linux on an old, old rig

[statius]

I have an old 486, currently loaded with Win 3.1. There's nothing on there I need and, I thought it might be fun (not to mention, helpful) to format it and install a pared down version of Linux (no X-Windows, etc.), so that I can muck around and, learn Linux with nothing but the command line. The idea is to a) get the basic commands under my belt and, b) contend with a restricted environment, so as to get a clearer picture of the developments leading to the current kernel. Besides, I hate to let a perfectly good machine go to waste.

So, the question is: Is it possible? What kernel should I use? Where do I get it and, how do I install it (sans any distro intallers, I would think)? What other details should I pay especial attention to?

The system is:

486SX Intel w/ co-proccessor @ 33Mhz (66Mhz turboed)
4MB RAM (I think I can ramp this up a bit, if I can find the chip)
120MB HD
28.8 external Zoltrix modem (hardware)
SVGA card
14" generic monitor (w/ no documentation so, I'll need info on how to set that up safely)

Thanks for any help and Merry Christmas,

Iain

[This message has been edited by statius (edited 22 December 2000).]

[mandeep]

Some extra RAM and harddrive space would help, but a custom install of Slackware or Debian would seem like your best option. X could work if you added a bit more RAM, but I'd only use Blackbox or twm (or the like) if I were you.

If you really wanna learn about the CLI and all the technical shizzit, read the NHF's and HowTo's, then play around with what you've learned. Works for me.

[mattmorrow]

I agree with mandeep that more ram would be helpful. My webserver and NFS server are on a 486-DX2 w/ 20MB ram and 540 MB harddrive. It performs just great with X-Windows. For a smaller install, most distro's offer the option to fully customize (e.g., select) which packages to install - which should allow you to keep it simple and small. I prefer RedHat myself. The only problem with this approach is that it assumes a fair knowledge of package content (in order for you to decide which to include). A more immediate option might be to grab one of the mini Linux-on-floppy distros; many of which boot off the floppy into a RAM disk (no hard drive needed). These are very complete with all basic Unix commands, vi, etc. and many even provide basic networking! Search these forums and the web for Linux, floppy, small, etc. Also check the embedded sites like linuxdevices.com that have links to dozens of small footprint distros.
Good Luck!

[Tiger]

I've run RedHat 5.0 with X on my old 486DX4/100. It had a 520M HD and 8M of memory. I bumped the HD up to 1.3 Gig and the memory up to 20M. Soon the very same machine is going to serve as my firewall/masqurade router to and from the internet without an X window install.


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[ph34r]

I've got Slack 7.1 on a laptop with 4mb of ram and a 200mb drive - wiht room to spare, if you just pick the A N and AP disk package sets.

Check the 4mb Laptop HWOTO at www.linuxdoc.org (http://www.linuxdoc.org) for info on how to install - it ain't your normal process.

[statius]

Thanks to all for your input.

My worry descends from the fact that the 486 doesn't have a CD-ROM (both versions of Mandrake that I own are on CD). Haven't checked out the www.linuxdoc.org (http://www.linuxdoc.org) ref yet and am in the midst of trying to download/install Embedix but, thought it best to keep you posted. Any further tips would be appreciated.

thx

Iain

[This message has been edited by statius (edited 24 December 2000).]

[ph34r]

You can install the base and network stuff for Slack (and Debian too) off floppy, and then ftp/apt the rest of what you need.

[statius]

Cool.

I'm working from Mandrake, which is a mutant of RH but, I recognise the Custom install function referred to in reference to Slack/Deb. So, I think I may be able to mimic the floppy install routine you're referring to, from the files on my CD.

I have my boot-floppy. Is that where I start? If not, how do I get the required files onto floppy and, how do I order them?

thx

Iain