Linux on an old Dell

[LP]

My granddaughter got a laptop, so they brought back an old Dell I gave them years ago.
It's maxed out at 512 megs of ram and running XP real slow, so i thought I'd try installing a small Linux distro on it. It only has a cdrom, no dvd drive, so I was a little limited on what I had available to install. My first try was PCLOS 2009, and it wasn't even loading. I tried Mini Me, and same thing. Must be KDE.
So I try Slitaz live cd. It runs quick and smooth. I install and reboot, and it won't find the OS. Re-install, same thing. So Tiny Core live cd. It reminded me why i don't like Tiny Core. Lol I threw the cd in the trash. CrunchBang? Doesn't load the cd.
So, I thought "how about Debian"? Tried Debian Squeeze Net install disc, and it doesn't like it.
So finally, Debian Stable Netinstall. Installs smoothly, Boots fine. Now I'm doing some tweaking. Runs much faster than XP on this machine. So, any Debian fans here? Tweaks or tips?

[ccperf721p]

I run Debian stable on my shop rig. Performs flawlessly day in and day out.

As far as tips for performance and resource usage. Compile your own kernel to slim it down to just what you need and kill any daemons you don't have a use for.

[Kaitain]

Debian-based?

DSL information