The best Linux distributions for low-resource computers

May 24, 2022 · 8 min read

The best Linux distributions for old computers.

Not all people have the resources to buy a powerful computer today. If you have a computer from 10 or 15 years ago with less than 4 GB of memory and Windows is not working for you, don't worry, we have a solution for you.

Today we are going to analyze a little about some of the best Linux distributions that consume few resources. In this way you will be able to give a new life to your old computer.

Choose Linux over an unattended Windows

There are versions of Linux that are very similar to what Windows is.

Many people decide to stay on an older operating system like Windows 7 which is no longer officially supported. Or worse still, there are people who still have Windows XP on their computers.

Similarly, many people resort to “light Windows”, which can represent a great danger. And this is because they are modified versions of the system and you don't know exactly what has been removed or what has been added.

The best and safest option is to resort to lightweight Linux distributions. This will allow you to have an updated and light system, which is why it is, without a doubt, the best option available.

Why do Linux distributions consume less resources?

Linux consumes less resources than Windows.

You may be wondering why Linux systems generally consume less resources than Windows. The answer is much simpler than you think, and it is that Linux is capable of managing resources more efficiently.

In addition, this is a highly customizable system, hence there are different "light" alternatives that have really low consumption.

This makes Linux the best option for those people who have an old computer, since with this they will get the most out of it.

What are the best Linux distributions for low-resource computers?

There are many Linux distributions that can be a very good option for all those people who have old computers.

With any of the following distributions you will be able to give your computer a new life. And, best of all, you're going to have a secure operating system, so you're not going to run any kind of risk.

1. Zorin OS

A really beautiful distribution that simulates Windows.

ZorinOS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and which comes in two versions, a standard and a lite version. The latter is the one you should install on your old computer, since it consumes little resources.

According to the developers themselves, this system can easily work on a computer with 1 GB of RAM. This is because it is a fairly light version, but at the same time it is quite attractive.

Don't be fooled because it is a "light" version, since it has everything you need to be able to use your computer without problems. This includes office software, multimedia and much more.

One of the main advantages that ZorinOS has is that it has an appearance similar to that of Windows. This makes it ideal for all those people who are afraid of switching to Linux because it is more "difficult".

There is a belief that lightweight Linux distributions are "ugly" and not very modifiable. However, with Zorin OS you will realize that this does not have to be the case. Its interface is very friendly and intuitive, making it an ideal distribution to get into Linux.

You can download it from its official website and its installation is the same as for other Linux-based systems.

2.Elementary OS

Elementary OS seeks to simulate MacOS.

Elementary OS is also another quite light distribution compared to others. However, it is important to mention that of all the ones we will talk about here, this is the one that consumes the most resources, that is due to its characteristic appearance.

This is a distro that mimics a Mac-like look and feel, so its aesthetics are impressive. This is where it comes from that it is the one that consumes the most resources of all those that we will mention. If you want a Mac-like system and don't have the money to buy one, this is a great option.

The distribution is based on Ubuntu, so it has all the robustness and security that Ubuntu can provide. It's very complete, it has all the software you're going to need and if you're missing something, you'll be able to download it from its app store, which will save you from using the terminal.

This is also an ideal distribution for all those people who want to venture into Linux for the first time. Regarding the resources it consumes, we have that it can work quite well on a computer with 2 GB of RAM, however, the developers recommend 4 GB.

3. Puppy Linux

A really basic version of Linux.

Puppy Linux is probably the lightest version of Linux you will find. In fact, the ISO is only about 400MB in size, so you can tell that it's a fairly basic version of Linux.

This distribution is capable of running without problems on computers with 512 MB of RAM. It has the basics you may need to use the operating system. Of course, you must understand that this system sacrifices a lot in some aspects, including the aesthetic section.

Despite the fact that Puppy Linux is a very simple and perhaps outdated version, we can say that it has a certain appeal. If your computer is very limited, this is the best option you will have.

However, if you have a modest computer (more than 1 GB of RAM), it is recommended to resort to other options. Especially since if you're coming from Windows, the look and feel of Puppy Linux might not be too nice for you.

4.Lubuntu

It is a light environment and quite polished.

Lubuntu is a light version of Ubuntu that is developed by Canonical and uses an LXDE interface. This is a fairly light interface, which means that it can be run on practically any computer.

If you have a computer with more than 1 GB of RAM, with Lubuntu you will be able to give it a new life. This is an option that, without a doubt, is quite interesting, since it has everything that the user could need while consuming the least amount of resources.

It is quite easy to use and, unlike previous versions, the most recent ones are visually quite attractive. Even in the event that you come from Windows you will not have any type of problem to be able to use it.

You can also opt for one of its "brothers", Kubuntu or Xubuntu, which are also quite light. However, if you are looking for the best performance for an old computer, Lubuntu is the right choice.

5. Porteus

Porteus is one of the Linux versions that you should consider if you have a very old computer. You will be able to easily run this system on any computer and we mean literally any.

It is a fairly stable version of Linux and which consumes only 300 MB of disk space. It is available in 32 and 64 bit, so you can install it on any computer you want.

Of course, you must bear in mind that it is a system that has a fairly old appearance. So it may be difficult for you to adapt at first, but without a doubt, you will end up loving it, especially if you have a very old computer.

This version may not be the best if you're coming from Windows, as it can be quite complex. Also, as we recommend with Puppy OS, if your computer is not that old, it is recommended that you use another distribution.

6. Peppermint OS

A quite attractive system that can be very useful.

Peppermint OS is another of the best options you have available for an old computer. According to the developers, this operating system can run smoothly on a computer with 512 MB of RAM.

It is mainly available in a 32-bit version and only requires 4 GB of disk storage. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a light and stable system.

It is based on the Cinnamon desktop and has a very attractive appearance. If you come from Windows, it may not be so, but we guarantee that it is an excellent option.

It is based on Lubuntu although it is still much lighter, but that is not the best, but since it is a variant of Ubuntu, you will have all the repositories. In addition, it includes all the software you'll need for daily use, so you shouldn't have any problems.

7. Macpup Linux

Macpup Linux is very light and can easily run on any computer.

With the name of this distribution, you probably have an idea of what it is about. And it is that this version of Linux is inspired by Mac, so it tries to simulate the appearance of this.

This is a distribution based on Puppy Linux, which we already talked about, however, it has a completely redesigned appearance. As you can imagine, despite the fact that the developers have made a great effort, the truth is that there is still a long way to go.

This is a really light system that can work perfectly on any computer. This makes it a good option if you have an older computer, but you're going to have to deal with its somewhat dated appearance.