Busenlabs Boron vs. Bohdi Linux: Which Lightweight Distro Is Right for You?

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ZDNET Highlights

• BunsenLabs Boron and Bohdi Linux are both excellent distributions.
• These distros take advantage of similar layouts, but differ significantly.
• Neither distro is an ideal choice for new Linux users.

One of the many things I love about the Linux operating system is the vast range of options available. If you don’t like a distribution, find another. If the desktop environment you’re using doesn’t suit your style or needs, consider installing a different one. If you need something faster, try a lightweight distribution.

Given the vast number of distros available, there is almost no end to the combinations you can find. Additionally, many distributions add their own spin and flair to the desktop to make it stand out.

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Such is the case with the two distributions I want to compare today: BunsenLabs Boron and Bohdi Linux.

When you first look at these distributions, you may notice some similarities, but they are quite different in almost every aspect.

Let’s take a look at each and see which option might be right for you.

BunsenLabs Meet Boron

I’ve written about Bunsenlabs Boron before and have always found it wonderful to use. The first time I installed this Linux distribution, it felt like I was using a customized version of the Enlightenment desktop.

I was wrong.

Busenlabs Boron A modified version of the Openbox window manager is used to make it look quite unique.

This take on Openbox places a panel on the left, adds Conky on the right – and that’s it. It’s minimal, discreet and fast. When you combine this with Openbox’s right-click desktop menu (although BunsenLab’s desktop menu is activated with a left mouse click), I immediately assumed it was using Enlightenment Desktop.

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It took me a moment to realize that BunsenLabs developers have configured Openbox to be something unique and highly efficient. BunsenLab’s approach to Openbox is reminiscent of Ubuntu’s approach to GNOME, and I agree 100% with both. I find the layout works very well for getting things out of your way, so you can do what you need to do.

In fact, the BunsenLabs Boron is specifically designed for multitasking; If you like to work with multiple windows/apps at once, you will love this distribution. There’s also a middle-mouse click that brings up a simple manager, allowing you to quickly switch between workspaces.

But not only this.

BunsenLabs uses a fairly vanilla Debian base, but does not include a universal package manager. Instead, BunsenLabs relies on the Synaptic package manager. Synaptic is a front-end to the default package manager (in this case, Apt) and may seem somewhat outdated to some users. However, don’t be afraid, because Synaptic does a great job. Would I recommend Synaptic to a new Linux user? Probably not.

Of course, you can always install either (or both) Snap and Flatpak. You cannot add support for Universal Package Manager in Synaptic. As a result, installing applications via Snap or Flatpak must be done from the command line. (I installed Market – a GUI app for installing Flatpak apps – but found out it wouldn’t work.)

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What else does Bunsenlabs Boron bring to the table?

• OpenBox Window Manager is installed with Tint2 Panel, Conky System Monitor and JGMenu for efficient usage.
• There are several GTK2/3 themes, wallpapers and Conky configurations available to choose from.
• Various tools are included to maintain this system.
• Multiple multimedia and hardware-related packages for a better out-of-the-box experience.

What is Bunsenlabs Boron for?

If you’ve never used Linux, BunsenLabs Boron is not for you as the Openbox window manager isn’t exactly new-user friendly. Although the desktop is quite easy to use, it will irritate a lot of people as they try to get used to this new way of interacting with the PC.

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If you like the Debian distribution, and you want a desktop environment that’s a little old-school, Bunsenlabs Boron might be exactly what you need. This distribution is very fast, making it perfect for both new and old hardware.

Also: Unless you are proficient with the command line, Bunsenlabs Boron is probably not a distribution you want to start with.

Meet Bohdi Linux

It can be easy to make mistakes at first glance bohdi linux Bunsenlabs for boron. Although the desktop themes are quite different, the mouse-click menu is the same on both. However, Bohdi Linux takes a step into familiar territory by introducing a bottom panel, which can Make it a viable Linux distribution for new users.

I absolutely wouldn’t go that far.

Bodhi Linux is based on Ubuntu, which in turn is based on Debian, so both distributions share the same lineage. If you can use Ubuntu, you can use Debian (though there are some differences).

In general, I think that Debian-based distributions can have a slight edge in performance compared to distributions based on Ubuntu. However, the difference is minor, so you may not notice it.

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Although Bodhi Linux is easy to use, its desktop menu system can cause confusion for new users. Because of this, I would say that Bodhi Linux is best suited in the hands of people who feel comfortable using something different.

Where BunsenLabs uses the Openbox window manager, Bodhi uses Moksha Desktop, which was inspired by the Enlightenment window manager. Moksha is every bit as fast as Openbox, but it is also far more configurable.

The high level of configurability is one of the reasons why I don’t generally recommend Bodhi Linux to people new to Linux. To me, the Moksha desktop is a perfect combination of old and new. Although Moksha may seem like a modern take on the Linux desktop, it is based on the past.

Other features in Bohdi Linux include the following:

• A basic system with only the essential tools.
• Takes advantage of Ubuntu’s stability and vast software repositories.
• A browser-based app store for easy installation of curated software.
• Low System Requirements: 500 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM.
• Users have complete control over almost every aspect of customization.
• Designed for responsiveness and low memory usage.
• This includes apps like Chromium, Thunar File Browser, Glossary App, Leafpad, ePhoto, and Synaptic Package Manager.

Yes, this is another Linux distribution that uses the Synaptic package manager front-end.

Who is Bohdi Linux for?

Similar to BunsenLabs Boron, Bohdi Linux is not exactly suitable for new users. Although the desktop layout should be immediately familiar, even to those with little or no experience, it is extremely configurable. Change the wrong setting, and you’ll have a desktop that will no longer boot properly. This reason alone prevents me from recommending Bohdi Linux to users.

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On the other hand, if you want something different that is also based on what current desktop distributions offer, and you need speed and efficiency, then Bohdi is a great choice.

Which distro is right for you?

If you’re new to Linux, go away.

If you have some Linux experience and aren’t afraid of breaking things, any of these distributions will be a great fit for you.

No, they’re not exclusive, but they work like champs and make using Linux fun again.

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If you want something different and don’t care about traditional desktop layouts, go with BunsenLabs Boron.

If you want something different but prefer to stick with the same layout as your current desktop, consider Bodhi. Either way, you will be a winner in the eyes of many people.