Which linux distro would be best?

Question

I want to install a new OS on my old emachines T1840. I can't decide on a linux distro. I need something that will run fast on this old computer. So far I've thought about Damn Small Linux and xUbuntu. What other distros are for low performance computers.

The specs are:
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
CPU: Intel® Celeron® Processor 1.80GHz (w/128KB L2 cache & 400MHz FSB)
Chipset: Intel® 845GL chipset
Memory: 128MB DDR (PC2100)
Hard Drive: 40GB HDD
Optical Drive: 40 × 12x40 Max. CD-RW Drive; 16x DVD Drive; 3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Video: Intel® Extreme Graphics 3D (845GL shared)
Sound: AC '97 Audio
Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
Modem: 56K ITU v.92-ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals: Keyboard, Wheel Mouse, Stereo Speakers
Ports/Other: 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, Mic-In & Head Phone jack on front, Audio-In & Out, 3 PCI slots (2 available)
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 14.125"H x 16"

Answer 1

Your memory is a little low, so I'm going to recommend Xubuntu. If you upgraded you RAM, though, to 256 MB or more, you could run almost any distro that you wanted.

Some other distributions that I have run are:

DeLi Linux: Has a somewhat difficult set up
Damn Small Linux: Might actually be overkill, since it doesn't even begin to push a lot of computers.
Vector Linux: I couldn't get the video to work right, but you might have some luck with it.
FreeSpire: Slow, but it is slow on all computers. It is also better with some wireless cards than other distros
PC-BSD: Surprisingly responsive on 128 MB of RAM for a KDE desktop. Note that this is a BSD distro, not Linux. You may not notice a difference, though.

With 128 MB of RAM, you may have to use the alternate install CD for Xubuntu.

Oh, I forgot PuppyLinux. It's easy to use, but it is mostly a LiveCD, and doesn't install easily to a hard drive.

Answer 2

there are hundreds of distros out there, even for older hardware.
something like saxonos would be great on there, take a look at the link provided you will see a few on here

Answer 3

While you're looking, take a look at SimplyMepis 6.5. I use that now and has been recommended for newbies.