Minimalist Linux

Minimalist Linux

Originally this thread was made to help me choose a Linux OS with a desktop environment that can fit within a limited amount of space (512Mb). The native OS that came with the Thin Client (WYSE: V90L XPE 800Mhz, 512Mb RAM, 512Mb IDE/SATA Flash HDD) had Windows XPE which presented lots of virtual memory issues over a short period of uptime (1 or less days up)... there was only VMWare View, Cisco VPN, and whatever drivers needed for its hardware and spanning desktop.

Since the start of the thread, there has been no bites, but, I have since found some solutions that I will share. There are still some obstacles I am working out, but hopefully they can be ironed out.

My needs are limited, whereas the Thin Client will only be used as a vehicle into the Virtual Machine cloud. I need:
* A Stable Linux OS that will fit within the hardware scope of the thin client
* A VPN Client
* VMware View Client
* An extended or spanning desktop for dual monitors

I've been relativity lucky that all the minimalist distributions have been mostly compatible with my hardware. It seems that my software needs are common and packaged already... in one form or another. Most of the distros are stable, and will work longer than a couple days of uptime.

Below is a list of distros I am testing: