linux distos for computrers with low ram

[DUDE_2000]

We have some old computers in the garage, that I would like to resurrect, but the main distros of linux that I know of need more ram than these computers have, does anyone know of a distro that runs well with less than, say 116 megs of ram.

[FuturePilot]

Damn Small Linux (http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/)

Run light enough to power a 486DX with 16MB of Ram

[smoker]

hi, you could try damn small linux, or puppy linux:
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

http://www.puppylinux.org/user/viewpage.php?page_id=1

best of luck

[bukwirm]

Ubuntu with Fluxbox (or similar) as a WM.

[Stew2]

Another vote for Puppy, I think it will run with 64 megs of ram. Very fast OS as it loads into ram.

[bone43]

We have some old computers in the garage, that I would like to resurrect, but the main distros of linux that I know of need more ram than these computers have, does anyone know of a distro that runs well with less than, say 116 megs of ram.


Have a look at this..

http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS8031025874.html

AntiX is based on MEPIS which is based on Ubuntu Ive been meaning to give this a try on my old laptop but havent found the time.

[cunawarit]

I'd go for Damn Small Linux, if you use Ubuntu you'll be automatically familiar with it as it is also based on Debian, albeit Woody... I think...

[smoker]

there's quite a choice of mini-distros here:
http://www.linuxlinks.com/Distributions/Mini_Distributions/

[marsmissionaries]

slackware using a lightweight window manager.

[maddot]

There are a couple, if you intend to not do very much then barebone dsl is good, considering that you are fine with console mode.

i've tried puppy and i have to admit it is good, but the name makes me cringe every time... heh.

knoppix can be modded to fit into your criteria... Actually, the right question to ask is if the os can fit into the hard disk, since it's an old system right? Old system = old hdd..and if it is anything like my old amdk6....i have only 2 gigs on it...

[vexorian]

There's Slax popcorn.

Puppy sounds very interesting might try it, but is it legal that it brings the flash plugin?

[init1]

Puppy, TTY linux (command line only), and Vector.
Oh, and try Deli linux. It was designed for old computers.

[GrueTamer]

Slackware/slack based stuff (zenwalk, vector) are all good choices. Those are the ones I would recommend the most.

[DM was on fire!]

I'd say either Knoppix or Damn Small Linux, especially considering the latter is based on Debian like Ubuntu is. Hooray familiarity!

[LaRoza]

I was able to install Zenwalk on a very old computer with only 64 MB of RAM, it is different, but it works.

[energiya]

I use Zenwalk with fluxbox.
http://pix.nofrag.com/b5/4f/cbcd4cd640d5cf657c83c8245632t.jpg (http://pix.nofrag.com/b5/4f/cbcd4cd640d5cf657c83c8245632.html)
Look at the memory usage... 33.6 MB. You can add a lot more stuff and still keep it under 50MB. With the standard Zenwalk install I was getting around 60 MB, I think, but with XFCE.

[johnny4north]

i would try the DSL and puppy linux 1st. both boot into cd's. i cant remember if Zenwalk is a live cd?,but try Zenwalk. all three are great distros. :)

[init1]

i would try the DSL and puppy linux 1st. both boot into cd's. i cant remember if Zenwalk is a live cd?,but try Zenwalk. all three are great distros. :)
No, Zenwalk is not live CD. The most you can get is a command line with basic commands that the installer uses.

[kerry_s]

I use Zenwalk with fluxbox.
http://pix.nofrag.com/b5/4f/cbcd4cd640d5cf657c83c8245632t.jpg (http://pix.nofrag.com/b5/4f/cbcd4cd640d5cf657c83c8245632.html)
Look at the memory usage... 33.6 MB. You can add a lot more stuff and still keep it under 50MB. With the standard Zenwalk install I was getting around 60 MB, I think, but with XFCE.

Wow, 18.0c is that right? what are you using for cooling?

I use debian+fluxbox

[IceVapour]

I personally use Puppy Linux on my laptop (2ghz AMD 64, 1gb ram) and also installed it on my mother's laptop (400mhz, 128mb ram). Both run spectacularly fast. My only complaint with Puppy is that single clicking takes a while to get used to! So far, it's been the only distro that has handled my wireless properly. And yes, I did used to use Ubuntu ;)

[digital_exhaust]

Zenwalk works well for me on my old laptop with 64m....

[energiya]

Wow, 18.0c is that right? what are you using for cooling?

I use debian+fluxbox

I activated the power saving mode for my AthlonXP and I get 22-24 Celsius with a room temperature of 30-32 degrees Celsius (Without the power saving mode I get about 34-38 degrees). In winter I was getting about 14-16 with a room temperature of 20 degrees. The shot was taken at a room temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.
...and it also helps having the case open and a huge fan with 2900-3000 rpm.