[COLUG] looking for some basic introductory information on linux

[Paul Williams]

On Fri, 2007-01-19 at 09:34 -0800, Larry W. Virden wrote:
> I have a son trying to build his first linux system. He has an old
> gateway desktop computer with 128 meg of memory in it. When he tries
> to install ubuntu, it doesn't make it through. He suspects there
> isn't enough memory in the machine for it to be able to install.

> So where can I find a version of Linux that would install on such a
> small machine? He would add memory, but it can only hold another 128
> meg, and the local stores have been saying they don't carry such
> small memory any longer.
> 
I would recommend using Xubuntu, if your son seems to be interested in
Ubuntu. Xubuntu is an Ubuntu derivative that uses the Xfce desktop
environment, which is less resource-hungry then Ubuntu's desktop
environment, GNOME.
You can download Xubuntu at http://xubuntu.com/get
I recommend downloading the alternate install CD, which only requires
128 MB RAM to use.
> Also, once he gets linux onto the desktop, what are some
> recommendations for low cost internet, so he can get online and get
> updated applications, send email, etc.?
> 
Thanks, Paul Williams - paul at smoothweb.net Support Free Software -
http://www.fsf.org