Tag Archives: linux distribution

How can I turn a PII Laptop into a linux net admin tool?

I need to find a linux distribution for my old old laptop. Here’s the specs:
- PII 333 MHz Processor
- 96 MB RAM
- 3.3 GB Hard Drive
- No integrated NIC
- USB Ethernet Dongle (Linksys USB200M)
- 24X CDROM
- USB Port

I’m wanting to convert the laptop into a network admin tool. I’d like to use it to accomplish the following tasks:
- Monitor network nodes (PING, SNMP, Latency Tests)
- Network Connectivity and Routing Tests (Telnet, Dig, NSLOOKUP, etc)
- Packet Captures and packet analysis
- Web browsing
- Linux command practices
- GUI interface

So I’m looking for a distribution that will work with my specs and provide as much network tools and functionality as possible.

But wait, there’s more =P

I plan to leave the laptop up and running for long periods of time so I don’t want to use a “live cd” distribution… or rather, I need it to run off of the hard drive.

Key words: Linux, live CD, wireless connectivity, Toshiba Satellite…?

Which would be your first choice of a live CD of a Linux distribution to try if you needed wireless connectivity for a Toshiba Satellite?

If memory serves, the recovery software for the computer had “A100/A105″ on the label, and the computer has Vista Basic and about 1.5 gigs of RAM.
I was guessing that certain live CDs might be optimized for wireless networking and would be more likely than others to include proprietary drivers.

A few weeks ago I put Ubuntu 10.04 LTS on a netbook, but it didn’t seem aware of the wireless hardware present until after running the Synaptic package manager in the presence of a wired network.

Easiest Linux Distribution Similar To Windows?

I would like to try out Linux and am looking for a very easy version of Linux that:

1. Can work as a live CD.
2. Has a feel similar to windows, especially a “windows explorer” and the ability to temporarily save files to a “virtual c drive”.

Thank you

Linux (Kubuntu) help? I cant get Kubuntu to recognize my wireless driver…?

hello, i am trying to run the linux distribution Kubuntu on my inspiron 1520 laptop. When i run Kubuntu from a live cd, after a short period of time, it recognizes a proprietary wireless driver that needs to be installed before i can connect to the internet (duh). Problem. when i install kubuntu via a hard disk partition, it will not recognize the driver, even if i use the start menu to search for proprietary drivers. this has me stumped. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

ps. the driver is a Broadcom b43 wireless driver.

A good Linux distribution for old pc (openSUSE or Ubuntu/Xubuntu)?

There is a sound driver problem on XP. The sound works on the live cd of Ubuntu.
Pentium III 700mhz single core
256mb ram
Ralink wireless-N (need the compatibility)

I know it’s weak.
XP is a bit slow (I can still play Half-Life at lowest resolution) and no sound.

Must run flash player.
Fast interface. (disabling the bells and whistles)
mostly for internet browsing.
Don’t suggest Puppy or DSL because they don’t support wifi, other hardware, or flash well.

openSUSE or Ubuntu (Xubuntu)?