I have an old 486 that I've decided to network into my computer. I want to install a small distribution of linux that has: GUI not needed can run a c++ compiler(GCC?) networking capabilities lives on the hard drive, i.e. creates a file system. the floppy distributions mostly only run in ram and I don't think that's what I want. the computer has a 500mb hard drive and all I want it for is networking simplicities and c++ development. I don't want a full-fledged linux(RedHat or SuSe) but something small for networking/development and lives on a hard drive! Please help.

Try this URL: http://gudanglinux.or.id/data/reviews/ On the left-hand side are links to reviews about different applications and linux distros. Should be helplful. If not, search for "linux distribution comparison" (or something like that). Hiran

doesnt seem a tall order, try http://www.tal.org/linux/talinux/ for 250 meg installed or http://tiny.seul.org/en/ is smaller you might add networking to it or even http://www.ibiblio.org/vectorlinux/ i wanted to make use of on old pc but havent got round to it yet.. hth

Hi, try: www.debian.org if you have DSL or flatrate you can install debian dirctly from the net using two bootdisks and four modules-disks. You will be prompted for advanced installation where you can select every single package you want. I installed debian linux on a Cyrix 486 50Mz with a 400MB hdd and it works. Good luck, Solo