For the past 12 months, I've been experimenting with Linux
on survivor PCs. I've installed Linux around 30 times, using
five different distributions on four different computers. I'm
still no expert, but I do have a good idea what's possible on
a survPC.
All you really need for a worthwhile Linux system is a 386
with 8meg RAM and an 80meg HDD. This enables you to do all
the CLI stuff (and there's a hell of a lot of CLI stuff in
Linux). You can even recompile the kernel, but you'd need
a slightly larger HDD for this.
With a somewhat more powerful survPC, you can install X and
run one-off GUI applications, like Netscape. The minimum
for this would be a 486dx40 with 16meg RAM and 120meg HDD.
The big problem for survPC users is that the most popular
Linux distributions target up-to-date computers. They are
optimized for Pentiums and expect a minimum of 500meg of
HDD space. Moreover, in order to appeal to MSwindows users,
they install a bloated GUI desktop as default (which needs
a minimum of 32meg RAM). So, if you want to install Linux
on a survPC, stay away from RedHat, Mandrake, Caldera and
Corel.
The best distributions for survPCs are probably Slackware
and Debian. They both enable you to pick and choose what
to install, so you can create a compact/zippy installation
(very important for survPCs). I think Slackware is better
(particularly for DOS dinosaurs), but it wouldn't be a
mistake to use Debian.
If any of you decide to install Linux on your survPC, let
me know and I'll try to help you through the tricky bits.
Cheers,
Steven
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