Old laptop server, which distro?

[NationOfJoe]

Hi all, i've just gotten into linux and i am running ubuntu dual boot with xp on my new laptop. which leaves me with an old laptop. 1ghz 256mb ram.

I also have a few old hdd's so i want to build a file server. using the drives via usb, i was also hoping to run a SQL server and maybe apache.

i know very little about the differences between different distributions of Linux.
does any one know where is the best place to learn about the differences?
or can anyone suggest a distro that can do software RAID 1 or 5, lightweight and run the serves i need?

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

Check this poll for favorite distro for older/weaker hardware.

You can also have a look at the link in my signature for lots of good information on getting started with Linux.

Hope you enjoy the Linux experience...