Best Lightweight Linux Distributions For Older Computers

Lightweight Linux distributions are for resource constraint hardware for a lag-free working experience. It would not be suitable for older computers to install heavy and high-processing Linux distributions. You should install lightweight Linux distributions according to your hardware requirements to get the lag-free optimized output.

In this write-up, we will look at the most lightweight Linux distributions for older desktop computers.

Best Lightweight Linux Distributions For Older Computers

For low specifications and older computers, lightweight Linux distros are the best options. We will discuss the below best lightweight Linux distributions one by one.

AntiX

AntiX is a Debian-based Linux distribution suitable for older computers. It is a very light Linux distribution and provides all the functions of the Linux operating system. AntiX comes with cutting-edge Kernel and applications and provides updates through apt-get packages and Debian-based repositories. AntiX is the best option to keep working on older computers with a fully functional Linux operating system.

Minimum Hardware Requirements for AntiX

If you want to use AntiX for your hardware, make sure you check its minimum hardware requirements, which are as follows:

  • 256MB RAM
  • 5GB Hard Disk space
  • Intel-AMD x86 processor

To download the ISO of Antix Linux distribution, navigate to the download page of the official website.

Linux Lite

Linux lite is a Ubuntu and Debian-based user-friendly distribution that runs on the main Linux Kernel. It was developed to make a smooth switch between windows and Linux operating systems. To make the switch easier, Linux lite provides a few familiar desktop applications on installation, such as Skype, free office suite, and much more to make. The disadvantage is Linux lite does not come with a dedicated code editor.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

To install Linux lite, check the minimum hardware requirements below:

  • VGA screen 1024×768 Resolution Display
  • 768MB RAM
  • 8GB Storage
  • 1GHz Processor

For downloading Linux Lite, navigate to its Official Website.

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is a lightweight and fast Linux distro with only a size of 300MB or less. Puppy Linux comes with all daily computing tools, most useful built-in tools like creating new puppy CDs, bootable USB drives, and many more.

The main advantage of Puppy Linux is that you can store the entire operating system with customized settings on a CD drive or USB and install it on any other system.

Minimum Hardware Requirements for Puppy Linux

  • 256MB RAM
  • 600MHz Processor

For downloading Puppy Linux Lite, navigate to its Official Website.

Lubuntu

Lubuntu is a lightweight Ubuntu-based distribution built specifically for less-powerful hardware. Lubuntu is fast and energy-saving. Its UI is simple, making it user-friendly for windows and new users.

Lubuntu has the limitation of not being able to run all programs, especially heavy applications. Lubuntu comes with several useful built-in packages like office.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

  • At least Pentium 4 or higher processor
  • 512MB RAM

For downloading Lubuntu Lite, navigate to its Official Website.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is an open-source distribution developed for the x86-64 architecture designed for experienced users. It is a highly customizable distribution, you can customize every detail of your system in Arch Linux. It has a built-in Arch User Repository (AUR) from which you can install packages.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Arch Linux’s minimum hardware requirements are listed below:

  • 512 MB RAM
  • 2GB free disk space
  • 64-bit architecture

For downloading Arch Linux ISO, go to its Official Website.

Bodhi Linux

Bodhi is a lightweight operating system developed and based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. It comes with whole Ubuntu-based applications like Terminal and Browsers. Bodhi Linux has active users and a community with full support.

Bodhi Linux comes in four versions which are as follows:

  • HWE Edition (Updated Kernels and New Technology )
  • Standard (No new Kernel updates after installation)
  • AppPack (Regular Updates and more features)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Bodhi Linux’s minimum hardware requirements are as follows:

  • 512MB RAM
  • 500 MHz
  • 5 GB Hard Disk

For downloading Bodhi Linux ISO, head to its Official Website.

Zarin OS Lite

Zarin OS Lite is a free operating system that uses a stable and very light version of Ubuntu. It is built to work on computers older than 15 years old and faster than windows. Zarin OS Lite has a simple & customizable GUI that is user-friendly and easy for beginners.

The main feature of Zarin OS is that it’s a very secure operating system without any risk of viruses.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Zarin OS Lite’s minimum hardware requirements are

  • 1024×768 Resolution
  • 2GB RAM
  • 1GHz Processor
  • 15GB Hard Disk space

For downloading Zorin OS Lite ISO, move to its Official Website.

Ubuntu Mate

Ubuntu Mate is less lightweight than other discussed distributions, but it provides more features like a configurable desktop environment. It comes with many useful built-in applications, including GNOME. Ubuntu Mate is the official derivative of Ubuntu which uses “Mate” desktop environment GUI compared to Ubuntu.

Ubuntu Mate’s latest version is Ubuntu 20.04 based, with many features like installation with just one click and multiple color themes. 

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Ubuntu Mate’s minimum hardware requirements are given below:

  • 1024×768 Resolution
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8GB Hard Disk

The best lightweight Linux distributions are summed up in this guide. You can choose Linux distributions according to your need and hardware requirements.

That’s it from this guide.

For downloading Ubuntu Mate ISO, navigate to its Official Website.

Conclusion

The best lightweight Linux distributions for older computers are AntiX, Linux Lite, Puppy Linux, Lubuntu, Arch Linux, Bodhi Linux, Zarin OS lite, and Ubuntu Mate. Older computers have hardware constraints and can use lightweight Linux distributions like AntiX, Linux Lite, Puppy Linux, and others according to system minimum requirements. The requirement details and the relevant information about each stated Linux distro is provided.