Linux distributions

[Adron]

Just a note, target machine is currently 166 Mhz, 64 MB ram.

Linux linux 2.4.20-24.7 #1 Mon Dec 1 13:21:45 EST 2003 i586 unknown


Maybe quantifying it like that will help you tell me what linux distributions it is too slow for installing at a reasonable speed.

[iago]

I've installed Slackware on a 133, it runs great.  Compiling software is a little slow, but most stuff is offered for Slackware in packages, http://www.linuxpackages.net I think

[Intangir]

i think most of them are gonna be about simlilar except stuff like gentoo which you probably dont want

it also makes some difference what your going to use it for

if your setting up a server you might not want a desktop, some of them install it weither you need it or not

[Adron]

You're right, I don't want any graphical interface, just a console. I don't plan on connecting a mouse, and X is pretty useless without one. Any I should avoid for that reason?

[Schwinn]

I would suggest Slackware for what you are looking for.

[MyndFyre]

I think Slackware has all of what you need.

Take THAT iago! Beat you to it!

Slack doesn't have drivers for my sound card or video card

(Actually I'm sure it'll support my video card )

But playing games without sound is boring.

[Schwinn]

If you have a nVIDIA card you could probably find the drivers for it since there are native linux drivers for nVIDIA cards.

[Intangir]

i havent tried slack

definately dont install mandrake, it is all graphical by default, and corrupted and crap everytime you update anything
definately dont install gentoo, with such old hardware it will take several days to build it, and your not really getting any optimization with such an old processor anyway

im still thinking debian is your best bet, i ran it on my p166 and p200 like years ago..

by default it wont install anything you dont need (except for it installs some ppp stuff which is easily removable)

you can pick and choose precompiled packages using apt-get or aptitude


anyway thats my final recommendation

[Rule]

I installed Mandrake 6.0 on my 133 MHz (16 MB RAM I think), a very long time ago (2000), and it wasn't nearly as bad as intangir described (for me).  I never used any graphical interface, etc, and it had everything I needed and ran smoothly. 

However, nowadays slackware might be your best choice... debian would probably be fine as well.  It's not that big a decision.  Just go for something simple without too many bells and whistles.

..Is it a crime to suggest RedHat?

[iago]

..Is it a crime to suggest RedHat?

Absolutely.

[Adron]

..Is it a crime to suggest RedHat?

Actually, it is running RedHat right now, but I'd like to switch to something better updated...

[Schwinn]

You could use Fedora which is by the developers of Red Hat.