If you want to run a full blown linux system a 233 is ok but big memory counts. to run it comfortably you need at least 128 meg, these days that only 30 dollars. The command line is great for everything except browsing the net. I know i'll catch some flack for this, but lynx sucks. Unless you want to spend all your time on sites made for lynx. You have to arrow your way to every link and on commercial sites that means a lot-o-links. I never realized how many links there were on a page until i used it. Also theres no graphics and i like a site that pleases me visually. Although, last i heard Arachne was coming out with a linux version and thats pretty cool.