that does not mean that there aren't drivers available (some even have support from the manufacturer). Search the web.

For scanners, the SANE project works for some scanners apparently including your CanoScan LIDE 35, but don't download the software from the SANE site - your linux distro most likely already has a binary software package[1] that you can install.

http://www.sane-project.org/sane-mfgs.html#Z-CANON

[1] You need to check the distro package to see what version of the SANE software they have, in case the LIDE 35 support listed is a recent addition.

 

Thats not a possibility I'm afraid unless you can tell me how to fit 2 OS's on a 13GB Hard disk.

Hmm, I had a look at this website earlier actually an it does seem to support my scanner. Guess I'll just have to have a bash at installing XUbuntu and see how it goes.

Thanks!
Jam.