Heyall...

I want to build a lightweight linux configuration to use for development. The first idea is to use it inside a Virtual Machine under Windows, or old Laptops with 1Gb RAM top. Maybe even a distributable environment for developers.

So the whole idea is to use a LAMP server, Java Application Server (Tomcat or Jetty) and X Windows (any Window manager, from FVWM to Enlightment), Eclipse, maybe jEdit and of course Firefox.

Edit: I am changing this post to compile a possible list of distros and window managers that can be used to configure a real lightweight development environment.

I am using as base personal experiences on this matter. Info about the distros can be easily found in their sites. So please, focus on personal use of those systems

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Distros

Ubuntu / Xubuntu

Pros:

• Personal Experience in old systems or low RAM environment - @Schroeder, @SCdF
• Several sugestions based on personal knowledge - @Kyle, @Peter Hoffmann

Gentoo

Pros:

• Not targeted to Desktop Users - @paan
• Don't come with a huge ammount of applications - @paan

Slackware

Pros:

• Suggested as best performance in a wise install/configuration - @Ryan

Damn Small Linux

Pros:

• Main focus is the lightweight factor - 50MB LiveCD - @Ryan

Debian

Pros:

• Very versatile, can be configured for both heavy and lightweight computers - @Ryan
• APT as package manager - @Kyle
• Based on compatibility and usability - @Kyle

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-- Fell Free to add Prós and Cons on this, so we can compile a good Reference. -- X Windows suggestion keep coming about XFCE. If others are to add here, open a session for it Like the distro one :)