12 Best Lightweight Linux Distributions for Old Computers (2023)
Top 12 Lightweight Linux Distribution for Old Computers (2023) Not like Windows Home, the actual concept is that the majority of Linux distributions are usually simpler on system assets, giving you the opportunity to revive your old laptop with legacy {hardware} specs. However, the latest forms of internal Linux distributions come with desktop environments that want at least 2-3 GB of RAM to perform easily, particularly to a high degree
- Customizable desktop environments. So, when you are on the web looking for a lightweight Linux distro to breathe new life into getting old computer systems, here you will find some of the best lightweight Linux distributions that you should not miss.
1. Pet Linux: The Greatest Lightweight Linux Distribution
One of the many favorite lightweight Linux distributions of all time, Pet Linux is a Unix-like working system intended primarily for laptops, older technologies, and Stay CDs. The operating system can be powered from RAM, with the latest model taking up about 500 MB of space with 32-bit technologies (and 1 GB on 64-bit computers).
The official system requirements for Pet Linux include a 1GHz single-core processor, 512GB of RAM for a 32-bit dual-core CPU and 1GHz with 1GB of RAM for a 64-bit variant, which means that even PCs from the late nineties should have the ability to run this without points.
Pet Linux is not primarily based on another full distribution but can be created from packages of distributions equivalent to Slackware and Ubuntu. The choice of your binaries determines the provision of additional packages. It is easy to use and can be played directly with a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive. And to maintain its light nature, Pet Linux does not include many pre-installed functions. AbiWord, Gnumeric, and MPlayer are part of the default setting, along with a selection of lightweight web browsers and a utility for downloading various packages.
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2. Linux Lite: Good for customers moving from windows Home
Linux Lite is not only the most effective lightweight distribution but in addition one of the most user-friendly working technologies crucial for new customers dealing with brands, especially this migration from Windows. It is mainly based on Ubuntu LTS versions and comes with a full range of elegant and useful functions . Minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 768 MB of RAM, 8 GB of free storage space and a display with a resolution of VGA (1024 × 768). This makes it a relatively more demanding option than a number of different distributions on this list.
Linux Lite comes with a full host of the latest options to make it work out of the box, along with pre-installed LibreOffice, GIMP, Dropbox, VLC media sharer, and Firefox. In addition, it gives customers a greater Linux desktop experience. The distro also helps with the default UEFI boot mode, making it suitable for newer technologies. However, one of the main drawbacks of the latest Linux Lite model is that it is not suitable for older 32-bit technologies. However, due to its versatility and ease of use, it is simply the most effective and lightweight Linux distribution of previous computer systems.
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3. Lubuntu
However, there is another lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, Lubuntu, intended for people who need experience in Ubuntu on an abstract system. It is the official Ubuntu taste developed by Canonical and identical software options and repositories as its main stable fellow. Lubuntu gives you an easy and modern GUI and comes with all kinds of functions, along with Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC, Featherpad, Trojita, and more.
Like Linux Lite, Lubuntu also discontinued 32-bit help from model 18.10 and yet continued to provide a fast and lightweight desktop experience, even on weaker {hardware} devices. Minimum system requirements include a Pentium 4 / Pentium M / AMD K8 processor or a larger processor and 1 GB of RAM. One of the different major modifications was the transfer from the LXDE desktop to LXQt in Lubuntu 18.10; however, each is extremely lightweight from XFCE.
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4. Body Linux
Bodhi Linux is a lightweight version based on Ubuntu LTS that includes Moksha Desktop, a continuation of Enlightenment 17 with additional options. It comes with a full range of software obtainable, due to the Ubuntu repo system. In addition, Bodhi Linux is available in 4 different versions, along with Normal, Legacy, AppPack, and HWE. While most customers will opt for the regular or old version (for {32-bit hardware)), those looking for a 64-bit working system with an updated kernel and new {hardware} help should opt for the HWE version.
The latest Bodhi model (Body 6.0) was launched about two years ago, and since then, there have been no updates to the project. This begs the question of whether the project is still alive. However, since Bodhi 6.0 is based on the launch of Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS, the project should survive for the next two years. The old model on the site is still Bodhi 5.1, with a point of 32-bit Bodhi 6.0 (coming quickly), however, there have been no studies on the same thing for two years.
The minimum {hardware} necessary for Bodhi Linux includes a 500 MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage space, making it the best for an older PC. However, an ISO file that is less than 1GB in size means that it loses many important pre-installed functions. However, for you, for you, a lightweight Linux distribution with a beautiful and fashionable desktop user interface, Bodhi Linux is among the previous distributions that are best taken into account.
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5. MATE FREE
Ubuntu MATE is an official official distribution that includes the basic Ubuntu operating system and provides the MATE desktop in basic operating mode. This makes the working system stable and easy to use with a configurable desktop surroundings. It is usually seen as a different Ubuntu for computer systems that is not efficient enough to run a composite desktop. However, it is practically not as lightweight as a Linux distro as a number of different options on this list. This means that you will need to a relatively more successful gadget to run this operating system. The minimum {hardware} includes a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of free disk space, and a display resolution of at least 1024 × 768.
The latest version of Ubuntu MATE is based on Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS Focal Fossa. It combines along with plenty of the latest options, along with several color theme variations, a one-click setup, ZFS demo, and Feral Interactive's GameMode. The operating system is for customers who need to experience the wonders of Linux and customize it with simple setup and hassle-free experience. To achieve this effect, it is among the best lightweight Linux distributions accessible for a variety of tools, along with the Raspberry Pi.
Check out Ubuntu MATE
6. Manjaro XFCE
Manjaro is an open-source Linux-based business system that comes with a fast, lightweight, Arch-based Xfce experience. Based on the builders, it gives customers "all the benefits of cutting-edge software mixed with a soon-to-be-start deal, [plus] automated tools that require much less routing intervention." The operating system allows customers to run many Windows Home-style functions using Wine, PlayOnLinux, or Proton through Steam.
Manjaro is accessible only for 64-bit technologies, as the creators officially support the XFCE, KDE, and Gnome versions. Different flavors, along with versions for 32-bit technologies, are preserved by the group. The minimum {hardware} necessary for Manjaro XFCE includes a 1 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM. XFCE isn't basically a lightweight desktop perimeter on the market; therefore, Manjaro XFCE may typically require a little more RAM than 1GB. Overall, it is nevertheless one of the important lightweight Linux distributions on the market. If XFCE is not your preferred DE, you will be able to experiment with MATE or i3 WM group variables.
Check out Man Jarrow
7. AntiX
antiX is mainly based on Debian, a fast, lightweight, and easy-to-install CD distribution for x86-compatible technologies. It charges without a system and can be used as a quick-boot rescue disk on a USB flash drive. The operating system is available in 4 flavors, along with a full distro (1.1 GB), a basic distro (700 MB), a basic distro (350 MB), and an Internet distribution (150 MB). While skilled customers who need complete management of their system will fancy the latter two variety, the two basic types are for first-time Linux customers.
The minimum system requirements for antiX include a PIII processor paired with 256 MB of RAM and 4 GB of cumbersome disk space. The latest version of antiX is the 22 Grup Yorum model, which was introduced in the last 12 months of October. To take advantage of the antiX reside system, builders suggest using antiX/MX's USB maker to create the CD. Windows Home customers should use Rufus perfectly , however, you will be able to take a look at our list of alternative Rufus options if you want to use something else.
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8. Tiny Core Linux
As the title suggests, Tiny Core is not a ready-made desktop distribution, not like many different distributions on this list. As an alternative, it's simply the platform that customers can add what they need to customize their OS expertise. The builders offer three different x86 cores, with Core, TinyCore, and CorePlus. While Core is the bottom system with a command-line interface only for servers and home devices, TinyCore is the useful choice for desktops with community connectivity. It consists of the bottom platform and X/GUI extensions of the FLTK/FLWM dynamic graphical desktop perimeter.
This is probably the lightest Linux distro on our list, as it can run even on the i486DX paired with a slim 28MB of RAM for Core and 46MB for Tiny Core. However, Tiny Core is not for beginners eager to check out Linux for the first time. It only gives the Linux kernel and the underlying file system to go along with it, which means that customers have to know their way across the Linux ecosystem to have the ability to build all the tools on it. It's a good choice for DIY businesses educated from us whose first priority is the minimum necessities of the system. For the rest, it is better to choose something more common.
Check out Tiny Core Linux
9. Q4OS
Q4OS is a lightweight Linux distribution built on Debian that takes advantage of the Trinity perimeter for the desktop. It comes with a range of custom facilities and special improvements, mixed with a deal with the creation of a production system. It is equally suitable for newcomers, as well as Linux veterans. Although the default Q4OS setting does not provide a full range of functions, you get very effective tools for placing special applications and codecs based on your usage imperatives. For relatively fashionable {hardware}, it also helps with desktop results.
Not like most mainstream Linux distributions, Q4OS gives Trinity as a custom acquisition option, which is suitable after the virtual Plasma desktop. The distro also comes with a Windows Home installer, which means you'll be able to set up Q4OS in your Windows home computer similarly to every other Home Windows utility. This installer is suitable for Windows 10, 8, or 7 versions and may handle Safe Boot. Q4OS also provides native utilities, equivalent to a desktop profile and middle software program, installers for third-party functions with assistance for x86/32-bit, ARM architecture, and more.
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10. Absolute Linux
The absolute Linux system should be one of the important lightweight Linux distributions on the market. Mainly based on Slackware, the 64-bit operating system comes pre-installed with Firefox, LibreOffice, Inkscape, GIMP, Google Earth, Caliber, and Extra. It's version compatible with Slackware, which means you should actually take advantage of any package deal from the Slack on Absolute-like model. The optimization libraries (headers) of all pieces include the default setting, making them achievable to actually encode/create something from the view.
Absolute Linux is one of many of the least resource-intensive distributions on this list, thanks in part to the lightweight IceWM window administrator. It also consists of many scripts and custom utilities that are easy to set up, configure and maintain. Be aware that there is no survival mode, however, skilled customers can add and pull packages from the setup media to create their own personal distro.
Check out Absolute Linux
11. EasyOS
The title says all that. EasyOS not only strives to be an easy-to-use operating system, but in addition, fairly smooth in your {hardware}. Although it consumes about 600 MB to 1 GB of RAM, it can run on the relatively previous {devices} quite simply. It powers the perimeter of the JWM desktop, and is a lightweight window supervisor who uses the X Window system.
In addition, the EasyOS image is 825 MB and comes with a large number of functions that you will start with. EasyOS has admired Pet Linux, and in some areas, it may seem similarly impressed. All in all, it's among the best Linux distributions when you want a great, fast, and lightweight distribution to revive your former device.
Check out EasyOS
12. OpenSUSE Xfce
OpenSUSE is among the most unappreciated distributions in the Linux world. Based on Crimson Hat Enterprise Linux, this distro has confirmed that it is the most effective distribution for Linux administrators, builders, mutual customers, and gamers alike. In addition to meeting the needs of regular customers, it also has a lightweight Xfce variant that you can set up, which only consumes gigabytes of RAM and will work on almost any historical computer.
We recommend sticking with Tumbleweed as an alternative to Leap for more stability and overall consumer experience. Another great thing about openSUSE is that you will be able to get the operating system and set it up through the community image for more flexibility. This way, you will be able to accurately determine what you need and stay away from pointless things. In total, openSUSE Xfce is among the best lightweight Linux distributions on the market.
Check out openSUSE Xfce
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