Well what do you guys suggest? so far im about to try Xubuntu but i dunno how thatll go

How about some specs?

Ah yes some specs, sorry bout that.

PIII-500Mhz
10 GB HD
CD-ROM
128 MB

Right, it isn't a Ferrari

You could try this one, I find it very nice:

http://www.puppylinux.org/wiki/archives/ol...ivative/teenpup

BTW, for server stuff Debian without a GUI or with a very light one like Fluxbox could be ideal.

Fluxbuntu is very good

BTW, any chance at all you could increase the RAM? RAM is what matters most for a *nix OS.

Another example of what you could do. You could download this:

http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/lenny_di...6-xfce-CD-1.iso

It is the latest Debian Testing with Xfce as the desktop. It might work fine for you. If not:
# apt-get update
# apt-get install fluxbox

xubuntu ( http://xubuntu.org/get )

or

fluxbuntu ( http://wiki.fluxbuntu.org/index.php?title=Get )

would be my choices.

Both distros have been made for older machines. Xubuntu(XFCE) is much, much more user-friendly whereas fluxbuntu(fluxbox) is a bit faster.

If you really want a stripped down ubuntu, you can try with the mini.iso CD or the server CD.
Or use the Ubuntu DVD, install server installation then install xfce or fluxbox from the DVD.

arch linux

Damn Small, Slackware, or Arch. Nothing with *buntu in it as it will not really optimal for the laptop. Tried Xubuntu myself, not as fast as the three I'm recommending to you.

yeah DSL FTW

Boot with toram to see your machine really takeoff!

I'd suggest Arch with a lightweight tiling wm and all console based apps. I setup a similar laptop with Ion wm, Sup for email, Elinks browser, centericq im client, and various other console programs for music, video, etc... The setup and configuration is quite daunting if you don't have a strong Linux background, but once you get everything setup, scripted, and you learn all you shortcut keys the system will be lightning fast and very easy and effient to use. Plus, it's a whole lot of fun and you'll learn a lot about Linux. Makes quite the conversation piece at the local coffeeshop, too.

Wow thanks for all the replies . ill def check all of it out haha

Server stuff, eh?

If you want n00b-friendly, get ClarkConnect. It's got everything preinstalled and has a great web browser interface. Made for embedded applications, so it flies on P2/P3 systems.
If you want security and stability, you can't beat FreeBSD/OpenBSD.