Linux Format forums

rossi46

I'm trying to ressurect an old Dell Latitude 233/64 laptop just to see if I can.

It runs perfectly well with its win 98 OS, but I'm wanting something a bit less sterile for the old girl.

This weekend I've tried SAM, Zenwalk, TinyMe, Puppy and more - all with varying degrees of success, ranging from complete system locks (Mandriva One) to okayish but very sluggish performance (SAM). I did manage to get Sam and Puppy online, but I'm not happy with the general running of them to consider them permanent additions to my old machine. DSL installs flawlessly, but the graphics are corrupt evey time.

Any ideas or suggestions, please?

ta Wink

Eionmac · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 9:40 pm Post subject: Old computer Linux

Try Beatrix or SLAX Peanuts (120 odd MB) both run on Pii and Piii

nordle · LXF regular Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:56 pm Posts: 1497

I run xubuntu on a similar machine, 266/144.....I guess its the RAM that will cause the biggest problem.
_________________
I think, therefore I compile

rossi46 · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject: RE: Old computer Linux

Judging by the reviews, Beatrix would seem to be the one for my old machine. Trouble is it boots and stops at "looking for cd rom at /cdl1"

my cd is at /dhc

I'd really like to use Beatrix

wyliecoyoteuk · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:19 am Post subject: RE: Old computer Linux

Have you tried the alternate video settings for DSL?
_________________
The sig between the asterisks is so cool that only REALLY COOL people can even see it!

*************** ************

rossi46 · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 2:10 pm Post subject: RE: Old computer Linux

No I just let DSL install its default way. I'd be most interested in finding out how to change the settings.

Also, I installed the Beatrix distro, but the default desktop size is much bigger than my screen space. Thus, the toolbar is out of sight. I've poked about as much as I can but I can't locate any option to change screen mode. Can anyone point me in the right direction, please?

rossi46 · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 2:22 am Post subject: RE: Old computer Linux

The old girl's for the bin!

I'm now at the stage where any OS would do. I can run Beatrix, Puppy and even SAM as live distros, but nothing seems to want to install. I've now clocked-up over 30hours trying this and burnt 20-odd cds.

Ironically, I tried putting Windows 98 SE back in and I didn't even get to the partitioning page before being told I didn't have enough memory.

Oh well - nothing ventured, etc.

chrishall57 · Joined: Tue May 03, 2005 2:13 pm Posts: 45

For reference Beatrix is no longer being developed. However there is a fork called Beafanatix. Might be worth trying that as you'll have the developers to help out.
_________________
http://thesignofthecross.blogspot.com
Trisquel 5.0 / Antix M11

wyliecoyoteuk · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:16 pm Post subject:

IIRC, DSL aks about Framebuffer or VESA before starting the Xserver.

Start the pc with dsl disk in, at the prompt, type

install

when asked about graphics, select VESA.

(you an also run different install options by using the F keys)
_________________
The sig between the asterisks is so cool that only REALLY COOL people can even see it!

*************** ************

rossi46 · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:15 pm Post subject:

Wahaay! Panic over.

I installed Zenwalk on the 3rd attempt (it was having difficulty writing to the MBR) and it runs very smoothly in Xfce with 64mb ram. I now need to figure out how to get the wireless network 'seen' and I'm sorted.

The old bird with her miniscule ram and drive lives to see another dawn.

Paul

towy71 · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 10:24 pm Post subject:

leke · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 12:03 am Post subject:

I'm using AntiX on the Dell Latitude CPi (Pent 2, 128mb). It uses Fluxbox and is reported to run ok with 64MB.
_________________
I codes here: http://notsure.tk

rossi46 · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 11:01 pm Post subject:

towy71 · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Well...