The following Linux distributions are made especially for old hardware, and have been tested or used locally.

Xubuntu is recommended as a first choice for a light desktop, although perhaps it requires a little more resources than the other options listed here. Mark finds it very polished and pleasant to use. As part of the Ubuntu project, access to lots of other Ubuntu software programs and documentation are available if you need it. If already have Ubuntu installed and want to try Xubuntu, you can install the xubuntu-desktop package, making both the Gnome and Xubuntu packages installed. On the login screen, select "XFCE" as the session type. If Xubuntu is still too slow on your computer, read on...

Puppy Linux provides impressive functionality and ease of use in a small package. It's mininum requirements are listed as being a 166Mhz processor and 128 Megs of RAM. Mark and Kurt have tested it locally and give it thumbs up.

Damn Small Linux has the lowested advertised minimum requirements of the choices here-- only a 486 with 16Megs of RAM! It is distributed a 50 Meg business-card size CD. However, with such small package comes a price. It is less user-friendly than Puppy Linux. However, the business card LiveCD can make a highly portable instant Linux desktop. Mark has used it as Linux rescue CD in the past.