PC System requirements for Linux o/s

Sure it can run one of the linux distros. Personally, I like Slackware. You will have to do some configuration, but that's half the fun. I'm using Slackware 10.0 on a 450 MHz AMD-K2 with 192 Meg RAM and 2 8 gig hard drives. Works like a champ. It slows dramatically when using KDE or Gnome desktop environment, so I use one of the lightweight window managers, like XFCE.

One of the great things about linux is there's a distro available for just about every system out there. Take a look at http://distrowatch.com/ for more choices.

F_M

Hello,

You can run linux with your older PC. Although 256 Mbytes of RAM is enough to "run" the latest versions of "heavier" graphical environments as Gnome or Kde, you should try to save memory for other applications (Firefox, OpenOffice, etc.) in order to reduce disk trashing. You could try a "light" graphical environment as Xfce in order to save memory. For example, you can check http://linuxreviews.org/software/desktops/ to see the memory footprint of various grahpical environments.

Currently there are a lot of Linux distributions. Suse, Mandriva and Ubuntu are very user friendly and also easy to install.

You can only run Microsoft Office in Linux through a wine (Windows Emulator) based product called CrossOver Office as far as I know. But probably you would be happy using OpenOffice (can import/export MS formats).

Regards,
Victor

I see your main goals are compatibility with your older hardware, and office software availability. Which means you'll need something that's rock-solid, with apps that "just work". So it sounds like you're about to learn some Slackware!

This is an optional step, but... download one of the available "live" Slackware-based CDs, like SLAX or others. It'll allow you to test-drive Linux without actually installing it on your hard drive or erasing any data. This way, you'll get a feel for how your hardware might interact with full-blown Slackware. (It'll also decrease the Slack learning curve, which is always a good thing.)

For a central spot to download any Linux CD you want (for free), try Distrowatch.com, if you have cable/DSL.

Now, be advised that Slackware Linux is no punk. Configuration will be tough your first time around but, like the previous responder said, that's part of the fun of learning "real" Linux. Use the online documentation and forums, and you'll be up & running in no time. And once you've got Slack set up the way you want it, your old hardware will love you for it.

You'll be able to run your Firefox, email clients & other office programs (OpenOffice, KOffice, etc.) with little to no trouble.

MS Office & many other Windows programs will run on Linux with the help of programs like CrossOver Office. CrossOver's not free, though.

And don't worry about your system requirements, you've got enough listed to run a basic Linux setup w/ browsers & office programs.

Hope this helps.

http://www.slackware.com
http://www.slackbook.org

Hi,

perhaps you could take a look at gentoo? It compiles on your box at install time so it moulds itself to the available hardware for maximum performance. As previously stated, 256M isn't much memory these days, but there are some not too bad desktops with a reasonable footprint (windowmaker is one).

enjoy, sm

Should be plenty. I suggest Fedora Core 3 or 4 with FVWM and Firefox for browing.

I would suggest, if you know what you are doing, Slackware or Gentoo.

Open Office is the office suite similar to MS Office. Abiword is a Wordalike that is quite light weight and excellent with slower machines.

pick any distro.

you may find newer versions will have same bog-down as xp.

a distro comes with several gui options, several web browsers, and at least 2 office suite options.

you can download free versions of all distros.

corssoveroffice ( a tools for running ms office in linux ) is not free, but it works well with any non 3d application.

non 3d meaning don't try to use it for a 3d modelling application like 3d studio max, lightwave, rhinoceros...

even adobe creative suite will install under crossover office into linux.

Thank you all for your comments & suggestions, I am grateful & looking forward to an alternative to being told how new a system I must have in order to run the software package that I am told I must run! Choices are good.

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