Lightweight linux distros

**Eddy_d** · April 24th, 2014

Ubuntu 14.04 didn't run smoothly on my old laptop, and since there ARE lighter options I decided to switch. I don't really care whether it's ubuntu based or debian based. I heard linux mint is light but im not sure?

**sudodus** · April 24th, 2014

Lubuntu is the lightest flavour within the Ubuntu family. There are different Linux Mint flavours too, but not lighter than Lubuntu. Xubuntu is a medium light alternative.

Have a look at these links

Old hardware brought back to life

Light Linux Distributions - Hardware Testing (RAM)

**slickymaster** · April 24th, 2014

Hi Eddy_d, welcome to the forums.

Just as a heads up, Ubuntu is Debian based. In no particular order, I would recommend the following linux distros:
Bodhi Linux
Crunchbang
Linux Lite
Lubuntu
Xubuntu

**david98** · April 24th, 2014

As slickymaster said there's loads of light weight distros why not try them in a live version and decide which to install remember though that they will always run slower within a live session. Your hardware specs would help us make a more informed decision as to what would be best suited for you.

**jdeca57** · April 24th, 2014

Originally Posted by david98

Your hardware specs would help us make a more informed decision as to what would be best suited for you.

I can only agree, and add that Manjaro is also an interesting and light distribution. I considered it for use on an older PC, but then the motherboard of that hardware failed..

**deadflowr** · April 24th, 2014

Originally Posted by Eddy_d

I heard linux mint is light but im not sure?

I don't know, I think cinnamon is a little lighter than unity, mate might/should be lighter. I don't think either are as light as something like lubuntu, though.

Originally Posted by sudodus

Lubuntu is the lightest flavour within the Lubuntu family.

**sudodus** · April 24th, 2014

Originally Posted by deadflowr

Originally Posted by sudodus

Lubuntu is the lightest flavour within the LuUbuntu family.

Good catch

**andrew.46** · April 25th, 2014

Originally Posted by Eddy_d

Ubuntu 14.04 didn't run smoothly on my old laptop, and since there ARE lighter options I decided to switch

I am typing this is on a Latitude D520 which is now 8 years old but the Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 / 1.66 GHz chip is a nice one + the extra RAM I installed has made a difference. This particular laptop will not only run kde (Slackware) but will run Lubntu in VM

So, as has been mentioned in this thread, age alone is not the issue, the specs of your computer are needed here...