my notebook seems to have a motherboard problem that doesn't make recognizing disc possible. since the machine is not too bad i'd like not to throw it away... i was thinking of using it for fast browsing sessions; does it exist a linux distro that boots FAST, runs from RAM only (512 MB) and that contains essentials like firefox, emule, bittorrent, and support for USB discs/pendrive? or is it possible to run win2k or xp completely from ram and saving changes to usb disc? i doesn't have my notebook here but if i remember well it can't boot from USB... kudos to all the people helping! i oesn't wantto throw it away it has some kind of sentimental value karsten
Pretty sure I've seen someone hack together a Win98 live disc, iirc I've also seen someone doing something similar with WinXP. But it would probably be easier with some live linux dist.
how do i manage the programs i need in a live distro? can install something or i should find a distro with the programs i need preinstalled? and also how can i be sure that everything will work?
Pupply linux lets you do everything from the flash drive, and you can even update programs with it or add new ones. http://www.puppylinux.org/ as for the system have you tried checking the upper and lower filters on the device driver sometimes those cause problems. have you looked into possible hardware replacement (eg a new drive and them possibly a mobo?) if your system can boot from usb and your willing to through a bit of cash at your problems why not pick up a usb dvd drive. they aren't that expensive (at least not here I can't say anything for italy)
you misread my dvd drive is ok. it's the HD that is FUBAR, actually not the HD itself it's the mobo. and a new mobo would mean lots of $$$ (providing you can actually find it)...
