Until a few months ago, I used Damn Small Linux daily as a secondary work system, on an old 128M P2 laptop. It made a great ssh (and 3270) terminal. If I watched the memory usage, I could even browse the web, play MP3s, etc. if my main laptop was rebooting or being worked on by IT. Not bad for system that ran from a CD and a 32M USB drive. I also used the CD to do rescue work on my primary laptop and other people's systems. I still keep a DSL CD in my laptop bag.
I didn't realize Robert is a 60 year old disabled retiree.
http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20090323#feature