12 Linux distributions that will bring your old computer to life

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Windows 7 is dead, and your hardware cannot handle the Top Ten. Let's find a replacement for them.

Microsoft support for Windows 7. The corporation is clearly hinting that it's time to upgrade to the "Ten". But Windows 10, despite all its advantages, has an obvious drawback: it does not work very well on old hardware, on which Windows 7 turned very quickly.

If, when you try to start Windows 10, your laptop starts to squeak, and trendy flatbed windows turn into slideshows, don't rush to throw it away. Linux will help to revive the device.

Installing the system is easy - just follow the instructions. With Linux, you will forget about the sluggishness of the old computer and the problems with viruses, as well as get an updated and supported system on the old hardware.

The distributions at the top of the list are the most convenient and easiest to work with. The ones at the end are a little more difficult to learn, but work even on such old hardware, where Windows XP was difficult to start.

1. Linux Mint

This is the best option for anyone who has never dealt with Linux. Mint is very easy to learn, works stably even on the oldest hardware and looks nice. It has a variation with Cinnamon for more modern devices and Xfce for older machines.

The system provides a convenient (no fiddling with the "Terminal") and clear settings menu. Mint is much faster than Windows 7, not to mention the Top Ten.

Minimum system requirements: 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 15 GB of free hard disk space.

2. Zorin OS

Zorin OS diligently mimics its appearance under Windows 7 so that newcomers do not get lost. Its Lite version is well optimized for low-power computers. All programs developed for Mint and Ubuntu are compatible with Zorin OS, so you won't have a shortage of applications.

Minimum system requirements: 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.

3. Manjaro

Manjaro is based on Arch, a fast and versatile distribution, but unlike the latter, it comes with a handy installer. Comes with Xfce for older computers and KDE for modern computers. In addition, there are community-supported variants of Manjaro with other environments.

If you think that Manjaro has a lot of extras installed, you can use Manjaro ‑ Architect and build the system to fit your needs. Arch goodies like Rolling release and AUR are included.

Minimum system requirements: 1 GHz processor, 384 MB of RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.

4. Linux Lite

Lightweight distribution based on Ubuntu. Aimed at Windows users deciding to migrate to Linux. Contains a built-in office suite, media players and a browser ready to use out of the box.

Minimum system requirements: 700 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.

5. Xubuntu

Xubuntu is the official flavor of the popular Ubuntu. The only difference is that instead of the not-too-agile Gnome, Xfce is used here. It is a fast, yet functional and highly customizable desktop environment. Xubuntu is compatible with all Ubuntu applications and repositories.

Minimum system requirements:processor with a frequency of 500 MHz, 512 MB of RAM, 7.5 GB of free hard disk space.

6. Debian

Debian is known for being stable and conservative. What else does an old computer need? This is one of the oldest and most popular distributions - Ubuntu is based on it. With a lightweight desktop environment, Debian will take root on any hardware.

Minimum system requirements:processor - 1 GHz, 256 MB of RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.

7. Lubuntu

Another flavor of Ubuntu, this time with Lxde. Designed for use on even older computers. Lxde is not as functional as Xfce, but it is unpretentious and can run on almost any configuration.

Minimum system requirements:processor - from 266 MHz, 128 MB of RAM, 3 GB of free hard disk space.

8. Bodhi Linux

Simple and fast distribution based on Ubuntu. Uses Moksha lightweight windowing environment containing Enlightenment 17.

Minimum system requirements: processor - from 500 MHz, 128 MB of RAM, 5 GB of free hard disk space.

9.antiX

Fast and flexible distribution based on Debian. Provides a proprietary graphical environment called antiX Magic that runs very quickly on older machines. The system can even be installed on a USB flash drive - it takes only 2.7 GB of memory.

Minimum system requirements: any i686 or x86_64 processor, 258 MB of RAM, 2, 7 GB of free hard disk space.

10. Puppy Linux

10 GB disk space, 5 GB, 3 GB … If you think this is too much for Linux, try Puppy. This distribution will only take 200 MB. At the same time, Puppy Linux is a complete system with its own programs and repositories.

Minimum system requirements: processor - 333 MHz, 64 MB of RAM, 200 MB of free hard disk space.

11. SliTaz

An even more compact distribution, aimed at running entirely from RAM. When deployed, it takes about 100 MB, and the Live CD image is less than 40 MB.

Minimum system requirements: any i686 or x86_64 processor, 128 MB of RAM, 100 MB of free hard disk space.

12. Slax

A truly miniature distribution kit called "pocket" by the developers. Despite its small size, it offers a nice graphical interface. It comes with a browser and a terminal only, you can install everything else manually. Slax works with Debian repositories.

Minimum system requirements: any i686 or x86_64 processor, 48 MB of RAM, 220 MB of free hard disk space.