Please help bring new life to old Thinkpad via Linux!

[twer]

Hey guys,

I've recently been given an old R30 Thinkpad. The case is pretty beat up and the battery is on its last legs, but otherwise the machine is fully functional.

Specs:
-900mhz Intel Celeron
-256 MB SDRAM (no free slots)
-15 gig HD
-CD-Rom Drive

Currently the machine is running Windows XP HOME (SP2), but it can get a bit sluggish. I'm completely new to the Linux scene, but have had some experience with command line (DOS+OSX).

The sheer amount of distros makes my head spin and I am really hoping someone might be kind enough to recommend a light weight Linux distro I can install on my R30.

I am hoping to kill two birds with one stone by learning about Linux and improving laptop performance.

Thanks in advance!

[rokytnji]

Xubuntu 8.10 runs fine on my T23 with 256mb of ram.

[saivin]

Hey guys,

Specs:
-900mhz Intel Celeron
-256 MB SDRAM (no free slots)
-15 gig HD
-CD-Rom Drive

I'm completely new to the Linux scene, but have had some experience with command line (DOS+OSX).

I am hoping to kill two birds with one stone by learning about Linux and improving laptop performance.

Hi buddy,
Zenwalk is THE distro for you in my opinion. Solid Slackware base, mid-range polish, fast and efficient Xfce Desktop Environment... Visit their site www.zenwalk.org - Ever tried zen computing? to learn more about it.

[Bemk]

Roky came up with Xubuntu, which is a nice one, but maybe you should also take a look at puppy linux. This distro is extremely efficient, and you will need to get some knowledge.

[rokytnji]

I also run Puppy Dingo on 256 mb ram on a 900mhz Laptop. Also replying to this post using Mepis AntiX on same Laptop (Dualboot) Good point there Bemk. Lots of choices for that R30, huh.

[reed9]

Also try Antix, a lightweight distro based on SimplyMepis.