Which distro to use on older laptop

[rivels]

Hello
I'm fairly familiar with linux but, it's been a while since I've last used it.
As a result, it has been quite a task to select the appropriate distro, to add to the situation; I've gotten a laptop as a gift and not sure what to run on it.

I plan to use this as a netbook and for college work (Graphic Design)
Thanks in advance

rivels

A distro which can support these specs would help:
Sony VAIO PCG-XE17 Specifications

Processor


* Intel Pentium III 800MHz/650MHz with 32KB L1 cache and 256KB L2 cache with Intel SpeedStep Technology

Chipset


* Intel 440BX AGP chipset

Memory


* 128MB SDRAM expandable to 256MB

Graphics


* S3 Savage IX Graphics Controller
* 8MB integrated video RAM
* 2x AGP

LCD Display


* 14.1 inch XGA TFT color display with a removable dust-free panel

Display Modes


* 1024 x 768 at 32bit color
* 800 x 600 at 32bit color

External Display Modes


* 1600 x 1200 at 16bit color
* 1280 x 1024 at 32bit color
* 1024 x 768 at 32bit color
* 800 x 600 at 32bit color
* 640 x 480 at 32bit color

Media


* Removable 4x4x24x Matsushita CD-RW drive on Multi-purpose Bay
* Swappable with floppy disk drive or optional second battery

Storage


* 20GB removable Ultra ATA hard disk, separated into two 10GB partitions

I/O


* ON SYSTEM: 1 x USB 1 x i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 (4-pin)
* 1 x Mic-in (mono)
* 1 x Headphone out (stereo)
* 1 x VGA output
* 1 x FDD/Docking station port

ON MINI DOCKING STATION:
* 2 x Type-II PC Card Slots (additional)
* 2 x USB
* 1 x i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 (4-pin)
* 1 x VGA output
* 1 x serial port
* 1 x parallel port
* 1 x S-Video out port
* 1 x composite RCA video-out
* 1 x Control A1 II
* 1 x optical digital out
* 1 x audio line in/out
* 1 x PS/2 port
* 1 x floppy disk drive IDE connector

PC Card Slot


* 2 x 32-bit Type II or 1 Type-III, Cardbus compatible on system (additional 2 on Docking Station)

Audio


* Yamaha DS-XG PCI Audio (WDM)
* Built-in stereo speakers

Pointing Device/Keyboard


* Alps GlidePoint
* Sony Jog Dial control
* 19-mm pitch/key stroke 3mm

Power Requirements


* AC adapter or lithium-ion battery (PCGA-BP71)
* Up to 3.5 hours of use with standard battery

Dimension / Weight


* 308 x 261.2 x 39 (max 45)mm (W x H x D)
* 2.8 kg (using standard batterypack and weight saver)

Accessories/Software/Warranty Supplied


* AC adapter (PCGA-AC19V)
* Rechargeable battery (PCGA-BP71)
* Floppy disk drive
* CD-RW drive
* Mini Docking Station
* Software: Windows ME, Adaptec DirectCD, Adobe Premiere 5.1 LE, QuickTime 4.1, Real Player 7.0, Sony DVGate 2.2, McAfee VirusScan 5.0, Sony PictureGear 5.0, Sony Smart Capture 4.0, Memory Stick Formatter 1.1, Power Panel 4.0, Visual Flow 2.0.

[rokytnji]

I suggest AntiX8 which is Based on Debian Lenny and Mepis

Main Page - antiX

I run it on a laptop with your specs and wirelessly.

[Dark Nuker]

Well, when it comes to Linux, one of the benefits is that no matter what distro you go with, Linux doesn't use up all your resources like Windows does. Even with your older laptops specs, you should be able to run Linux on it comfortably without lag or any issues with your hardware.

As for a recommendation, I'm currently running Mandriva Linux and I love it. It's very easy to use and pretty friendly to beginners. I'm not sure what the other distro's offer for imbedded programs upon install, but Mandriva comes with OpenOffice Suite (eqivalent to MS Office, only free), and comes with a graphics program called GIMP.

[jayd512]

Welcome to the Forums!

You might want to check out this poll for distros on older hardware. The only thing that might slow you down is the RAM. But if you boost it to 256, you'll have quite a few options.

[rivels]

Thank you for all the comments. Will give a few distros a try and let you know how it goes.

[computerophil]

A distro which can support these specs would help:
Sony VAIO PCG-XE17 Specifications

Processor

* Intel Pentium III 800MHz/650MHz with 32KB L1 cache and 256KB L2 cache with Intel SpeedStep Technology

I always had made good expirence with Puppy Linux specialy with older Hardware. But you you can also try an older distro (because of the drivers).
At my homepage you can find links to e.g. older Knoppix, Puppy Links and various others.