Some Linux distributions, especially those intended for the home audience, suffer from the same problem as Windows and macOS. They take up more and more disk space and require more processor, memory and a more demanding graphics card. Obviously we all want a Linux desktop full of animations and effects that make the experience more pleasant, but in return we will need a PC that can withstand these graphic novelties.
The reasons can be several, such as working on obsolete or old equipment or to work on miniature devices but luckily there are distros that can meet our expectations that can be light and easy to use for not so powerful devices.
Linux distributions that can run on modest and low performance computers
▸Lubuntu
A complete distribution that can work perfectly with 512 MB. Lubuntu is one of the Ubuntu flavors available on their website. With LXDE desktop, it is quite light but it is also compatible with advanced applications, such as Google Chrome, VLC or even Steam. It is good for slow computers and users who do not want to go back so much in terms of interface and functionality.
▸Damn Small Linux
This is one of the smallest Linux distributions that we can find. It is designed to work even on the oldest hardware, and it is that with only 16 MB of RAM we can make it work while it is installed on a hard disk or a USB memory.
In addition, we can run it completely from RAM if we have 128 MB of memory to avoid having to depend on the waiting times of the hard drives. This distribution comes with the basic packages to work, although it has its own repositories so that anyone can download what they need.
▸Linux Lite
This is one of those distros that combines simplicity with the features that any user could demand. For example, it has full support for Ubuntu software, as well as more or less frequent updates. It is not a distribution of those that you install and hardly see new versions and with only 512 MB of RAM you can have it running at full capacity.
▸Bodhi Linux
Based on Ubuntu, it offers an operating system for different uses that does not neglect the graphic aspect (it includes themes) but that works on modest computers. To the pre-installed programs, such as the lightweight Midori browser, you can add the ones you find in its installation manager, AppCenter.
See also:
Linux Lite, the lightweight Linux Distro for newbies
MX Linux – a lightweight Debian-based Distro
