The Linux distros have much cooler names than Mac and Windows OSs.
Give Puppy a try. Basic functionality in a very small package. There are flavors that have a slightly larger footprint with more features.
Basic Puppy
Some other versions linked to here:
http://www.puppylinux.com/other.htm
But after all this time they still won’t give me functionality with my Verizon air card without my having to stand on my head and wave my arms wildly around.
Puppy works well with my old laptop. Much faster than WIN ME it came with.
The fastest Linux I’ve ever used is when I “rolled my own”, i.e., start with an Ubuntu minimal installation. It takes a little longer to get running, though.
First, you have to download the minimal installer, http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/karmic/main/installer-i386/current/images/netboot/mini.iso
When you boot the live CD, type, “cli” and follow the directions. It will take a long time, and you have to have an internet connection.
On the first boot, simply type, “sudo apt-get install lxde synaptic” That will install the Lightweight X11 Desktop System, which is very light, yet very usable. Reboot, then you can add programs point-and-click style as needed using Synaptic, choosing only what you need (CUPS printing, web browser, etc.)
You get an incredibly lightweight system that has no extra bloat.
I currently have this setup running on a 333 mHz computer with only 128 megs of ram. It is not super fast, but it is very usable.
I’ve never tried CrunchBang before. Might fire it up in VirtualBox and see what it’s all about.
Also ran across another useful one called Super Ubuntu. Which is Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic with all the extra audio, dvd, and video codecs preinstalled including many extra programs. Saves alot of post installation time setting up. Install is over 1gb in size, real quick with USB drive.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Super-OS-9-10-Karmic-Koala-with-Muscles-130795.shtml
