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ZDNET Highlights
- A lightweight Linux distribution can revive old hardware.
- Puppy Linux and Linux Lite achieve this in very different ways.
- Both of these distributions can be used for free.
Do you have an old computer lying around, doing nothing but collecting dust? Is the computer the same one that ran Windows 10 but is not eligible for Windows 11?
If this sounds like your situation, I have good news. There are plenty of lightweight Linux distributions available for you to install on that old and worn out machine that will make it perform like it’s a teenager about to drive a car for the first time. Var, vroom.
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But which of the many small footprint Linux distributions should you try? I’ve narrowed it down to two that I believe are good enough: Puppy Linux and Linux Lite. Let’s see how they compare.
puppy linux
Puppy Linux is one of the longest running lightweight Linux distributions available. This tiny distro runs anywhere between 500 MB to 1.5 GB in size. You read that right, five hundred megabytes. It is short for an operating system. Consider this: Most Linux distributions run between 1 and 5 gigabytes in size.
The most interesting aspect of Puppy Linux is that it is available using different bases. You can choose versions based on Debian, Ubuntu, Slackware, and Void.
Puppy Linux is also usable right out of the box. However… you knew this was coming.
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It is best to run Puppy Linux as a live distribution. What does it mean? Simple: A live Linux distribution is one that runs entirely in RAM. You can use Live Distribution without replacing your drive. In other words, if you have a Windows computer and you want to run Linux temporarily, you can boot a live version, use it, reboot, and you’re back to Windows.
You can also install Puppy Linux on a persistent storage USB drive, so you can take Linux wherever you go. Because Puppy Linux is so lightweight, it will still run like a champ from USB.
Puppy Linux also features:
- JWM Window Manager.
- Runs entirely in RAM and uses minimal system resources.
- Session persistence: Saves your actions and settings to a file upon shutdown.
- Installed apps include Pale Moon (web browser), AbiWord (word processor), Media Player, Rocks Filer (file manager), and more.
- Work on form design.
- Does not automatically mount the drive at boot to prevent accidental data loss.
- Puppy Unleashed is a powerful tool for creating custom Puppy Linux ISOs.
- Uses its own PET package manager but supports apt and rpm.
- Supports running apps in isolated containers and also has a lockdown mode for added security.
Is Puppy Linux Right for You?
If you don’t mind running your Linux distribution from RAM and you don’t care about modern aesthetics, Puppy Linux is ideal for reviving old hardware. If you want to install Puppy Linux on your drive, be prepared to read some documentation.
linux lite
It is a simple but effective desktop.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
linux is lite Lightweight distribution for those looking to migrate from Windows. Linux Lite is based on the latest LTS (Long Term Support) release of Ubuntu. Unlike Puppy Linux, Linux Lite has to be installed (although it can do be run as a live distribution).
For Windows users, Linux Lite won’t be easy due to its familiar desktop layout. You’ve got everything: panels, Start menu, system tray, clickable icons, etc. It also has preinstalled apps, including the Chrome web browser, the LibreOffice office suite, VLC media player, the GIMP image editor, Thunderbird email and TimeShift, a PDF viewer, and a USB image writer.
Unlike Puppy Linux, Linux Lite is quite customizable, thanks to the Xfce desktop environment. You can change the UI to get exactly the look and feel you want.
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Linux Lite is perfect even on modern hardware. I’ve experienced Linux Lite on a new desktop PC, and it’s extremely fast.
To achieve extremely fast speeds, Linux Lite uses the zRAM memory compression tool.
Although Linux Lite is not as lightweight as some other similar distributions, it is still considered one of the most popular small-footprint distros on the market.
Linux Lite also features:
- Uses lightweight Xfce with a familiar, intuitive layout.
- Optimized for speed and efficiency.
- Designed to make the transition from Windows easy.
- Ships with all the software you need.
- It includes several system tools, such as light tweaks, light software (App Store), and a system monitor.
Is Linux Lite for you?
This is very easy to answer. If you’re a Windows user who wants to transfer that Windows 10 PC to Linux, and you don’t want to learn how to use one of the more modern desktop environments, Linux Lite is an ideal distribution. Because Linux Lite is based on Ubuntu, you’ll get access to the standard repositories, which include plenty of software to install and enjoy.
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Which is the better option for you?
Another easy question to answer. If you want a lightweight, portable Linux distribution to take with you, choose Puppy Linux. If you want a more traditional operating system to ease your transition from Windows to Linux on an older PC, you’ll want Linux Lite.
