With the evolution of technology, we have seen new systems arriving in the market. Our old computers or laptops are not capable enough to carry those OS, and therefore we have to change our computing devices. However what we think is, if your computer is capable of being turned on, you can make maximum use of it by installing the appropriate operating system.
And one such software is Linux-based OS: the kernel, which is a magical OS and works on almost all the systems with low specs (in terms of RAM and processor). That’s why we have brought this exciting topic about the best Linux distro for old laptops and computers.
List of Top 10 Best Linux Distro For Old Laptop and Desktops
Our experts have created a list of the best Linux distro for old laptops and computers that you can install on laptops, which you think doesn’t work. Using a correct Linux distribution, you can restore its old glory and utilize it for more duration. Let’s have a look at the list given below.
1. Lubuntu
If you dont know about Ubuntu, let me tell you Linux is synonymous with Ubuntu. Some users are familiar with the way of working in the distribution created by Canonical. However, Ubuntu, particularly with Unity, is not suitable for old computers. But there are some variants of this distribution, and one of them seems to be created for this purpose.
The name of such tool is Lubuntu, and the L, which stands for XDE, the desktop environment used by default. And many users read Lubunt as ‘Lightweight Ubuntu’ intended essentially to function in modest hardware.
2. Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is a very lightweight Linux distro that works well on all systems. What makes it different from others is it does not include an installation opposite to other operating systems. You can launch it directly to a desktop session, and it works very smoothly. For example, you can run it directly via a USB drive on computers that do not have a hard drive or do not want to use it. It will amaze you as it works without unnecessary slowdowns, and it requires a Pentium III or higher processor and 256MB of RAM to provide you maximum result.
3. Damn Small Linux
Even if you the oldest computer of the first generation Pentium type, or even an i486, you can use utilize your machine using this tool. Damn, Small Linux might be small in name, but it has the potential to replace the latest software because of its efficient features; if you look at it that occupies just 50MB and saves on an optical disk the volume of a business card.
You can also store it in a Compact Flash card, installing it in saving mode and Small Linux needs, at a minimum, just one Intel 486DX with 16MB of RAM, which is unbelievable.
4. SliTaz
It is the lightest tool ever which is just 40MB in size and enables users to start a fully operative system. You can even install it on a hard drive with almost 100MB of free space, though it is small in size but offers remarkable features to serve you. It requires Pentium III with 256MB of RAM to work very easily.
5. Arch Linux
Arch Linux is amongst the best Linux Distro for old computers that you can use right now. And many of its users have displaced all graphical applications with their CLI equivalents to explain that beautiful icons and visual effects are poor. However, if you look at the positive side, an operating system without any graphical application can run on virtually anything and even use your previous laptop.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint is another name on this list which is a cloud-based Linux distribution and very straightforward to use. The best thing about this tool is that it doesn’t need a high-end computer instead of other Linux distros. This Ubuntu-based Linux distribution is very lightweight as it utilizes the LXDE desktop experience to make your experience smooth and best.
If you look at requirements, it needs 1GB of RAM and an Intel x86-based processor to run your computer and east 4GB of available disk space to install on your device.
7. Linux Lite
You can get an idea from its name that is a lightweight version of Linux and requires a low specs computer to work on. What makes it unique is its user-friendly and flawless interface to make your old computer look young. It arrives with a collection of pre-installed apps such as Thunderbird, Dropbox, VLC Media Player, and others.
I know it’s unbelievable, but Linux Lite requires less than 1GB of RAM to run and operates on a 700MHz processor. But it requires at least 5GB of free disk space to install on your old desktop.
8. LXLE
If you are a user of Lubuntu, you are going to adore this tool because it is an updated version of Lubuntu, which is at the top of our list. You can call it a replica of Lubuntu and provides all the similar features and brings plenty of software that runs on low-end computers.
The minimum requirement of this Disro is less than 1GB of RAM, a Pentium 3 processor, and at least 8GB of free disk space.
9. CrunchBang++
CrunchBang++ might be lower in our list but still the best as it is considered as clone Crunchbang Linux which is known for its ease of use. And as it is the replica of Linux distro Crunchban, the features are almost sane, and it is Debian 9 based Linux distro. It provides a very fast and clean interface and requires less than 512MB of RAM and a Pentium 4 processor to run.
10. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux is the last name in our list of best Linux Distro for old laptops or desktops, which you can download right now. It is solely developed to provide you ease and simplicity and runs faster without using much storage. If you look at the minimum system requirement of this Linux Distro, it requires at least 256MB of RAM and a processor 1Ghz clock speed and 4GB of disk space to install.
Conclusion:
We have created a list of the best Linux Distro for old laptops or desktops for our viewers. You can choose anyone based on your requirements and needs, dont forget to send us suggestions and feedback. Goodbye!
