Laptops :: Linux on Laptops



I was wondering why DSL is the only distro I can get running on my DELL P2 128MB Laptop? I have tried loads of other live CDs (including Knoppix) but they all fail to boot. Why is this so?
This is probably because DSL was created with compatibility for older/more obscure hardware in mind :)
Really!? A DELL PII Laptop is classed as OLD AND OBSCURE ???

Anyone know which part of a distro defines the hardware support?
I have a Fujitsu Lifebook tx770 [Pent 200 MMX maxed out with 96 meg] and DSL is the only linux distro that will load on it.  Knoppix 3.3... a very old version, will also load if given 5 minutes.  I must say that DSL allows me to use this old laptop rather well.  It is acceptably fast, whereas the original os W95 has been obsolete and rife with errors for a while.  Wifi even works with an old 802.11B card I have... with NO configuiration requirements once DSL is up.  This computer works great for travel when I am on random networks.  My new laptop has XP, and I don't want to expose it to the variety of stuff that can happen on public networks.  Be happy something works on your old beast.  My students laugh when they see my old computer, as it is as thick as their textbook.  I secretly laugh when they ask for my help fixing their laptops due to viruses.  I help them and then recommend a live cd dsl or knoppix distro.
I am very impressed with DSL. I am trying to get out of Win98se at the moment, but I am still trying to get my WLAN card recognised :p I am nearly there though.
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