Are you still having your old rig that has Intel Pentium chip inside? If yes, don’t throw that away. That old rig is still capable of doing so much that you can’t imagine. If you think that you might be able to run massively massive Windows 10 or MacOS on your rig, that’s not what we will be doing. Instead, there are other options for you that you can try to install on the old rig and make it useful again.
Instead of going with the newest Windows or MacOS, why not prefer Linux instead? Yes, Linux is an incredibly light OS that can do wonders to that old rig that is completely outdated for most of the people today. But, we know how important that old computer is to you.
Since we are discussing the matter about the older hardware here, it does not mean that it’s only for the older computers, you can still try the incredibly lightweight OS on newer hardware as well. Incredibly, these lightweight Linux OS can do wonders to the older ancient machines that you are keeping in the closets from the past few years without using them. By trying these old Linux distributions, yet new to your machine, you will be giving a new life to your computer.
But, we have done some research and found some of the best Linux distributions for your older machines. You can quickly boot any of these Linux distributions to any of your computer, whichever you like. It might be your older computer which will be getting a new life. Otherwise, you can still add it to your more modern machines as well to experience the super-fast experience of these Linux Distributions.
In this Article, you will find the Best lightweight Linux distributions for your older hardware. So, let us jump right on to the list.
Best Lightweight Linux Distributions For Older Hardware
1. Lubuntu
First on our list is Lubuntu. As the name implies, it is clear that it is one from Ubuntu’s side. Probably an excellent option for your old configuration rig. As the Lubuntu is incredibly lightweight, it is quite famous for the performance that it shows even with older hardware.
Even it is lightweight for your old computer, and it still packs a lot of features inside the package. Lubuntu, as compared to other distributions and its root Ubuntu itself, comes with a much lighter graphical desktop interface. Also, it is known as LXDE.
The various default applications that you get with Lubuntu are as follows. You will see applications like GPicView to view images, MTPaint for Paint. Furthermore, you get Evince for PDF viewing and editing, Sylpheed for mailing, Transmission for Torrent, and even more.
2. Peppermint
Next on the list is Peppermint OS, one of the best Linux Distribution. We are calling it one of the best Linux Distribution because of its excellent performance on low-end computers. Peppermint OS is in this industry for a long time now and has a massive fan base all around the globe. This Operating System is a sibling to the Linux Interface, and we assure you about its performance with low as well as high-end PCs.
The minimum requirement of the Peppermint OS to run on your old computer is 1 GB of RAM. However, the recommended amount of RAM for the Peppermint OS is 2 GB RAM. Moreover, it can run on the processor based on Intel x86 architecture. And, the minimum disk space requirement for the Peppermint OS is only 4 GB of space.
3. Puppy Linux
As the name implies, it is that small that it does not even require any space in your computer’s hard disk. Puppy Linux is our favorite in terms of being lightweight. The best in class and can comfortably run on any computer without any issues. The Puppy Linux is so lightweight that it needs only RAM space to run on your older hardware.
Puppy is incredibly lightweight. However, it does not have so much software as other Linux distributions offer. Basically, it is famous as users like to use it for general purpose tasks only. As the ISO file is so small, it can be stored in any removable and bootable pen drive.
The minimum requirements for the Puppy OS are quite impressive. It only needs 64 MB of RAM space for running. However, the recommended amount is 256 MB. Along with that, it only requires 333 MHz CPU to run efficiently and smoothly.
4. LXLE
In terms of being a lightweight OS, the LXLE distribution of Linux is quite well performing. Basically, the LXLE is a sibling to the Lubuntu LTS version. Therefore, we can call it a newer version of Lubuntu with more modifications. These modifications in the Lubuntu give a nice touch to the old hardware computers. Hence, the LXLE OS performs excellently in reviving the old machines to life.
LXLE is quite easy to install and runs efficiently on any computer regardless of the configurations of the computer. The minimum requirements for the LXLE OS are that it requires only 512 MB of computer’s RAM. Along with that, it runs smoothly on Pentium 3 processors and requires a minimum of 8 GB of hard disk space.
5. Tiny Core
Tiny Core, as the name suggests, is incredibly small in size. You will see the size of TinyCore OS is smaller than any other application that you will be keeping on your computer. Yes, it is that small, it is just 15 MB in size, which is an astounding factor about this Linux distribution. The amazement does not end here. The OS has still much more to surprise you. Even though it is of just 15 MB in size, it still has some applications for your use after installation.
If you are having an old computer that is not being used since the past few years, it is time to bring out the best from it. Try installing TinyCore into your old machine and see the OS reviving your computer in the best way possible. As the OS is really light, you might find some of the features missing such as hardware graphics. But, there is no need to worry as you can install it any time manually.
This super-light OS is available to download in three versions. The base version is Core, then comes TinyCore and the CorePlus. However, the Core version is so lightweight that it is just 9 MB in size. Despite being so lightweight, it is most suitable for the expert users who are familiar to the low graphical interface.
6. Arch Linux
Being in the line-up of Lightweight distribution of Linux, this one performs quite well. Arch Linux is an excellent option if you are looking for a small sized OS, that does not have any unnecessary applications intact. Arch Linux comes up with negligible bloat or any other apps which make it really light. As a result, it can run on your old age rig very smoothly without any issues.
If you need any software to be on your computer, that’s still possible to do. But you will have to do it yourself manually. On other aspects, the Arch Linux fits perfectly according to the preference for a low-end computer. The Arch Linux gives needs to set up from bottom to top by the user itself.
It seems an advantage because various users can set it up according to their preferences. One can build an entirely keyboard driven desktop with only a command line interface.
7. MX Linux
As compared to other Lightweight Linux distributions in this line-up, it is new yet useful. MX Linux became prevalent in this industry in very less time that every Linux user knows its name in today’s life. Also, It is a little different from other distributions on the list.
As it is not that lightweight like other distros. But still, it can run smoothly on new hardware as well as old hardware. MX Linux is so popular among the users because of its stability and easy to use interface. The default configuration of MX Linux makes it look beautiful as well as user-friendly. You can definitely go with this one if you have a decent computer.
8. antiX Linux
The antiX Linux is quite lightweight as it is based on Debian Linux. The reason being this Linux distribution is so less in size is that it does not have any software pre-installed on the Operating System. This can be an advantage to the users as well. In other words, the users can set up their system as they want. It gives users a chance to build their own setup and use their computer with only the software they want on their systems.
The minimum requirements for the antiX Linux are that it requires only 256 MB RAM of your old rig. Moreover, it can install in just 2.7 GB of disk space. Apart from that, it can smoothly run over Pentium 3 systems. As a result, it becomes a great choice to choose if you are looking for a lightweight Linux distribution for your old rig.
9. Linux Lite
The next contender on our list is Linux Lite. This OS works excellent in terms of being lightweight and fast. Based on Ubuntu LTS, this is an incredible OS which matches the 18.04 version of Ubuntu at this time.
The primary advantage users get from using the Linux Lite is that timely updates are available for this OS. This is great as the timely updates keep it on the track. And, as a result, it does not face any significant performance issues. All the problems usually resolve timely without annoying users.
Although it is so lightweight, it still provides a tremendous and cleaner user interface to the users. The new user can easily understand the OS and start operating without any issues. No user requires expertise to understand and use the Linux Lite Distribution.
The Linux Lite also provides some pre-installed apps on the system for user’s convenience. The system has apps like Firefox for web browsing, LibreOffice for office, Dropbox for Cloud storage, Thunderbird for emails, VLC Media Player for Music, Gimp for image editing and Lite tweaks for making changes to the desktop.
10. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi is another lightweight Linux distribution, especially famous for its lightness. The OS being a light one, does not come up with many software pre-installed on the system. The ISO file is also small in size due to the same reason.
But, the Bodhi Linux can be an excellent choice for your old rig. It runs exceptionally smoothly on any computer without any issues. Like other OS, you can easily install the packages that you want to be on your rig, that too manually.
Unlike the other Linux Distros, the Bodhi Linux has Enlightenment window manager, which is quite fast relative to other window managers. Moreover, it is quite easy to install and operate. Even if you get any difficulty to manage the Bodhi Linux, the officials provide users with a complete guide to use the Bodhi Linux efficiently.
The minimum RAM requirement for Bodhi Linux to run on your ancient computer is only 256 MB. Along with that, the disk space that Bodhi Linux Distro requires is only 4 GB. Also, it only needs a CPU of 1.00 GHz to operate smoothly.
Also, the Bodhi Linux has a much cleaner user interface than most of the other distros on the list. Apart from that, you get optimizations of the enlightenment window manager, which helps the system to run more smoothly and efficiently.
Final words
We hope that you’ve found the Linux Distribution for your older Computer and liked one of the above mentioned Best Lightweight Linux Distributions For Older Hardware. In case you liked this article, then make sure to share it with your friends and family on social media. If you have any doubts regarding any of the lightweight Linux distributions given above, feel free to ask any queries in the comments section below.