5 Lightweight Linux Distros for Reviving Your Old Hardware
Save your old hardware with the Linux operating system.
Is your Windows or Mac computer starting to slow down with each new update? While it might seem like your hardware is becoming obsolete, with the right software, you can still get plenty of life out of it. Few options make reviving your aging hardware easier than installing a lightweight Linux distribution.
These following systems were all built with efficiency in mind, but that doesn't mean they're not highly capable or accessible to newer users. And all might be just the trick to get your old laptop or desktop working again.
1. Linux Lite
Linux Lite is a Ubuntu-based distribution designed to be very welcoming to new Linux users, especially those coming from Windows. Such is apparent in everything from the rather gorgeous XFCE desktop theming to the menu layout and the pre-installed software it comes with.
Not only does Linux Lite come with everything you need to get started with your system, but features a hugely helpful wiki that explains every facet of your system. The result might not do much for Unix purists, but it provides a great gateway to Linux.
Besides being a novice-friendly introduction to Linux, Linux Lite also lives up to its name as a lightweight system. It's not quite as tiny as some of the other distros on this list, and you can't run it on 32-bit computers. But if you've got a computer hitting the 5-year mark that has slowed on the latest Windows update or if you simply want to dive into Linux at the shallow end, Linux Lite is a fine choice.
2. antiX Linux
antiX Linux is a Debian-based operating system and one of the few Linux distributions that still offers 64-bit and 32-bit options. Just like Linux Lite, AntiX comes with a full suite of software, including video players, music players, and the Libre Office suite, but it's also one of the smallest distros you'll ever come across.
Part of the reason AntiX manages to pack so much while using so little memory is by opting for smaller or older versions of applications. It also utilizes one of four very lightweight window managers, including IceWM, which will feel immediately familiar to any old-school Windows 95 or 98 fans.
3. Peppermint OS
Peppermint OS is another minimalist distro that comes in a 32 or 64-bit version. The system used to be Ubuntu-based but now comes as a Debian-based or Devvuan-based distribution, and that reflects a lot of the design changes it's been through over the years.
Peppermint OS was originally conceived as a competitor to Google's Chromium, offering a heavy focus on web applications. The operating system has gone through a few identity changes since then, and the current development team's focus is now on being a minimalist distro, something exemplified in its start screen motto: "Less is more."
The system intentionally comes with very little pre-installed, which is great if you want to build your system from the ground up. However, it does mean that Peppermint OS is not quite as beginner-friendly as some other systems on this list. That said, from the welcome screen, you can access tutorials, helpful web links, and the Peppermint OS forums, so it shouldn't take too long for new users to configure this system.
4. Mabox Linux
Mabox Linux is a Manjoro-based system that comes with the Openbox window manager pre-installed. Right out of the box, it's one of the prettiest desktop environments you'll likely come across, but it comes with a whole host of customization options too, including a color-scheme-changing script.
Mabox is unique among smaller distros since it follows a rolling release model, meaning you'll get access to the newest cutting-edge Linux software and updates. It also provides access to utilities that add additional software to the operating system. As a result, Mabox is a fantastic option if you want to experience what it's like to use a cutting-edge, fully customizable Linux distro from a lightweight base.
5. Puppy Linux
Technically, Puppy Linux doesn't refer to any one distro but a series of scaled-down versions of popular distros, including Ubuntu, Slackware, and Raspbian, all of which can run on 32-bit or 64-bit systems and use a combination of JWM and ROX Desktop.
Since it starts the users with basically no software, your typical Puppy Linux install only comes in at around 300 MB. This does mean that you'll need to essentially build your desktop from the ground up. That probably won't be ideal if you just want to get on with work or are unfamiliar with Linux software. However, if you want a seriously minimal operating system with no extra fluff whatsoever, then this is the OS for you.
5 Other Lightweight Options to Consider
- Bodhi Linux: An Ubuntu-based distro that focuses on providing a minimal base so users can install only the software they want
- Lubuntu: Another Ubuntu-based distro that uses the very minimal LXQt desktop environment
- TinyCore: An extremely small Linux distro that uses BusyBox and FLTK
- Porteus: A portable operating system based on Slackware
- Archbang: A minimal Arch-based distro that uses the i3 tiling window manager
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 MikeG
