[ale] open source solutions for Win 98 on an old laptop

[Geoffrey]

Jim Kinney wrote:
> Good ol' slackware still has the ability to boot and install from a floppy
> drive. Get version latest and make a floppy set following the instructions
> in the README in the rootdisks directory of the DVD. You can install as much
> or as little as you like. An external USB CD may be a good choice for full
> install from a boot floppy.

There's also a root disk that you can give a shot that will boot from 
floppy, then install from cdrom.

> 
> A tiny kernel image with networking and a NFS mounted / from a server would
> make that feeble thing a thin client but you'll need a pccard NIC.
> 
> In all honesty, the laptop should be sold on Ebay for parts.

If it's all you have, it's more valuable then what you'd get for the 
parts.  That is, if you can get it to work. :)

> You might be
> able to get a working NIC using the USB socket but given the age, the
> battery is probably nearly useless.

Agreed.

-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
  - Benjamin Franklin