Welcome to Linux

It's good that you're reading up on your facts before making the switch to Linux, because you can make a lot of mistakes.

You're going to be asking a lot of a computer like that to get office performance. Any distribution can handle office, but it's just a matter of setting it up. Redhat comes with Open office (this will be your primary office program in Linux). I'm not positive but I think Mandrake does as well. The only problem is that both of these distributions are to say the least bulky. They will probably install some things you don't want, and are sort of slow on the front end.

But, if you are willing to put some time into you machine (I stress if, because you simply may not have the time), then get Slackware or maybe Debian. Debian is harder to install, but easier to manage once installed. Debian also has a built in package manager, which will help you out a lot. Slackware would be my real recommendation though. I have never had anything not work with Slackware yet (except my wireless but that's intel's fault ). The only problem with Slackware is that you'll be thrown full force into that steep Linux learning curve that users of Mandrake and Redhat are available to avoid. Some people say Slackware's installation is tough, but it is fairly painless once you read a little about how to partition a hard drive. Even with a full install Slackware will only take up 2 gigs. (As opposed to significantly more from mandrake and redhat). Also, Slack will move MUCH MUCH quicker than mandrake and redhat. Slackware handles older systems very well, and shines even on high end stuff. I recommend Slackware only because you seem pressed for hardware resources. But ONLY get Slackware if you're willing to put some time into learning Linux.

Distros to stay away from are important too. The only one that comes to mind are any of the non mainstream distributions, because they require some learning as well. Also, stay away from Gentoo, because there are quite a few reasons not to use it on a 600mhz celeron with a dialup.

Those are my two cents on the issue. It's going to be a trade off. If you want your computer to run faster, and don't mind putting in some extra work, get Slackware. If you want it to be set up for you, go ahead and get Mandrake, but don't expect it to blaze.

Also, if you're going to use slackware (I think mandrake would take care of this for you) You can use this:

http://linux-ntfs.sourceforge.net/

to resize your win2k partition (BACK UP FIRST) I've used it myself with great success.

I hope you stay with Linux

Moving to the Distribution Forum

You'll get a bit more of a specific response since that's really what you are after, distro info

Cool

Eterion,

Do yourself a favor and get more ram. Hardware components are dirt cheap nowadays; I am pretty sure you're aware of that. Add to your pc a 256mb ram stick; I have seen it retail for $9 (pc133, after rebate) at major retailers like OfficeMax/Depot, BestBuy or MicroCenter. Most major Linux distros require at least 128mb ram to run heavy (most popular) desktops like KDE or Gnome. Good luck.

Great suggestion Tuvok! I KNOW i need RAM too. And I do have extensive knowledge on putting a PC together, so upgrading RAM is nothing. Little problem tho, my very first post explained I was on a laptop. This is a notebook computer. Short of me opening up something im not experienced in, I think its safe to say, im stuck with my 64MB RAM. So with that in mind, whats the best software? and how come Mandrake isnt sold anywhere in retailers? ive checked almost everywhere.

Eterion,

Ram for laptops is equally cheap (256mb for under $30). Check the following retailers for Mandrake (you can also check their sites for availability):

MicroCenter Walmart

Good luck.

But dont you have to open up a laptop to install RAM? Ok maybe I am a bit outdated in the world of computers... but how would I install RAM on my notebook? I thought they werent upgradable. OH and finally, i noticed in your profile you enjoy Chess... want to play a game or two sometime?

Eterion,

Do some googling on whether your laptop's ram is upgradable; most are. It's no brainer to replace a memory stick in a laptop. I do enjoy playing chess; on what servers (or sites) do you play?

Tuvoc... i have a old Dell Inspiron 3800... i dont know if theres memory sticks that are compatible with my notebook. And if there are, how do they work? Do they just magically add this RAM thing?
I used to play on ICC (chessclub.com), but that was whack, now I play on www.pogo.com
My prefer time controls are 1minute chessplay on pogo but i can play any time controls up to 30 minutes at ICC. (the reason is that people prog at pogo but they cant prog at ICC. Anyway, contact me and we'll play!

Hi,

Usually on the bottom of the laptop is a flap that is ?screwed? down. I think, if i remember correctly that this is where you seat you RAM in your laptop.

Dell even tell you how to do it with pictures!! Go to http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems...y_module_cover

It also tells you other cool stuff like how to change the keyboard, screen etc... it tells you how to dissassemble your entire laptop :O I have never seen that on a manufacturers website This means if you want you can upgrade your HDD

While trawling the web to see if I could find some instructions about installing RAM on your Dell i turned up this:

Install Red Hat 7.2 on Dell Inpiron 3800: http://legoland.mednet.ucla.edu/loening/linux-3800.html

Install Slackware 8 on Dell Inspiron 3800:
http://danplanet.com/dell_3800.html

Install Debian 3 on Dell Inspiron 3800:
http://www.dooglio.net/dell_inspiron_3800.html

Some of those are a bit outdated, however that may help you with hardware config or just to see what other people went through before you make your choice.

Pnh! Thank you so much for your recommendations and links. Theyve proved to be quite useful in my search for the ultimate replacement for my otherwise, now near-useless windows OS. Cept for its current job of allowing me basic access to this forum, my OS is now useless. The svchost problem has plagued me for roughly weeks now, and soon, it, along with the empire of Microsoft shall fade. Fade into the memories of lore past, when Gates and Co. built and created this condemned pieces of computer crap-complete with an array of glitches and bugs-for may the general public-those feeble enough to liken them to his creations, may bow and serve to eternity, the soon to be ex-god of the computer world. (I just watched the unrated version of Caligula-so my visions of Microsoft's demise is just that much greater). Speaking of which, if you have not already seen it, go and get it, not the R-rated, the unrated version. Very cool movie. the 2 and a half hours helped me kill time as im awaiting my software from Mandrake Direct which is supposed to arrive in 2-3 business days. Thanks all for your help.

I had a virus similar to yours but got rid of it with patches and updates. You'll really enjoy Linux though, if anything for the learning experience and the things you can do with it. I still use Windows for gaming, Photoshop, and MS Office which I dont care what anyone thinks is still the best Office Suite out there but for for an OS nothing beats Linux. I just installed Red Hat 9 the other day, also used Free BSD which requires alot of digging and probing on your behalf. The great thing about Distros such as Mandrake and Red Hat is that you can basically do the same things you do on Windows but so much more. But you're going to have to do some digging. Just like that virus I had I had to do some probing and searching to find out how to get rid of it and thats what you'll have to do to get Linux to really go to work for you. Think of Windows as a car already assembled ready to drive (when it does drive right...LOL) and Linux as a Kit car where you can add what you want and make it do what you want.
I myself though didnt make the switch because of virus' or frustrations ( I still have XP on my second HD) but because I wanted something interesting to learn, play with and have to figure out and since I've installed it, I've become absorbed in it (still trying to figure out how to get my modem to respond) Let us know how the installation and all goes. You're going to run into some frustrations...they wont be the same as the ones you're having with Windows but you still will get stuck alot and thats why this forum is here.

Glad I could be of assistance and help you on your way Linuxdom. Mandrake 8.0 was my first linux distribution and it got me hooked. I havent kicked the M$ OS yet because of some of the software (and that wont run with WINE). Shame really...