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[Tom Huppi]

On Mon, 24 Jan 2005, Redman Jack wrote:

> If you're looking for lightweight software you
> might want to check out the RULE Linux web site.
>
>        http://www.rule-project.org/
>
> RULE stands for Run Up2date Linux Everywhere.
> Rule is intended for building systems on
> older eqipement.
> The main thing that they have is a Xorg replacement
> called kdrive that you should check out.

Ah!  I had not grasped that 'kdrive' was on Xorg/XFree86
replacement.  Too bad it's in the ports collection.  Do you have
any experiance with it?  My concern would be how it interoperates
with various existing x11-toolkits (but I only vaugly understand
the technology and potential sticking points.)

> Another place to look is VectorLinux.
>
>        http://www.vectorlinux.com/
>
> It's another lightweight Linux designed for
> older hardware.
>
> I'm not suggesting that you change to Linux
> but these sites may give you ideas or
> leads to other lightweight software.
>
> Hope that this is helpful.

It is.  My initial thought was to use Linux since there are so
many purpose oriented distributions.  I also ran across 'wclp',
but the other two you mentioned seem to be constantly comming up
on my searches too.  I actually learned of 'dillo' from one
of these distribution's web pages.

Later I started to shift to thinking maybe I should do this
project (upgrading my friend's old machine) with FreeBSD.  I think
the OS itself is probably as suitable as most Linux kernels, and I
know FreeBSD infinitly better.  I see my choices here as:

 - Re-install his Win95 and try to tell him how to aviod viruses.

 - Try to pick a good and well supported Linux distro and learn it
well enough to make it work for his limited needs.

 - Install modern FreeBSD and try to choose lightweight apps.  His
current Win95 is very slow so even FreeBSD thrashing like mad
might be an improvement.

 - Grab one of my many ancient FreeBSD install disks, throw a few
things on the machine, and forget about my normal tendancy to want
to keep things up to date.

Dunno what to do yet, but I've got a few weeks to figure it out.

Thanks,

 - Tom