A lean distro for 32-bit processors
Shedding Weight
© Lead Image © Kirsty Pargeter, Fotolia.com
For older computers with 32-bit processors, BunsenLabs Helium offers a lean alternative to popular Linux distributions. Our lab investigates how well the system performs on antiquated hardware.
With many Linux variants only being released as 64-bit versions, choosing a new distribution for 32-bit systems has become increasingly difficult. BunsenLabs Helium [1], a Debian derivative, offers a distribution with a lightweight, customizable Openbox desktop. Designed to use resources as efficiently as possible, BunsenLabs Helium even runs on older machines.
In addition to an image for 64-bit systems, BunsenLabs also provides two images of the current version of Helium for 32-bit systems: One for 32-bit systems with a PAE extension (enabling the use of more than 4GB of RAM) and one for systems without the extension. The image without PAE support weighs in at 680MB [2]. Regardless of your system, the developers recommend a minimum of 1GB RAM and 10GB free space on the hard disk.
All three hybrid images (64-bit, 32-bit with PAE support, and 32-bit without PAE support) are available on the project's website [1]. The images (each about 1.1GB in size) boot into an unimpressive GRUB boot manager, which supports Live operation as well as direct installation. A graphical installation tool is also available.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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 Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.