I just learned what Linux even was today so as soon as i figured it out i did some research on Google and asked a few question on the forums. But I am here to ask I have a 2002 computer that i would like to get Linux on but S am not sure if i should use it off of a thumb drive or not. I only have 256 MB of ram so i need something very light. I am not sure how to make my choice so any help?

On older computers such as yours, I have run (a quick google will find you links):

Which of those do you think would be the best for me. I dont want something too easy but also not too hard.

Download one or all of these in iso form, then burn the iso in a CD and boot your computer from the CD. Once you have done that post back here and let us know.

http://www.slitaz.org/
http://vectorlinux.com/downloads -------------------------> Download the light family edition
http://antix.mepis.org/index.php?tit...Page#Downloads
http://www.salixos.org/wiki/index.php?title=Download ------>Download the FluxBox edition
http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%...%20Release.htm

The answer depends on... what do you hope to use the computer for? Linux can be used for many different types of project.

A 2002 computer with only 256mb RAM will never be a gaming or multimedia powerhouse, but here are some fun project ideas for your old hardware: http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/09...-old-computer/

Trial an error is your path to a choice.

Some folks have offered good ideas above.

Others might include, slitaz, austrumi, Vector (maybe), antix.

Your issue is twofold maybe. One is the ability to boot to a usb and the other is the ram. Plop may overcome the usb boot to a usb flash. More ram might improve your ability to use more modern systems. Right now you are very limited to a small subset of distro's.


One could use netboot.me for some tests on network boot.


One could also use SuseStudio for a way to create a distro and learn/use it on a web page.

Actually the whole point of me getting Linux is because i want to become a hacker and i have heard this is the OS to use.

I can't help you with that but good luck!

Well,.. we all have goals.

Im not sure about the hardware requirements,.. but for Penetration/Security related OS, you should check out:

Backtrack
Fedora Security Spin
Matriux
BackBox

Well when you say it like that you make me realize there are other options. What kind of other things could I do that has to do with coding and other things like that? Maybe i might just change my mind.

I downloaded the iso and i have it but i am not able to burn it to a CD. Is there anyway to get it onto a CD other then burning it.

You can order a CD that is pre-loaded with the OS.

Apologies. I was inferring that it is generally not a realistic goal to become a "hacker" as defined in the media.

Most of us in the security field are "Security Consultants," "Security Engineers," "Penetration Testers," and so on.

For me, it is sort of like CSI. You've seen CSI? Ok, well, it looks like a cool job. You get to hang out with hot chicks, drive nice cars, work in a good area, use seriously cool tools, and generally tell everyone else what to do. Then you become a CSI yourself and realize that most of the job is taking pictures, scraping poop and pee and pewbs off the floor, and making barely enough to afford mac and cheese.

A true hacker would know how to burn a CD, just sayin'!

If you want help then don't just say "it didn't work;" give us a link to the tutorial you're following and say something like "I'm stuck on Step 4 with the error message ________."

I could recomment Slackware as this is a truely good OS to learn Linux, not just Slackware. Scales well also. Youy don't have to use KDE but opt for a smaller window manager like WindowMaker or FVWM or even XFCE should run on your box. 14.0 is just around the corner.

http://slackbook.org/
http://slackware.com/

Haha no i meant i don't have a CD drive that can do the actual action of burning the CD.