Morning all
(Wizard appears in a puff of smoke, brandishing nearly empty 2nd coffee cup, wipes sleep out of eyes)
I think Stan is right on the money regarding RAM, I have only just taken a gander at the HP's specs. Its configuration is not unlike that which my wife Elaine is using, a Compaq Presario C300, 512MB RAM, 60GB HDD. On hers, I have 4 Linux running, with the 3 best performers being LXLE, MX-17, and Peach OSI BB (Bare Bones). Linux Lite would also run well on your unit.
I also have both Linux Lite, and a 32-bit version of LXLE on my Toshiba Satellite for appraisal for Members in your circumstances.
The RAM usage on bootup and entry to the desktop ie at idle, is about 390 - 400MB for both Linux Lite and MX-17. Take a look below, though, at the screenshot I have just taken from the System Monitor ala Conky, expanded, that LXLE have top right-side of their panel:
...now if you take the two (2) figures illustrated on RAM usage, it is using somewhere from 204 - 246MB only, at rest - that is hard to beat for a lightweight Distro?
Just be aware that if you go trying LXLE Live, ie on USB or DVD, there is an inbuilt screensaver which I have yet to come to grips with, with a Password even on the Live. Its not LXLE, User, Linux, Root or Admin &c, may be "qwerty" but check in advance
On the subject of GIMPing, Rene - JPEGs are renowned for a "lossiness" when scaled or converted, but GIMP is the best I have seen for preserving the clarity of resolution. You could also export, within GIMP, the files to .png, and then work from there.
Just a few ideas.
Cheers
Wizard