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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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The 9 Smallest Linux Distros That Are Super Lightweight (www.makeuseof.com)

submitted 9 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

34 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Do you have an old PC lying around gathering dust? How about a small-capacity USB flash drive sitting, unloved in a drawer? You can reuse your old computer and a USB flash drive by installing a tiny Linux distribution.

Mini Linux distros are great as they require fewer system resources than other options yet still deliver a whole operating system experience, and we have nine of the smallest Linux distros for you to choose from.

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[–] [email protected] 17 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

Honestly, just use Debian. It can run under 200MB of RAM (default install), so it beats all distros on the list except for TinyCore and SliTaz, and it actually has packages.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 9 months ago

Indeed was my first thought when I didn't see on the list.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Chrunchbang or Bunsen are exactly this, vanilla Debian with stuff set up with openbox. The vast majority of ppl don't need anything more lightweight than this. (maybe conky should be removed, but that's it.)

If the old PC in question is a small laptop, such as an EEEpc, then I would use vanilla Debian with i3, because I really would want tiling on that..