Best Lightweight Linux Distribution for Older Computers

The problem with advancement of technology is that it makes the old gadgets almost obsolete. And it happens mostly in case of computers. We do not buy computers/laptops every six month or every year, well most of us don’t. But the fast pace of software development always make our six-months old PC looks old and slow.
The new Ubuntu, Fedora and all other major Linux distributions relies heavily on upgraded hardware. Gnome 3 and Unity both used 3D hardware acceleration. It seems that with time the major Linux distributions will focus more on utilizing the best of hardware capabilities and running these OS will require good hardware configuration. But what about your good old computer that is low on RAM, disk space, cache memory? Is it time to dispose them because you do not have good operating system to run on it? No, not at all. The beauty of Linux is that it has something for everyone. And in this post we will see some really lightweight Linux operating System that can be run on your grandma’s computer (pun intended, no offense to your grandma and her computer).

1. Puppy Linux:

Like the name suggests, it is a cute little adorable puppy. This highly popular Linux distro is equally lightweight as well. It is available in various sizes with maximum up to 100 MB in total. It can be easily installed on CD and USB drive. It can be run on a computer with as low as Pentium II processor and with 128 MB ram. Amazing isn’t it? Despite of that it has most of the functionalities of a major Linux distro.

 2. SliTaz:

SliTaz perfectly fits the proverb “good things come in small packages”. With a total download size of less than 30 MB, it provides the basic functionalities of not only desktop but a server as well. A growing community is always there to provide support. The lightweight has different variants that can even ran from a computer with a memory as low as 16 MB. The maximum RAM requirement for any version is less than 200 MB. With its full features, it is ideal for low-end netbooks.

 3. Damn Small Linux:

Damn Small Linux is a mini Linux variant with a size of less less than 50 MB. Starting from a RAM size of as low as 16 MB it can be run at its full capacity on a 128 MB RAM with blazing fast speed. It can be run from a live CD, USB drive and from inside Windows (wow). It also has server capabilities with SSH/FTP and HTTPD and can be run from live CD. It comes with a decent number of application that can be needed in basic OS. When installed on hard disk, it can be used as a Debian OS.

4. Zenix:

A beautiful Debian based Linux OS Zenix requires RAM as little as 60 MB and runs flawlessly with a RAM of 128 MB. It comes with quite decent application package and its stunning killer looks give it an edge over others. Like others, it can also be run in live environment from a CD drive or a USB.

5. The Floppy Linux:

There is no Linux distro with the name “Floppy Linux”. What? Then why did I put it here? Well, Floppy Linux a category of Linux distributions that can be run from, hold your heart, a floppy drive. Yes, the same obsolete floppy drive which you saw years back and the children of this generation have seen only in books and these are the Linux OS which can be used on your grandma’s computer (literally). Providing really basic functions of an operating system, even wireless connectivity, these OS rely heavily on command line while being low on GUI part. The main “floppy linux” are:

• Mu Linux
• Fd Linux
• Basic Linux

These floppy Linux are boon for dying computer with old-age hardware and give you a reason not to throw away the decades old computer.
What do you think? Are these  Linux OS reason good enough not to throw your old-box in trash? Do let us know. Please do subscribe to the newsletter to stay updated with latest tips and tricks. Cheers :)

TERIMA KASIH ATAS KUNJUNGAN SAUDARA
Semoga artikel ini bermanfaat bagi saudara. Jika ingin mengutip, baik itu sebagian atau keseluruhan dari isi artikel ini harap menyertakan link dofollow ke https://androidblackberries.blogspot.com/2012/02/best-lightweight-linux-distribution-for.html. Terima kasih sudah singgah membaca artikel ini.