hi, i was just curious what is the minimum amount of ram a computer should have to run Linux efficiently with all the industry-standard softwares it comes with....(gimp, openoffice, etc.)

It depends a lot on which distro you're running, and how many services you plan to run. In general, no less than 128 mb should be used on modern Linux distributions. However, Slackware can get away with a lot less, something like <48 MB. This is not ideal, though.

Ideally, a distribution should have at least 256 MB to run comfortably.

Yes, it all depends on what distro you're using. Xubuntu runs well on old pc's, and yellow dog also runs well on old macs.

To use OOO and gimp under something like KDE:

128mb will run debian sarge slackware etc........
256 will run ubuntu
512 will run xandros, linspire etc

what about for fedora core 1?

256mb should do it. but again the more you have, the better it'll run.

You shouldn't be running FC 1; it's old and outdated, FC 5 is the latest and is more current.

http://fedora.redhat.com/

if he wants to run fedora 1, that's his choice. What if the comp he has will only run fedora 1?

Yes, but Fedora Core 5 offers many more security updates and other "goodies", and if his computer can run it, there's no earthly reason why to stick with FC1.

computerrages, why don't you post your technical specifications of the computer?

well, i'm the one who's installing fedora core 1. i have downloaded the images for fedora core 5, but two of them are too large for cd... (i have posted a thread for this). i have 2 4gb hard drives and 256mb ram. i have no idea of my other specs, i'll get back to you when i find them (this is a realllly old machine that my dad gave to me when i was 7, i'm 13 now).