My mom has a really old PC (she doesn't want to spend any money) and is complaining that it is too slow. The specs are: Intel Celeron 400 MHz 192MB RAM (not even DDR) 40GB Hard Drive USB Wireless Network Adapter Windows XP Professional Would you guys (and gals) recommend Linux for this PC? If so, which distro(s) would you recommend?

BTW, my mom doesn't know anything about Linux. She's what you would probably call a novice user, used to the Windows UI, Internet Explorer, and mouse clicking. I haven't used Linux much lately, and I don't know much about the Linux filesystem structure, configuring Linux, WINE, etc. but I want it to resemble Windows as closely as possible. She'll also want to do some basic productivity stuff (I'd probably get OpenOffice, but I don't know where to save the documents or how to install OpenOffice. Really.). Could you give me some tips on the basics of Linux?

You have a computer perfect for slackware. Although it is possible (yet pretty hard) to just start of with an install and know what you are doing, I would highly recommend seeking help. Perhaps you should find a local friend or someone from your local LUG (linux user group) to help install your first distro, as well as teach you the basics. Good tutorial: http://linuxcourse.rutgers.edu/rute/rute.html Good forum for help: www.justlinux.com i am eskiled at the justlinux forums :) eskiled hp a430n (winxp) 160gb hdd GeForce4 MX 440 64mb ram 512Ram dvd writer/cdrw drive cdrom drive Mandrake 10 10gb hdd unmounted zip drive dvdrom floppy 192mb

Just remembered a great link that shows you (with picutres/screenshotso) EXACTLY how to install slackware...step by step. http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?postid=311808 Good luck, eskiled eskiled hp a430n (winxp) 160gb hdd GeForce4 MX 440 64mb ram 512Ram dvd writer/cdrw drive cdrom drive Mandrake 10 10gb hdd unmounted zip drive dvdrom floppy 192mb

Check my signature (updated) for really good tutorials and other sites. I especially like http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/index.html My Linux Bookmarks: http://linuxcourse.rutgers.edu/rute/rute.html http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?postid=311808 http://www.linuxcommand.org/index.php http://www.linuxsur

Oh ahha sorry for so many extra posts. I forgot to tell you. I myself use linux on an amd k6-2 (350mhz) 64mb of ram and 10gb hard drive--runs beautifully. It is not on common to install slackware on computers with: 233mhz cpu and 32mb of ram HAha i know one guy who used to run linux off of a 75mhz pc with 2mb ram :D. Anyways it can be done :P!!! goodluck eskiled My Linux Bookmarks: http://linuxcourse.rutgers.edu/rute/rute.html http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?postid=311808 http://www.linuxcommand.org/index.php http://linux-newbie

I'm not opposed to Slackware (It's been about 6 years since I've last used it), but there may be simpler solutions. With your specs, you should be able to use just about any of the newer distributions. For someone such as yourself, you might want to try Mandrake or a distro that runs off the CD, such as Knoppix. By the way, why is this PC seemingly so slow? Spyware? Maybe (although coming to Linux is a good thing) this PC just needs a little TLC - remove unneeded programs/clean up the hard disk, run Adaware/Spybot S&D/Hijack This, etc (maybe just reinstalling the Windows OS for Mom is the way to go, for now - Maybe dual booting Linux - installing it 2nd - is a good way to transition her from Windows to Linux. Good luck.