We round up some top small Linux distributions
There is no universal definition of the word "small" when it is used to define a Linux distribution. For some users, a small distribution is one that has a minimal footprint on a computer's resources. For others, a small distribution is the one that is distributed in a nifty little package and can be lugged around in a portable USB key. Both types of distributions have their uses. Small-footprint distros help save old and resource-strapped computers from ending up in a landfill, while USB-style distros give their users a safe, secure, and private environment on a public computer, like in a library or hotel lobby. The candidates we've selected in this article do a bit of both (see also the "Not Considered" box).
A lot of hardware is good enough to run the mainstream Linux distributions without any issues. However, the modern Linux desktop is a fairly resource hungry beast as well. Coupled with the fact that mainstream Linux distros are designed to appeal to a large number of users, they also have become too bloated. This has fueled the demand for lightweight options both for individual apps (see box titled "Lightweight Apps") and for complete distributions.
Just as it is difficult to define a distro as "small," defining hardware as "older" is also tricky. In addition to users who have hardware that's been outdated fairly recently, there's another kind who are holding on to their workhorses from the last decade. They usually just use their computer to browse the web, do some text editing, and watch some videos. It's a shame to force these users to dump their trusted machines and get the latest multicore computers loaded with several gigabytes of RAM or even a dedicated graphics card. However, chances are their workhorse isn't supported by the latest kernel, which keeps dropping support for older hardware that is no longer in vogue.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Plasma 6.3 Now Available
Plasma desktop v6.3 has a couple of pretty nifty tricks up its sleeve.
-
LibreOffice 25.2 Has Arrived
If you've been hoping for a release that offers more UI customizations, you're in for a treat.
-
TuxCare Has a Big AlmaLinux 9 Announcement in Store
TuxCare announced it has successfully completed a Security Technical Implementation Guide for AlmaLinux OS 9.
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.