This is a list of live CDs.A live CD or live DVD is a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM containing a bootable computer operating system.Live CDs are unique in that they have the ability to run a complete, modern operating system on a computer lacking mutable secondary storage, such as a hard disk drive.
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Some of you might be running insecure Windows XP on your old computers due to machine’s outdated hardware configuration.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.Before going ahead and checking out the list of light distros, don’t miss other useful lists:
Which are the best lightweight Linux distributions for 2019?
1. 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.
The latest Bodhi 5.0.0 release is based on Ubuntu 18.04 core and is the first major release from the project. The project offers three releases Standard, Legacy, and AppPack. While Standard image should be the go-to option for many users, 32-bit hardware owners can choose Legacy.
Minimum hardware requirements for Bodhi Linux:
- 500MHz processor
- 128MB RAM
- 4GB storage space
How to get Bodhi Linux?
Visit Bodhi Linux Website for downloads.
2. Puppy Linux
In case you’re looking for a Linux distro with a cute name and special purpose, then check out Puppy Linux. One should note that Puppy Linux isn’t based on some other distro. Instead, it can be builtfrom packages of distros like Ubuntu & 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 300MB. It’s one of the smallest Linux distros on this list for 2019. 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.
Puppy Linux 7.5 is the latest release of the distro. As this small Linux distro is based on Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus, it’s called Xenialpup. It comes both in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and one can install them on UEFI and BIOS enabled PCs.
Minimum hardware requirements for Puppy Linux:
- 333MHz processor
- 256MB RAM
How to get Puppy Linux?
Visit Puppy Linux website for downloads.
3. Linux Lite
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. 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 uncompromised performance. It’s also one of my personal favorite Linux distros.
The latest release of this distro is Linux Lite 4.2. With this release, Redshift has been added to make sure that your screen temperature adjusts itself as per night and daytime. This minor, refined release is based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.
Minimum hardware requirements for Linux Lite:
- 700MHz processor
- 512MB RAM
- VGA screen 1024×768 resolution
How to get Linux Lite distro?
To download ISO images, visit Linux Lite website.
4. Ubuntu MATE
If I had to choose a “heavyweight” among this list of lightest Linux distros that can work on older 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. It’s my preferred Linux distro when it comes to Raspberry Pi. Raspbian is also a nice option but I love the feed of MATE.
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.
Minimum hardware requirements for Ubuntu MATE:
- 750MHz processor
- 512MB RAM
- 1024×768 resolution or higher
How to get Ubuntu MATE?
To download ISO images, visit Ubuntu MATE website.
5. Lubuntu
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. It’s worth noting that starting from Lubuntu 18.10, the project has stopped releasing the support for 32-bit images. So, it could be a big no for those using older computers powered by 32-bit hardware.
This fast and lightweight operating system for old desktops uses the minimal LXQt desktop and a fine selection of light applications. This switch from LXDE desktop to LXQt was made from Lubuntu 18.10. It’s worth noting that LXQt is modern when compared to LXDE and it was created as a result of a merger of LXDE and Razor-qt projects.
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.
Minimum hardware requirements for Lubuntu:
- Pentium II or higher
- 258MB RAM
How to get Lubuntu?
Get Lubuntu here.
6. Arch Linux + Lightweight Desktop environment
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 have stopped offering 32-bit images due to the decreasing popularity of the 32-bit platform. There’s an option to got for the forked archlinux32 option as well.
Minimum hardware requirements for Arch Linux:
- 512MB RAM
- 64-bit architecture
How to get Arch Linux?
Visit Arch’s website for download.
7. LXLE
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.
Minimum hardware requirements for LXLE:
- 512MB RAM
- Pentium 3 CPU or higher
How to get LXLE?
Visit LXLE website for downloads.
8. Peppermint OS
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).
Minimum hardware requirements for Peppermint OS:
- 512MB RAM
- Intel x86 architecture CPU
How to get Peppermint OS?
Visit Peppermint OS website for downloads.
9. antiX
antiX Linux distro is known to be based on Debian and ships 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.
Minimum hardware requirements for antiX:
- 256RAM
- Intel 64-bit and 32-bit architecture CPU
How to get antiX?
Visit antiX website for downloads.
10. Manjaro Linux Xfce Edition
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 #1 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.
Minimum hardware requirements for Manjaro Xfce:
- 1GB RAM
- 1GHz PCU
How to get Manjaro Xfce?
Grab Manjaro Xfce here.
Notable Mentions:
Some other small Linux options that you can consider for your older computers are Q4OS, VectorLinux, ALT Linux, Legacy OS, etc.
Editor’s Recommendation:
As said above, Linux has a lot to offer to everyone. That’s why there are so many great choices for Lightweight Linux Distros for 2019. 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.
If you’re owning a low-powered 32-bit computer, make sure to confirm that the distro of your choice supports it.
Share your feedback and don’t forget to share your experiences with the other members of Fossbytes community.
Bonus Video:Top 11 Linux Based Operating Systems
Modern Linux distros are designed to appeal to a large number of users who run modern hardware.
As a result, they have become too bloated for older machines, even if you manually delete files. Without a healthy dollop of system memory and an extra core or two, these distros may not deliver the best performance.
Thankfully, there are many lightweight distros, trimmed and tweaked by expert hands, which can be used to breathe new life into older hardware.
But there's one caveat to bear in mind when working with lightweight distros – they usually manage to support ancient kit by cutting away just about everything you take for granted, such as wizards and scripts which make everyday tasks easier.
That said, these lightweight distros are fully capable of reviving older hardware and can even function as a replacement of your current operating system, if you're willing to adjust to their way of working and install extra programs as necessary.
1. Absolute Linux
Easy to configure
Plenty of help documentation on hand
Absolute Linux is a lightweight distro designed for desktop use, and as such comes preinstalled with the Firefox browser and LibreOffice suite. It's based on Slackware 14.2 but unlike its parent OS, aims to make configuration and maintenance as simple as possible.
New versions of Absolute Linux are released roughly once a year. The most recent version (15.0) was made available for download in February 2018. It’s available as a 2GB ISO for 64-bit computers. The OS is still in the beta testing stage so may perform a little unpredictably, as ever with beta software. Whichever version you choose, there's a massive selection of lightweight applications available.
The installer is text-based so there's no Live mode, but nevertheless it's incredibly simple to follow. The way Absolute is structured also means that you can add and remove packages from the install media to create a distro which truly suits you, though you'll need some time and experience with Linux if you really want to make the most of this feature.
Once installed, Absolute Linux is incredibly nimble. This is ensured through the lightweight IceWM window manager, along with popular apps such as LibreOffice, making this OS perfect for older machines. There's also plenty of documentation accessible from within the desktop itself to assist new users.
2. TinyCore
Incredibly compact distro
It’s unsurprisingly barebones
The Core Project offers up the tiniest of Linux distros, shipping three variants on which you can build your own environments. The lightest edition is Core, weighing in at just 11MB, which comes without a graphical desktop – but you can always add one after installation.
If that's too intimidating, try TinyCore (currently v9.0). The OS is only 16MB in size and offers a choice of FLTK or FLWM graphical desktop environments.
You can also choose to install CorePlus, which measures a relatively hefty 106MB. This spin offers a choice of lightweight window managers such as IceWM and FluxBox. CorePlus also includes support for Wi-Fi and non-US keyboards.
TinyCore saves on size by requiring a wired network connection during initial setup. The recommended amount of RAM is just 128MB. There are 32-bit and 64-bit versions as well as PiCore, which is a build for ARM devices like the Raspberry Pi.
This minimalist distro doesn't feature many apps. After installation there's little beyond the Terminal, a basic text editor and a network connection manager. The Control Panel provides quick access to the different configurable parts of the distro such as display, mouse, network, etc. Use the graphical package manager 'Apps' to install additional software such as multimedia codecs.
3. Lubuntu
Ubuntu but slimmed down
Compatible with Ubuntu repositories
The 'L' in Lubuntu stands for lightweight, and it unashamedly appeals to those Ubuntu users who are looking for an OS which requires fewer resources than most modern distros, but doesn't force you to compromise on your favourite apps.
Lubuntu is primarily designed for older machines. The default desktop is based on LXQt, which is far less resource hungry than mainstream Ubuntu's Gnome 3 desktop. It comes with a plethora of office, internet, multimedia and graphics apps, along with a wide assortment of useful tools and utilities.
As a lightweight distro, Lubuntu focuses on being fast and energy efficient. It features alternative and less resource intensive apps where possible. The most recent releases have also reverted back to using LibreOffice rather than Abiword for word processing.
This doesn't mean that Lubuntu is lacking, though: it's based on Linux Kernel 5.00 and Ubuntu 18.04, so it's a proper modern Linux distro – it's just shed all unnecessary weight, in the manner of a rally car having all but one of its seats removed.
The most recent release of Lubuntu (19.04 – Disco Dingo) has now lowered the minimum required RAM to run the OS to 500MB. However, to ensure smooth running, try to use a machine with at least 1GB of RAM. It’s available in 32-bit and 64-bit incarnations.
The unique selling point of Lubuntu is its compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, which gives users access to thousands of additional packages that can be easily installed using the Lubuntu Software Center.
4. LXLE
Emphasizes stability and support
Impressive range of apps
LXLE is a lightweight version of Linux based on the annual Ubuntu LTS (long term support) release. Like Lubuntu, LXLE uses the barebones LXDE desktop environment, but as LTS releases are supported for five years, it emphasises stability and long-term hardware support. The most recent version at the time of writing (16.04.4) is a remaster of the current of version of Ubuntu LTS.
Aimed primarily at reviving older machines, the distro is designed to serve as a ready to use desktop out of the box, specifically tailored to appeal to existing Windows users.
The developers spend a considerable amount of time making all the necessary mods and tweaks to improve performance, but they don't skimp on niceties. Aesthetics are a key area of focus as evidenced by the hundred wallpapers which are included, along with clones of Windows functions like Aero Snap and Expose.
The distro boasts full featured apps across categories such as internet, sound and video, graphics, office, games, and more. It also includes plenty of useful accessories such as a Terminal-based Weather app and Penguin Pills, which is a graphical frontend for several virus scanners.
Like Lubuntu, LXLE is available as a Live image for 32-bit and 64-bit machines. The hardware requirements are 512MB of system RAM at a minimum, with 1GB recommended.
5. Damn Small Linux
Only needs 16MB of RAM to run
Last stable version is very old
Damn Small Linux (DSL) lives up to its name in that the install image is barely 50MB. It's designed specifically for x86 PCs and will run on an ancient 486 CPU with 16MB of RAM. This means it can run fully inside your system memory which can result in phenomenally fast speeds.
DSL is usually run from a USB or CD, or you can do a Debian-style installation to a hard drive if you prefer.
Despite the extremely minimal desktop, you may be surprised at the vast array of tools that come preinstalled. You can surf the web with a choice of three browsers – Dillo, Firefox or the text-based browser Netrik. You can also examine office documents using the Ted word processor and check your email with the minimal Slypheed client. Or indeed sort through your data with the ultra-tiny emelFM file manager.
The latest stable version of DSL (4.4.10) was released in 2008. However, you can update and add new applications using the MyDSL Extension Tool.
6. Porteus
Slackware-based distro is incredibly fast and streamlined
Neat choice of desktop environments
This Slackware-based distro is designed to be completely portable and run on removable media such as a USB stick or CD, but can just as easily be installed to a hard disk. The distro is incredibly fast as it's small enough to run entirely from system RAM.
The unique selling point of Porteus is that it exists in a compressed state (less than 300MB for the Cinammon and MATE editions) and creates the file system on-the-fly. Besides the preinstalled apps, all additional software for the distro comes in the form of modules, making the OS very small and compact.
Porteus is available for 32-bit and 64-bit machines. The distro provides users with the choice of KDE, MATE, Cinnamon, Xfce and LXDE desktop environments when downloading the ISO image.
Unfortunately the option to build your own custom ISO has been removed since we previously looked at Porteus, but the pre-built images offer a decent selection of software and drivers, as well as an excellent selection of tutorials to help you get started.
7. Vector Linux
Keeping things simple and small…
Suitable for home desktop or office server
This distro’s credo is 'keep it simple, keep it small', and it manages this to great effect. It allows users to mould the distro to serve just about any possible purpose – Vector Linux can be a lightning-fast desktop for home users, and can just as easily be used for running servers, or as the gateway for your office computer.
After a lengthy period, Vector Linux 7.1 was finally officially released in July 2015, and now comes in two flavours: Light and Standard. The difference is in the desktop environment used. Vector Linux Light uses the ultra-efficient IceWM for the desktop environment while the Standard version is powered by Xfce.
This Slackware-based distro tends to favour GTK+ apps such as Pidgin Messenger, but you can use the TXZ package manager to fetch and install additional software.
8. Puppy Linux
One of the veterans of the lightweight Linux world
Different versions for differing needs
Puppy Linux is one of the oldest lightweight distros out there. The project has been turning out slim, sleek and fast distros for 15 years now, and offers different versions depending on the underlying environment. Puppy Linux 8.0 (Bionic Pup) is based on Ubuntu Bionic Beaver (18.04).
Puppy Linux developer, Barry Kauler, also manages a sister project named Quirky, a version of Puppy Linux built using the custom tool Woof-CE.
The distro is full of apps, belying its small size – some are quite unconventional, such as Homebank which helps you manage your finances, or Gwhere which is for cataloguing disks. There are also graphical tools to manage Samba shares and set up a firewall, for example. The sheer variety of applications is impressive.
The Bionic Pup edition of Puppy Linux is compatible with Ubuntu's repositories, giving users access to the parent distro's vast software collection. The handy QuickPet utility can be used to install some of the most popular apps.
9. Linux Lite
Designed for those who won’t pay for a new version of Windows
Features a host of familiar apps
Linux Lite is based on Ubuntu (currently Long Term Support version 18.04). It is specifically developed to ease Windows users – particularly those with old machines running Windows XP – into the world of Linux.
It features familiar tools like Firefox (with built-in support for Netflix), plus VLC Media Player and LibreOffice are preinstalled. The OS also includes the zRAM memory compression tool which makes it run faster on older machines. There's also a special ‘Lite Upgrade’ utility.
Despite its name, this distribution isn't the least resource hungry out there, as it requires both a 1.5GHz processor and at least 1GB of RAM to run smoothly. That said, this shouldn't be too much to ask of any computer made in the last decade.
Try it on modern hardware and you'll be amazed at just how quickly it runs. Linux Lite can boot from a Live medium such as a USB stick or CD, or install to your hard drive. It also supports multi-booting so you can keep your existing OS if you wish. The distro is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
10. BunsenLabs
A distro that's carrying the Crunchbang torch onwards
Smartly configured Openbox window manager
Crunchbang (or #!) was a very popular Debian-derived distro specifically designed to use as few system resources as possible. While it was discontinued in 2013, the community fondly remembered its lightning speed and responded with two Crunchbang-based distros to continue its legacy.
However, one of those successors, Crunchbang++, has now been discontinued. BunsenLabs is still active, though, and its current release (Helium) is based on the latest stable version of Debian featuring a gorgeously configured Openbox window manager and its own repository of core packages.
There's also a point release option, which is regularly updated if you want to stay on the bleeding-edge. It requires at least 256MB of RAM to run (with 1GB or more recommended).
- You can download BunsenLabs here
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