With Windows 11, Microsoft has made it difficult for users to run its latest OS on a large number and variety of hardware, especially if it is not recent and does not meet certain requirements. In such a situation, Windows 7 can be an option to look but it officially has been abandoned, hence no security updates. Hence, Linux distros are the flame of hope, but which one to go for? To makes things a little bit easy for you, here is a list of six Linux distributions that could bring an old laptop back to life.
Well, when we are saying Old computer, that doesn’t mean we are referring to some old piece of junk instead this article revolves around an old 32-bit or 64-bit PC or laptop with at least Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent process coupled with 2 GB of RAM because such hardware configuration computers exist in large numbers.
Hence, let’s see the Linux distros that are developed to provide speed and performance while consuming fewer system resources.
Best Linux Distros to revive Old PC or Laptops
1. MX Linux
MX Linux is one of the best Debian-based distros to make your old laptops work again. It is a mid-weight operating system purposely built to be lightweight, making it an excellent choice for reviving that laptop from a decade or more ago. One of the things which makes it an optimal choice, the developer of this Linux still maintains support for x86 32-bit, but processors with that architecture may not be competitive today even for home use, especially considering the amount of memory currently consumed by web browsers.
By default it comes with an XFCE Dekstop environment, however, those who want an attractive GUI can go for its KDE version if you have enough RAM on your system.
In short, MX Linux is possibly the best option to give a new life to your old laptop or PC; thanks to the fact that it combines a light environment, graphical tools that facilitate the use or management of certain parts, and good third-party support as it is a Debian derivative.
2. Manjaro Linux
The second option which attracts our attention in Linux is Manjaro. Unlike other popular distros which are generally based on Debian or Ubuntu, this one is derived from Arch Linux. However, Manjaro is much more user-friendly as compared to standard Arch Linux. It offers an installation wizard to easily set it up on Laptops and PC; also provides high performance.
Manjaro does not use the deb format known from Debian and Ubuntu, nor the RPM format for its packages instead PKG. You can access a graphical package manager via “Add/Remove Software”. The packages are divided into thematic categories. Use the search function to quickly find what you need. Its graphical package manager let us install packages from AUR, SNAP, and Flatpak, or build the desired one from the source.
One of the main advantages of Arch Linux and thus also of Manjaro is that it is a rolling release. Other distributions make a hard cut on the included packages before release.
3. PuppyLinux
Puppy Linux is another popular lightweight Linux system based on Ubuntu LTS and is notable for using the JWM (Joe’s Window Manager) window manager as its graphical interface. On it, the user finds some interesting tools pre-installed, such as the one that allows configuring the firewall and the Samba server to connect with Windows computers (and also other Linux and macOS) through the local network.
Also, being a derivative of Ubuntu, you are not only getting the benefit of long-term support but also access to the huge binary of various software compatible with its parent distribution, benefiting from all the third-party support available for Ubuntu.
4. Anti-X
AntiX is another one of the best low resource consuming Linux and it also does not use Systemd. Being based on the testing branch of Debian (Bullseye in the case of the latest version), it uses IceWM for the graphical interface which even can be used with only 256MB of RAM.
With such a low hardware requirement this Linux uses a 32-bit processor than a 64-bit one, although it does make official builds available for both architectures.
Being based on Debian and using Deb packages, users can use various popular applications available in Debian format.
5. Linux Lite
Another Lite version in Linux distros to run VM on Virtual Box/Vmware/Hyper-v is “Linux Lite“. With Windows 7-like interface, it makes MS Windows users easily switch to this Linux operating system. It comes with a free Office suite and other common useful software like other Lightweight Linux distros mentioned here but without putting much stress on your Virtual machine as well as on the host machine.
Linux Lite is also based on Ubuntu-like Puppy with of course customizations to make it consume fewer resources, the OS uses a tweaked XFCE Desktop environment. It can easily work well on a virtual machine running on a 1 GHz CPU, 768MB of RAM, and 8 GB of storage.
It also takes care of users’ privacy and security by providing a highly configurable firewall and a one-click update of the system. Furthermore, built-in applications such as Lite Tweaks and Lite Software will help the users to enhance and optimize the system’s performance.
6. Lubuntu
If you are a fan of Ubuntu and want a lightweight flavor of it then Lubuntu is here. It is one of Ubuntu’s official flavors to run on low system resources, it uses use LXQt, an implementation of LXDE based on the Qt development environment that makes it a great working environment for old-school friends. With LXQt, the desktop looks much more polished, there are nice backgrounds, and the icons fit the overall concept wonderfully.
Further, due to really low hardware requirements: 512 megabytes of RAM, Pentium 4 processor, any graphics card, and 4 gigabytes of hard disk space. Even on single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, Lubuntu runs smoothly and on an old laptop anyway, even if it’s already a decade old. This all means you can start learning Ubuntu and its commands without stressing your host operating systems and resources before deciding finally to move to Linux.
These are not the only choices you have to go for, there are many others to explore, however, if you are new to Linux then you can start any of the above-given ones.
Other Articles:
• 11 Most Popular Linux distros of the year 2021- To use in 2022
• 6 Top Linux Distros for Business PC or Laptops
• 6 Best Linux distros to try on VirtualBox virtual machine
• 10 Best Linux distros based on Ubuntu for laptops or PC
