5 Lightweight Linux For Old Computers

Do you have old computer? Have you kept your old computer somewhere in a rack? So this is the time to take it out and start using it. In this article I will walk you through the list of 5 Lightweight Linux distributions that you can install and use on old computers. All of these 5 Linux distributions require less resources therefore can be run on old desktops or laptops. So without any further delay let's dive in.

This list of 5 lightweight Linux distributions is not just meant for old computers but you can use them on newer computers. Now why would you want to use lightweight Linux distributions on newer hardware? The reason you might not want tons of packages or applications. In other major Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Fedora there are great number of packages already installed so that you can use them to satisfy dependencies of other applications. Although that's perfectly fine but not useful for users who just need some apps on their computers. So for such users these lightweight Linux would be great on newer hardware also. 

So let's start with number 5 in our list -

5. Linux Lite

The 5th lightweight Linux for old computers is Linux Lite. It is based on Ubuntu LTS, it's lightweight and easy to use Linux distributions. If you are new to Linux and want to install Linux on your older hardware then Linux Lite is a good choice for you. Linux Lite uses XFCE desktop environment that is lightweight and easy to use. Even I use Linux Lite for testing applications and I have installed it on my Intel PC (Core i3, 6GB Ram) and it works awesome. 

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS:
​
​CPU: 700MHz processor
RAM: 512mb ram
RESOLUTION: VGA screen 1024x768 resolution
MEDIA: DVD drive or USB port for the ISO image

You can check our latest stories that we have covered on Linux Lite -

Linux Lite, a Friendly Linux Distro For Windows/New Users
​Linux Lite 2.8 Released With Linux Kernel 3.19, BTRFS Support And More 
​Linux Lite 2.8 Screenshot Tour

Linux Lite is at #5 in this list because I am sorting this list in more to less lightweight order. Linux Lite already comes with so many packages installed so it's the least lightweight in this list but it's lightweight if you compare with Ubuntu or Fedora or other major Linux distributions.

Download Linux Lite

4. Lubuntu

Probably you would have heard of this Ubuntu based Linux distribution, Lubuntu. There are many things that make Lubuntu small, faster and stable. The very first is the desktop environment that Lubuntu comes with is LXDE. LXDE is especially designed for low hardware specifications/older machines and it is known for its extremely fast performance.

​Lubuntu also has less packages installed that makes it lighter and faster than any other Ubuntu based Linux distribution. But Lubuntu is not just about using it on older or low specification hardware but it can also be used on modern computers. 

The Latest Lubuntu version is Lubuntu 15.10 that is based on Ubuntu 15.10 'Wily Werewolf'.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS:

​CPU: Pentium II or Celeron CPU with PAE support
RAM: 128MB of RAM 
HD: 2GB of hard-drive

Download Lubuntu

3. Bodhi Linux

Bodhi Linux is another lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. Bodhi is designed to provide faster computing experience without loading it with tons of applications. It comes with only the applications that are necessary for almost everyone such as, file manager, Internet browser, text editor and terminal etc. Any required application can be installed on the go using AppCenter or Apt package manager. 

Bodhi Linux uses Enlightenment as the default desktop environment. Enlightenment is known for its extremely simple interface. Bodhi Linux releases LTS (Long Term Support) releases so you can stick with one version for as long as 5 years. 

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS:

• 500mhz processor
• 128MB of RAM
• 4GB of drive space

Download Bodhi Linux

Go From Beginner To Advanced With This Linux Bootcamp Course

​Linux Administration Bootcamp: Go from Beginner to Advanced

Join This Course

More Linux Courses In Store

2. Puppy Linux

One of the lightest Linux distributions is Puppy Linux. It is small but powerful and can be used on new computers as well. Puppy Linux latest ISOs size between 200 to 300 MB. It comes with the core of OS and with some necessary applications such as, Firefox Internet browser, Inkscape, VLC media player etc. 

The best part of the Puppy Linux is that it loads into RAM so applications start very quickly from RAM. As you provide input to the applications, applications respond to your input. You can use Flash drive to boot into Live session and all the applications will load into RAM. So even if you eject the USB the system should work just fine. 

Puppy Linux uses JWM or Openbox as desktop environment. It's lightening fast environment and you can even customize it to fit into your needs. 

MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUPPY LINUX 4.2.1

• 500MHZ processor
• 128MB RAM
• 512MB free hard drive space to create an optional save file
• No hard drive required to boot a Live Disc.
• CD-ROM any speed

Download Puppy Linux

1. Tiny Core

Have you heard of Tiny Core? No! It's has to be at this place. Even now modern text editors are larger than this fully customizable operating system. It's just the size of 16MB with GUI! It is super light that you can install this on a dying machine ;). It comes with very few packages and so requires less resources to run. 

But coming with few applications does not mean you can't install any other applications. You can ofcourse install your favorite applications if you need to. The latest version of Tiny Core is Tiny Core 7.0 that ships with Kernel 4.2.9 and Xorg-7.7 and alsa have been refactored/updated. TinyCore is Core + Xvesa.tcz + Xprogs.tcz + aterm.tcz + fltk-1.3.tcz + flwm.tcz + wbar.tcz. 

Tiny Core is available in three versions, Core, TinyCore and CorePlus. Core is just the size of 11 MB and has only CLI (Command Line Interface). It is recommended for experienced users who know to handle CLI.

The second is Core that is the size of 16 MB and has core plus X/GUI extensions for a dynamic FLTK/FLWM graphical desktop environment. 

Finally the third one is CorePlus that is the size of 116 MB and it is an installation image. It comes with the core and tools to setup the system. It is recommended for new users.

Download Tiny Core

What Is Your Favorite Lightweight Linux Distributions?

These are the five lightweight Linux distributions that can be installed on old desktops or laptops. Let us know by the poll below that what is your favorite lightweight desktop environment out of these 5. If your favorite is other than these five then let us also know.