A lightweight Linux operating system or "distro" (short for "distribution") can breathe new life into an old computer or make a newer one even more snappier and responsive. Dozens such operating systems are available, but many of them are very barebones, outdated or potentially unstable. Of these options, three stand out as the only ones with advanced features packed into one lean download.
Unlike most other lightweight Linux operating systems, these three all include Linux kernel 2.6.x, GTK 2.x, basic packages, a word processor, web browser and email client; and spreadsheet, media playback and image editing software are either pre-installed or easily downloadable through an easy-to-use package manager. They are all out of beta, have an ongoing release/update schedule, are smaller than a CD (700 MB) and most importantly receive generally positive reviews.
Primary differences between these three are their initial download size, the packages available to them, the lightweight window manager and desktop environment used within the system, and the user community surrounding each to help new users make the transition. Read on to find the best overall, best Debian-based and best RPM-based distro.
Universally praised for packing more functionality into each megabyte than any other distro, Puppy Linux is the favorite in head-to-head comparisons of lightweight distros on ZDNet, Tuxmachines, and On Becoming a Penguin. A download of around 100 MB and including everything you're likely to need from a distro out of the box, there's little reason to not start with Puppy and then change to one of the other two below if you find it does not meet your needs.
- Pros: Puppy is the smallest distro on this list, but still packs as much software as the biggest. Every single review of Puppy 4.x at Distro Watch is positive (including one from my favorite Linux.com), commenting on how easy it is to install and use, and how there seems to be an application for nearly everything. Unlike other lightweight distros, Puppy has Flash support pre-installed and is the only distro here that worked flawlessly as both a frugal install and a live usb.
- Cons: Some reviews do point to some minor challenges with limited power management and concerns at being a single-user distro (so you are always logged in as "root") but remain ultimately positive. Firefox 3 can be unstable when using both Flash and Java, but this has apparently been a problem in other distros as well, and Puppy's default Mozilla-based browser SeaMonkey is no slouch and actually has some advantages over Firefox.
If you find that the most recent release of Puppy Linux does not work on your hardware, try the Retro version or an older release, which are based on older Linux kernels.
Continue to Page 2 for our top choice Best Debian-Based & RPM-Based Linux Operating Systems for Old Computers.