Short Bytes: Linux is known to serve the needs of everyone. If you’re having some old desktop or laptop, there are many lightweight Linux distros that you can install and enjoy a lag-free computing experience. From a variety of options, you can choose Puppy Linux, Lubuntu, or Linux Lite. You can also install Arch Linux or Debian and use a lightweight desktop environment.
some of you might be running insecure Windows XP on your old computers due to machine’s outdated hardware configuration. But, you don’t need to do that anymore. There are tons of Linux distributions that are specifically built to cater the needs of such laptops and desktops. Apart from being lightweight, these operating systems are fast and secure.
Which are the best lightweight Linux distributions for 2018?
1. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux
Whenever a user performs a search query like light Linux-based operating systems, there are good chances that the user is looking for some Linux distro that can be installed and run on an old computer with limited hardware capabilities. Bodhi Linux, the Enlightened Linux Distribution, is one such lite Linux distribution that witnessed its first release in the year 2011. According to the Bodhi Linux website, it can run on a just 500mHz processor.
Bodhi Linux is an Ubuntu LTS-based lightweight release that features Moksha Desktop. Moksha is a continuation of Enlightenment 17 desktop with additional features and lesser bugs. Moksha doesn’t come with any internal window compositor by default, but one can add Compiz effects. On the aesthetics front, Bodhi Linux looks great and everything works just right. Thanks to Ubuntu repositories, you get access to tons of free software.
Linux distributions are known for their versatility. They have interesting names, unique purposes, and most of them are heavily customizable. One such Linux distro with a cute name and special purpose is Puppy Linux. One should note that Puppy Linux isn’t based on some other distro. Instead, it can be built from packages of other distros like Ubuntu and Slackware. The choice of your binaries determines the availability of additional packages. In simpler language, if you’re comfortable with apt-get, go with Ubuntu version.
The size of Puppy Linux is very less, somewhere around 200MB. It’s one of the smallest Linux distros on this list for 2018. So, dump all your worries about lesser storage space on your old PC in a corner. To reduce its size, it doesn’t come with any popular preinstalled applications but it’s understandable. Just like many other Linux distros, you can also go for the live booting option using CD/DVD or USB. It boots itself entirely into the RAM on bootup, so it’s pretty fast and responsive. The developers of this lightweight Linux distro call it “grandpa-friendly certified,” which means that it’s very easy to use.
Linux Lite was also recently featured on our list of the best Linux distros for new users. This operating system has been growing at a rapid pace in the recent past. If you’re looking for a Linux distro that’s equally lightweight, beginner-friendly, and good looking, your search should end here.
It’s a great Ubuntu-based lightweight Linux OS that’s based on LTS releases. It comes loaded with all the popular and useful applications like Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice suite, Thunderbird email client, GIMP graphics editor, VLC media player, etc. It means that with Linux Lite, you’re in for an out-of-the-box functional Linux desktop experience. Linux Lite’s menu might remind some people of Windows XP. The beginner-friendly and lightweight Xfce desktop environment make things easier.
Overall, Linux Lite manages to do something that other popular Linux distributions struggle matching. Even after maintaining a lightweight stature, Linux Lite comes with all major tools and delivers an uncompromised performance. It’s also one of my personal favorite Linux distros.
If I had to choose a “heavyweight” among this list of lightest Linux distros that can work on older and 32-bit machines, I’d choose Ubuntu MATE. The latest release of Ubuntu MATE turned out to be the most important release of the distro and it came with a transition to GTK3+. Ubuntu MATE also gives you tons of layout options like Mutiny, Traditional, Cupertino, Redmond, Contemporary, Netbook, and Pantheon.
Moreover, Ubuntu MATE also offers a polished Linux experience that would surely make the transition of any Windows user a pleasant experience. Very often we undermine the small Linux distros that don’t use a lot of resources but that’s not the case here. Go ahead, give it a try.
Any list of lightweight Linux distros for netbooks and older PCs is incomplete without the mention of Lubuntu. Many of you must be knowing that it’s an official Ubuntu flavor. Due to this, Ubuntu and Lubuntu enjoy the same software and repositories.
This fast and lightweight operating system for old desktops uses the minimal desktop LXDE and a fine selection of light applications. LXDE is specially created for low hardware machines. By focusing on speed and energy efficiency, Lubuntu is a perfect solution for your old PC with low hardware specifications. Lubuntu’s website says that the OS should run on the computers that aren’t older than 10 years. In future releases, Lubuntu plans to make a switch to LXQt desktop environment.
It comes loaded with all the important software that you need. You get Mozilla Firefox web browser, PDF reader, CD burner, email client, MP3 player, Word processor, MTPaint, and more. If you’re familiar with Ubuntu and you are looking for a Linux distribution for an older PC and virtual machine, go for Lubuntu and you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re an experienced user who loves to customize the system and make it personal, I’ll recommend Arch Linux. Without a doubt, the desktop environment of your operating system makes it heavy or lightweight. As Arch is basically a no-nonsense Linux distro, it doesn’t come loaded with lots of preinstalled packages.
I would personally recommend you to try out a lightweight window manager like i3. Doing so will be more of a learning curve as compared to some desktop environment. You can also go for barebones Openbox window manager. There’s a saying that the fastest DE is not having one at all. Just in case you’re willing to convert Arch into a fast and lightweight Linux distribution with a desktop environment, you’ve got choices like great Xfce and LXQt.
One thing you should note before going for Arch Linux. Make sure that your machine isn’t based on 32-bit architecture as Arch developers recently stopped offering 32-bit images due to decreasing popularity of 32-bit platform. There’s an option to got for the forked archlinux32 option as well.
LXLE is often called a lightweight powerhouse. Based on Lubuntu, LXLE uses LXDE desktop environment. It is designed with an aim to revive the old computers. This fast Linux distribution calls itself an “eclectic respin of Lubuntu” with its own support. LXLE sticks with Lubuntu LTS releases to ensure better hardware and software support, it’s a strategy that makes sense when you’re working with a legacy PC.
Just like Lubuntu, LXLE comes with an excellent set of default applications for fulfilling your daily needs. It comes pre-installed with full-featured apps like LibreOffice, GIMP, Audacity, etc. It’s also a great option to ditch old and insecure Windows XP and adopt a modern looking intuitive desktop. Just like the most of the entries on this list of the best lightweight Linux distros, LXLE doesn’t pose many challenges to a beginner. LXLE also comes with an app called uCareSystem, which can be used to update all the packages, install updates, get rid of older Linux kernels, and other important tasks.
Overall, LXLE is a pleasant and lightweight operating system that’s bound to impress. Even if you’re installing it on a powerful hardware, you’ll have little to complain.
Peppermint OS has a unique quality that sets it apart from the other Linux distributions. It’s a combination of a cloud-based infrastructure and the regular desktop applications for Linux. Apart from that, Peppermint is a fast and light operating system. Just like the other Linux distros mentioned in this list, this Lubuntu-based distro supports both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware. Being Lubuntu-based, it’s able to get the advantage of Ubuntu’s software repositories.
Peppermint OS Linux distro combines minimal experience and good look. Wondering what desktop environment ships by default with Peppermint OS? It ships with LXDE, which is known for its fast and lightweight nature. Coming back to the hybrid of cloud infrastructure, it comes with custom-made Ice applications for many tasks. Instead of running local applications, one can work in site-specific browser (SSB).
antiX Linux distro is known to be based on Debian and ship without systemd, which could be deciding factor for some Linux enthusiasts. This lightweight Linux distro comes for both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware, which makes sense as it’s focused on older computers. It comes in four different flavors: Full, Base, Core, Net. In this distro, you get the provision for 32-bit UEFI and 64-bit live bootloaders. Give it a try.
There are many other fast and light Linux distros, but I’ve decided to end this round up with Manjaro Linux Xfce Edition. Wondering why? Apart from my personal liking for Manjaro, it’s also one of the fastest growing Linux distros. Currently, it stands at #4 at Distrowatch ranking. It also has the support of a large user community.
The Xfce Edition of this rolling release is also the flagship edition. So, it gets all the attention it deserves. Coupled with the power of an Arch base, Xfce delivers a fast and lightweight experience. While it might not be as lightweight as compared to some other Linux distros mentioned in this list, it’s surely going to turn out to be a great Linux desktop experience for you.
Please note that recently Manjaro dropped the support for 32-bit architecture, so it could be deal-breaker for many. However, you can try out the new manjaro32 project.
As said above, Linux has a lot to offer to everyone. That’s why there are so many great choices for Lightweight Linux Distros. But, keeping in mind the easy installation and hassle-free experience, I’ll recommend you to use Bodhi Linux, Ubuntu MATE, or Linux Lite on your old computer. If you’re an experienced Linux user who loves to build his/her own system, go for Arch Linux + Lightweight DE option.
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