[plug] Maximizing linux speed on marginally viable older systems

[Daniel]

Hi Plug, I was reading about one of the alternative distributions and their 
claims of superior speed in a small system.**

I wonder what it depends on? I'm guessing -
a) programs loaded at start, services run.

b) programs chosen to run
- StarOffice may be good, but if you just need gui wordprocessing surely 
Kword beats it for speed and space
- Install fewer & more memory efficient programs, uninstall unused programs 
(I find it difficult to figure out what is and isn't needed by the basic 
system) ... perhaps a superior package management system would make setting 
up linux on a 'marginally viable' system much easier.

c) kernel - how compiled - what of the impact of not using modules?

Is their boast just that or are there really noticeable speed differences 
between distributions? Or does more depend on individual setup? Any hints/ 
direction for cutting down a system? / Speed? [ linux from scratch etc are 
interesting, but may be beyond my current knowledge and the time available 
at UCC]

**http://www.ibiblio.org/peanut/
~"99mb download, Peanut Linux is loaded with E v16.5, X Windows 4.1.0, 
Kernel 2.5.0 with USB support
.... The entire system when installed is less than 299 Mb!, which can make 
it the most convenient, fastest, operable and appealing LINUX distribution 
... you decide! .....~"

All the best for the New Year,
Daniel.