[xubuntu-users] Noobie questions

[Randy]

HI,

I'm new to Xubuntu.  I've been using Ubuntu on and off since 6.06 and I 
just recently ditched windows in favor of Ubuntu 9.04.  I rescued a PIII 
650MHz 384MB machine from the trash heap with Xbuntu 9.10 -- thanks 
everyone for a great lightweight operating system.)  It's snappy even on 
this boat anchor.  I'm considering installing Xubuntu on my main (P4 
2.6GHz 1.25MB) machine - it would really scream there, but I want to 
make sure I can do everything I need to do.  So here are a couple of 
questions I have:

Can anyone recommend a good, lighweight file manager that has network 
support?

Would simply installing Open Office (not using it, it's bloated and I 
know it's slow) slow down the performance of Xubuntu.  If so, does it 
run any processes (such as a pre-launcher, etc.) that could be killed 
when I am not using it?  I only need OO for one client that I work for 
(I'm a freelance technical writer), so I would only be using it about 10 
days out of each month.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Best,
Randy Boulter
http://1800ubuntu.com