The lightest Linux distributions for older computers
Caution
This article was published more than a year ago, there may have been developments.
Please take this into account.
The myth of the lightweight Linux distribution that today resurrects a Commodore 64 is to be dispelled. Old PCs with architectures a 32 bit, old netbooks or nettops already very cheap when they were put on the market will hardly have “new life” by installing Linux, because the hardware has evolved, the software has been updated and it is easier to ensure a certain degree of compatibility with computers than 10 / 15 years ago or more recent.
Older computers risk failing to open a modern web page, or to run javascript smoothly. Browsers are the most resource-hungry software, and 256MB of RAM may be little for today's requirements (even NAS today often have more than 512MB of RAM). Sure, Linux coupled with an SSD or hybrid drive could make it usable, but don't expect the performance you had 15 years ago.
Having said that, let's move on to evaluate the best alternatives to proprietary computer systems “no-longer-very-young“. The list of distributions that I list does not follow particular criteria. You will have to evaluate the minimum system requirements that coincide with the hardware in your possession.
Q4OS
Q4OS, whose name is a little’ cryptic, is a Debian-based Linux distribution, whose main characteristics are speed, ease of use and productivity.
This distribution claims to be ideal for those who want a work environment tailored to the personal needs and preferences of the user. In this perspective, Q4OS can be used for both less experienced users, both for advanced ones.
In the screenshots you will also find themes similar to the old XP. Personally I do not agree with the choice of having to “to dress” your SO as if it were someone else, but it is also true that personal preferences are not discussed.
| System requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 128MB |
| CPU | 300MHz |
| Disk space | the 3 a 5 GB |
| Derived distro | Debian |
| Desktop Environment | Trinity for the 32bit version Plasma for the 64bit version |
Slax
Slax is a Linux distribution of type “portable”, installable on an external USB memory and bootable without installation.
The ISO file weighs less than 300 MB, the user interface is pretty simple with essential pre-installed packages. You can also change your preferences and make them permanent in subsequent sessions. The right distribution even for novice users.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 512MB |
| CPU | i686 or newer |
| Disk space | Undeclared I would suggest at least 5GB |
| Derived distro | Debian |
| Desktop Environment | XFCE |
Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is a very light Linux distribution, which runs pretty well even on older hardware. The main DE is MATE desktop, so the interface may seem more complicated to understand at first, but still intuitive.
In addition to desktop support you can try Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi and Jetsons Nano.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 1GB |
| CPU | 1GHz |
| Disk space | 9GB |
| Derived distro | Ubuntu |
| Desktop environment | Mate |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
Zorin OS Lite
Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. Offers a lightweight version for older computers and replaces the canonical interface with XFCE.
If your computer is not too old you may still consider installing Zorin OS (instead of the light version).
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 512MB |
| CPU | 700MHz |
| Disk space | 8GB |
| Derived distro | Ubuntu |
| Desktop environment | XFCE |
| Resolution | 680 x 480 |
Xubuntu
Xubuntu is I think the most famous of the distributions I put on this list. It's a “official flavor” di Ubuntu: a derived distribution, but officially supported by Ubuntu sharing software sources, but it offers a different experience or intended use than the stock version of Ubuntu.
In short, all software available for Ubuntu will be available for Xubuntu, but the desktop manager is lighter and the installed packages will be different.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 512MB |
| CPU | 1,5GHz |
| Disk space | 8GB |
| Derived distro | Ubuntu official flavor |
| Desktop environment | XFCE |
| Resolution | 800 x 600 |
Linux Mint XFCE
If you have old hardware Linux Mint XFCE might be a choice not to be discarded.
In addition to being based on Ubuntu (however, it is an unofficial derivative distro, not a Ubuntu flavor) is equipped with the DE XFCE, which makes it fast and light even for some old computers. Whereas Linux Mint is one of the best distributions around, you could also try other editions.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 1GB |
| CPU | not declared I would suggest at least 1GHz |
| Disk space | 15GB |
| Derived distribution | Ubuntu |
| Desktop environment | XFCE |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
Peppermint
Pepprmint is a cloud-focused Linux distribution that doesn't need any recent hardware. It is based on Ubuntu and uses LXDE as DE. It was originally created to be installed on netbooks and nettops and still retains its network-oriented approach today.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 1GB |
| CPU | Intel x86 |
| Disk space | 4GB |
| Derived distribution | Ubuntu |
| Desktop environment | LXDE |
Lubuntu
Other distribution included in Ubuntu flavor that we find on our list is Lubuntu. Come Xubuntu, Lubuntu also offers the same packages included in the official Ubuntu repositories, but use a different DE, indeed two: both LXDE and LXQT.
Lubuntu can be used on both old and new PCs. It is one of the lighter stock Ubuntu derivatives, focused on speed and support for older hardware.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It (old versions) |
| RAM | 1GB |
| CPU | Pentium 4 Pentium M AMD K8 |
| Disk space | 2GB |
| Derived distribution | Ubuntu |
| Desktop environment | LXDE LXQT |
Linux Lite
Linux Lite is too, as the name suggests, a lightweight distribution that can be installed on older hardware. It is quite simple to use even for i Linux newbie and, being an unofficial derivative of Ubuntu LTS, has the entire range of applications available as the stock version, with a long stand 5 years from the date of issue.
Despite being a light version, the developers did not skimp on the software package. In fact, after installation we will find programs like Firefox, LibreOffice, Thunderbird, VLC, Gimp… in short, programs not really “light”.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It (old versions) |
| RAM | 768 |
| CPU | 1 |
| Disk space | 8 |
| Derived distribution | Ubuntu LTS |
| Desktop environment | XFCE |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
CrunchBang++
Also known as CBPP or #!++, CrunchBang ++ is a clone of Crunchbang Linux. This last project is now abandoned.
CrunchBang ++ can be installed without any problem on older computers, if you base your Debian 10 and the interface is very minimal. Given its characteristics I would not recommend it to inexperienced users.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It (old versions) |
| RAM | 1GB |
| CPU | Pentium IV |
| Disk space | Undeclared I would suggest at least 10GB |
| Derived distribution | Debian 10 |
| Desktop environment | OpenBox |
Bodhi
Bodhi Linux is known for its minimal interface and support for low-end hardware. You won't find many programs after installation, for this reason the ISO file weighs about 1GB.
The most prestigious peculiarity of this distribution is certainly the DE Moksh desktop, specially developed. This DE is the right choice to contain dimensions and offer a rewarding user experience.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It (old versions) |
| RAM | 256MB |
| CPU | 1GHz |
| Disk space | 5GB |
| Derived distribution | Ubuntu |
| Desktop environment | Moksh desktop (derived from Enlightenment) |
AntiX
binary comment 
AntiX is a Debian-based Linux distribution. If you are looking for something that does not include systemd you are in the right place.
AntiX bases the user experience on iceWM to offer support even to hardware that is no longer young. It does not include a large pre-installed software park, in fact the ISO weighs about 700MB. Of course, you can install all the software you need from the first start.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It |
| RAM | 256MB |
| CPU | Intel 3 |
| Disk space | 5GB |
| Derived distribution | Debian |
| Desktop environment | iceWM |
Sparky
Sparky is another minimal distribution, but at the same time it also caters to the latest computer market.
Depending on what you are looking for you will find two variants of SparkyLinux: one based on Debian Stable and one on Debian Testing. To these two variants are added the LXQT and the “GameOver” which includes a large software park.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | Undeclared |
| RAM | 512 |
| CPU | Pentium IV AMD Athlon |
| Disk space | 2GB (CLI Edition), 10GB (Home Edition), 20GB (GameOver Edition) |
| Derived distribution | Debian Stable Debian Testing |
| Desktop environment | LXQT |
Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is perhaps the most unique of the distributions we will see today. It can be launched in version live to CD, DVD o memoria USB, use JWM and OpenBox by default to minimize installation space.
Given the vocation of Puppy Linux to speed, the included software is very poor, even though it includes a set of basic applications.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | It (old versions) |
| RAM | 256MB |
| CPU | 600MHz |
| Disk space | Undeclared I would suggest at least 10GB |
| Derived distribution | Original |
| Desktop environment | JWM / OpenBox |
Tiny Core
Technically the lightest distribution among those mentioned, however it is certainly not addressed to all users.
Tiny Core incorporates the fundamental components of a Linux operating system: kernel e root filesystem. In other words it is alone “the foundations” of an operating system.
If you are looking for an operating system that boots and connects to a LAN you might want to start using it, but don't expect hardware support “classic” without having to fiddle.
It goes without saying that this distribution is only usable by an advanced user, that he knows – eg – compile a program from source.
| Minimum requirements | |
|---|---|
| Support a 32 bit | Undeclared probably yes |
| RAM | 64MB |
| CPU | i486DX |
| Disk space | Undeclared I would suggest at least 1GB |
| Derived distribution | Original |
| Desktop environment | Tiny X |
Conclusions
As already mentioned, not all computers can come back to life and not all distributions can be used by everyone. In this list I wanted to summarize the salient features of what I consider the best Linux distributions among the lightest on the market.
And what distribution do you use?
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