[SOLVED] Experiment - comparing different distributions

[starrider]

I have a western digital 55gb old computer.

I like to try different distros.

Tried lubuntu 3 times won't install.
Tried pclinux, installed but runs way to slow.
Tried Debian Squeeze 6.0 runs fine.
Tried mageia installed and runs fine.

I wonder why the difference?

[doktor5000]

Differing kernels, differing libraries, differing optimizations, differing default set of software. Basically 4 totally different operating systems ...

[starrider]

Mageia is winning the distro watch hit parade, I am so new I cannot say why, but it is.

[doktor5000]

OK, i've applied a more meaningful title and marked the thread as [SOLVED]