I want to set up a testing server on a (very) old computer. I need Apache, PHP (with most of the options), MySQL, an FTP daemon, an HTTP server (that will only be accessible from the local network). Here's the thing: The computer is a Pentium 133 with 16MB of RAM and a 1GB HDD. I know jack...stuff...about Linux, so command line isn't that good an option...unless...I can get a graphical installer to install everything I need, and then use FTP to upload/download and test whatever I need. With that, I'm looking for distro suggestions.
PLEASE: don't make this a distro war. I don't care about what is easiest to use or looks the prettiest because I will only interact with it though FTP after initial installation. I'm just looking for something that is fast, efficient, and can run on the aforementioned POS computer.
hmm might want to dig around on DistroWatch for minimal install distros.. Damn Small Linux seems to fit the bill, but I don't know how far back the processor support goes.
feyd wrote:hmm might want to dig around on DistroWatch for minimal install distros.. Damn Small Linux seems to fit the bill, but I don't know how far back the processor support goes.
DSL Site wrote:Run light enough to power a 486DX with 16MB of Ram
Hmm, might be an idea...I'll take a look at what it supports.
A 1GB HDD might give you fits. As for the other hardware, my current Fedora Core laptop is about the same (except I have a 12GB HDD, of which about 2GB is used up by FC4) and it runs almost as good as my XP machine with an Athlon 3400. I think your trick is going to be finding a Linux OS that will install AND run on 1GB of HDD space.
timvw wrote:The real problem is that you need at least 16mb ram for most installers...
(base OS install + Apache + PHP + MySQL shouldn't take more than let's say 200Mb)
I have 16MB (I think I have 24 in fact).
The DamnSmallLinux couldn't even boot, telling me that my BIOS was so corrupt, that it can't recognize it. Knoppix booted fine though. I can't use knoppix obviously because I have to store files on it, so...
Does that have the servers? That looks like a real newb system (which is in itself not a bad thing, but won't help me much if it doesn't have those servers). Also, what system is it based on? (rpm, deb...)
I'm really not sure if it does or not as I have never used it. I just remember stumbling across it a long time ago and from what I understand it is supposed to run great on old hardware and it's very small.
Personally I think you are wasting your time trying to set up a testing server with those apps running on that type of spec. I not sure it's even possible to run MySQL on a system with only 16MB of RAM nevermind adding Apache and FTP deamons into the mix.
Yeah linux will run on small systems but that is kind of pushing it. I have some of that old ram if you want it. Just pay shipping and give me a few bux and I'll be happy. I have 4 16mb sticks that I found in the trash. I even have an old 75mhz processor to lol.