Looking for Linux installation

I have an old laptop with Cygwin running on top of Windows 2000 - this
PC takes forever to boot up. I would like to wipe the disk off and
install some sort of Linux with the command line only, vi and g++. I am
guessing that would have a faster start up time. Any recommendations on
how that can be done? I don't mind buying Debian distribution on 6CDs
or $20-$30 but I am sure I will never use 5 out of 6 of these CD's and
would rather download something smaller off the Internet.

Thanks.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: deleting hard drive info before selling a computer
    ... You want to WIPE your hard drive. ... you should get a wiping utility. ... the ones on the Ultimate Boot CD. ... UBCD for Windows will work as well but you can try that one also. ...
    (comp.sys.laptops)
  • yet another windows slowdown
    ... I chose the "upgrade" version, ... I adjusted BIOS to boot first from the CDROM. ... After reloading Windows, I now have 7 ADDITIONAL users... ... How can you wipe the C:\ drive, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Slow Start / Restart
    ... Recently my machine takes forever to start (Boot Up) and even longer to ... restart, it has gone from around one minute to six minutes plus. ... out the Windows Temp folder, re-installed Windows, and deleted all the crap ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • RE: How do I completely rebbot my computer PLZ help
    ... Then boot from the windows XP and follow what it says. ... but be warned IT WILL WIPE EVERYTHING FROM YOUR MACHINE. ... "Bruce" wrote: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain)
  • Re: Install cant boot from CD?
    ... Try Safe Install or whatever it's called. ... It should not wipe out the other OS. ... Just make sure you know what you're doing and where Windows ... You still need to boot from the CD. ...
    (alt.os.linux.suse)