[ale] open source solutions for Win 98 on an old laptop

[Preston Boyington]

Daniel Howard wrote:
<snipped>
> I can't seem to turn it into a thin client (no built in Ethernet, 
> no CD ROM drive, only USB 1.1 and a floppy drive)

do you have an external USB CD/DVD drive to help with install? 
otherwise you might run into issues with the modem.

> I'm really tempted to leave it as a Win98 platform with an 
> earlier version of Opera as web browser (say 6.0), and ClamAV and/or 
> Avast antivirus, both of which still run in 98, and just put newer USB 
> drivers on it so new USB memory sticks can be used.

if you go this route then i would suggest reading the following:

http://www.ale.org/archive/ale/ale-2004-07/msg00152.html

it's still decently relevant on this subject.

   The intended user
> is likely to use an ad-supported dialup service with their handful of 
> free hours per month until she gets enough money to upgrade Internet 
> access and/or the PC.


again, unless you have an external modem or a supported pcmcia card you 
might have trouble with a laptop.  they can be very fickle.

sites like:

http://www.linux-laptop.net/

will be a good place to start.

-- 
Arrant Drivel - really, it's just trash...
http://www.arrantdrivel.com/