I bought notebook with 1.66 processor, 1 RAM. There was Win7, but very slow, and I decided to change to Linux. There is a problem. I don't have CD-rom to write from CD, must use USB key. Is it a problem with USB, or bad Linux version, because with Ubuntu desktop edition now i have some problems like system doesn't want to start from first try.

Can you suggest good, reliable Linux distro ? I prefer with low hardware requirements. Think of Lubuntu, Debian . If you know anything about good USB sticks or software for writing to them , leave a message also. Thanks.

Before you can boot from a USB device you must enable that from the BIOS

Lubuntu should be a good bet, but I've never tried creating a USB-boot from the start.

Usually, I download the bootable CD-ROM image, burn the CD-ROM, boot from CD to make sure it has enough basic drivers to run on my box, and then select "burn bootable USB stick" from one of the menu options.

Keep in mind Bazzy's suggestion - if you cannot enable a boot from USB from the BIOS, your machine may be too old:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BootFromUSB

No, my BIOS is fine. I can boot from USB, but I can't install OS from USB stick with mp3 player, and I can install from USB without mp3, what is the difference ?

You have to install an additional package to get the mp3 player on Ubuntu: http://packages.ubuntu.com/maverick/ubuntu-restricted-extras

No, I had in my mind about installation from the USB stick which is also mp3 player. I can't do this, because get the INVALID FILESYSTEM or so message.

Bazzy: Read his post again.

I can't install OS from USB stick with mp3 player

MP3 players don't usually have the best flash memory. They're usually very slow (~300 KiB/s), and I've had one drop the connection in the middle of copying some files, several times. I'd use a regular USB stick.

1. Get a normal usb flash drive (mp3 player may work)
2. Download http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/
3. Use unebootin to install a bootable linux on a usb
4. Boot from usb and install.

Cheers :)

Yes. Choose Lubuntu, but don't use the software update for now. When you install there's a box you can check to install all the Medibuntu stuff -- it's standard on Ubuntu distros now, I believe. Don't check the box that asks if you want to update while installing.

Wow, I went through all this hassle. And recommend a "normal" USB stick, xubuntu or lubuntu and even better a bootable CD. If you want to install XP and have a "sub-linux". I recommend WUBI.
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/windows-installer
It can download Xubuntu which can later "be made" into Lubuntu. It's easy to use and always has the newest version. Be sure to reserve enough space for the virtual partition though.

I don't know if you already picked one, but I like using puppy linux, never used the ones that were recommended here. So I don't know if it's better or not.

SliTaz. Fully functioning distro in 30 MiB. Enough said.

Depends on what you consider 'fully functioning', because sometimes I wouldn't even call Ubuntu or Fedora that.

It has a decent package manager, it works right off the bat, comes with a considerable amount of packages given it's size.
See: http://www.slitaz.org/en/

Edit: And you can install more packages via the package manager.