OSes: old versions OR new versions w/low footprint desktops

[portsample]

Hey all-
I've been running Suse linux on Thinkpads for over 10 years now upgrading to newer versions and hardware as released.
Now I've got a couple of older machines that I'd like to press into service as small servers uploading video feeds.

Feasible options (if I want to stick with Suse) would be to either install the new version with a minimal desktop such as XFCE, OR dig out a version of SuseOS from an approximate time period for the TPs (a T30 and a T22).

Another option would be Puppy Linux or one of the other small footprint distros...but I'd really prefer to stick w/Suse

[jronald]

Im running full bore Ubuntu on a T30 with no issues. 10.10, I have stayed away from 11. I also have at least 1 X30 PIII running Macbuntu 10.10. I dont know how much harder you can push is with Suse, but Im betting you will be fine.

Ron

[hlaj]

Hey all-
II'd like to press into service as small servers uploading video feeds.

Feasible options (if I want to stick with Suse) would be to either install the new version with a minimal desktop such as XFCE

If XFCE is still too heavy, try using mix and matched lightweight programs for your desktop like fvwm window manager with rxvt terminal and mc filemanager. If this is still too much, then consider administration from the command line, which is what I do on my pII with 160Mb RAM. Also be sure to disable unneeded startup programs and background services.

There is no need to go back to earlier versions for a simple server like this.