Lightweight Linux Distros of 2014 - Top 5

[rokytnji]

Why I think, the way I think. This is not Puppy linux by the way. Instead it is
http://antix.freeforums.org/post39292.html#p39292

Code: [Select]

$ inxi -M
Machine:   System: Matsushita product: CF-48V4HLUQM v: 004
           Mobo: Matsushita model: CF48-4 v: 001
           Bios: Phoenix K.K. v: V4.00L13 date: 12/12/2002



I have this running as good and smooth as Linux-Lite, and the other suggestions in that blog.
But on older gear than probably that blogger has ever owned or used.

I even make 128MB SD cards do tricks for me.
http://forums.solydxk.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1858

Posting this in TOR Browser here on a antique machine.

[jbp54]

I haven't tried lubuntu, but I did try Bodhi. Not to knock Bodhi, but I simply didn't like it. There seemed to be more of a learning curve there that isn't there with Linux Lite. Also, if one doesn't like the programs in Linux Lite it is always so easy to uninstall them with Synaptic while adding the ones one wants.

I haven't used Linux Lite very long, but coming from Fedora over the past couple of years, I am enjoying it. I'm also enjoying the forums here. Folks respond to questions and quite quickly.

Also gotta say I think the Help Manual is excellent and had I paid closer attention to that I wouldn't have had to post a question that I did earlier. Kindly I was re-directed to the Help Manual. I don't recall seeing such an available Help Manual on any distribution before.

I would also like to say that I think that Linux Lite 2.2 is not only for newbies to linux, but it is also good for people that have used other bulkier distros (my computer just isn't powerful enough to handle the "big ones").

Superb experience so far and I don't see why that wouldn't continue!

Superb!

[altman]

Ah , a bit like Rokyt here .

LL , Crunchbang & Semplice .

[rokytnji]

1. AntiX

2. Salix Fluxbox or Openbox

3. Crunchbang

4. Semplice

5. Austrumi

Code: [Select]

# inxi -Fz
System:    Host: puppypc25340 Kernel: 3.14.20 i686 (32 bit)
           Desktop: JWM git-976 Distro: tahrpup 6.0
Machine:   System: IBM (portable) product: 26474MU
           Mobo: IBM model: 26474MU
           Bios: IBM v: 1AET64WW (1.20 ) date: 10/18/2006
CPU:       Single core Mobile Intel Pentium III - M (-UP-) cache: 512 KB
           speed: 1200 MHz (max)
Graphics:  Card: S3 Graphics SuperSavage IX/C SDR
           Display Server: X.org 1.15.1 drivers: (unloaded: vesa)
           tty size: 80x24 Advanced Data: N/A for root
Audio:     Card Intel 82801CA/CAM AC'97 Audio Controller driver: snd_intel8x0
           Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture v: k3.14.20
Network:   Card-1: Intel 82801CAM (ICH3) PRO/100 VE (LOM) Ethernet Controller
           driver: e100
           IF: eth0 state: down mac: <filter>
           Card-2: Ralink RT2800 802.11n PCI driver: rt2800pci
           IF: wlan0 state: up mac: <filter>
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 30.0GB (10.0% used)
           ID-1: /dev/sda model: IC25N030ATCS04 size: 30.0GB
Partition: ID-1: swap-1 size: 2.10GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sda3
RAID:      No RAID devices: /proc/mdstat, md_mod kernel module present
Sensors:   None detected - is lm-sensors installed and configured?
Info:      Processes: 93 Uptime: 58 min Memory: 317.1/1003.4MB
           Client: Shell (bash) inxi: 2.2.17
#

317MB of memory on a frugal install running in ram with Seamonkey and evilvte terminal open. On a Pentium 3.
Browsers are killer nowadays. I needed a quick install on a 6 gig partition as I tested AntiX 14 a5 SV-i486 today with a 3.18 kernel. Booted UP ok but no love in graphics.
My post below.

http://antix.freeforums.org/post39155.html#p39155

will try Anti's suggestion of vga=normal with vesa driver tomorrow as my boot cheat code and hope for the best I guess. It is getting harder and harder to keep these p2 and p3's on the net.

You Know. Lubuntu 14.04 has a PPC kernel version release I take it?

I think Xubuntu has one but can not swear to it.

[N4RPS]

Hello!

I don't think it is necessarily LXLE itself. I'm thinking that some of the packages included in LXLE make for a noticeable difference in responsiveness, and I didn't take the time to remove them all...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[mrwislr]

Yes, I actually installed LXLE on a resource-challenged laptop (512 MB RAM). My opinion stands...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

Oh ok I was wondering if it was more than just an opinion that showed a lack of responsiveness. The memory usage seems just as low as Lubuntu.

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Yes, I actually installed LXLE on a resource-challenged laptop (512 MB RAM). My opinion stands...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[mrwislr]

I looked at LXLE as well, but like you said, all that extra bloatware drags its responsiveness down.
73 DE N4RPS
Rob

Just wondering. What wasn't responsive about it? Did you actually install it and or use it at all or just a general perception?

[Coastie]

...As for Macs, I have nightmares about them...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

Still have my iMac PPC (last edition) and still use it but using my Linux Lite computer more now. I'll never spend the money for another Mac after my PPC iMac was abandoned by Apple. If I wear out this Linux Lite computer, I will buy a pre-installed Linux computer.

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Bodhi was #2. As for LXLE, is it not also based on Lubuntu? I looked at LXLE as well, but like you said, all that extra bloatware drags its responsiveness down. As for Macs, I have nightmares about them...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[Teddy]

Thank you for sharing this information Rob. I personally like Bodhi, but I do not agree why it is number 1. It's desktop is too unique and will definitely throw Windows users off and may possibly leave a bad impression on Linux as a whole on the user. That is not what were after.

[Coastie]

Had not seen the review but tried Lubuntu and have read reviews about the others.

5. Puppy Linux: "Puppy suffers from lack of compatibility with major Linux softwares." So why did it even make the list.

4. Xubuntu:  "... With ... dock that Mac fans everywhere will appreciate, ..." As a Mac user, I found out it was not too difficult to make a Mac look dock with Linux Lite because it uses XFce too. When deciding between trying Xubuntu and Lubuntu, I read Xubuntu had a lot more system requirements than Lubuntu or Linux Lite.

3. Linux Lite: "... if you’ve used Linux in the past and have some general knowledge on its usage then it’s probably best to skip this one in favor of those yet to be mentioned. As Lite, while incredible, isn’t quite up to par with the next two on this list."
I have some general (but limited) knowledge of Linux and disagree with this statement. As Goldilocks said, I found Linux Lite just right. 

2. Bodhi Linux: "... I’ve spent countless hours tinkering away on Bodhi, crafting different desktops in my stead." If you have the time you can do the same with LL. DistroWatch stated "The default Bodhi system is light -- the only pre-installed applications are Midori, LXTerminal, EFM (Enlightenment File Manager), Leafpad and Synaptic -- but more software is available via AppCenter, a web-based software installation tool." For newbies, I think Linux Lite giving basic programs needed and with generic names is a better idea. 

1. Lubuntu: I tried it before Linux Lite and found it boring.

Quotes from http://www.gamerheadlines.com/2014/02/linux-the-top-5-lightweight-distros-of-2014/

One not mentioned was LXLE. Looks good and reviews are good but comes with too many programs. (I still do not know how to use all the ones that came with Linux Lite.) Why waste time uninstalling programs you do not need or know what they are. Better to add when you figure out you want another program.

[Jerry]

Thanks for sharing Rob, nice to get some recognition

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Has anyone else seen this review? If so, what do YOU think about it?

- snip -

3. Linux Lite
 
If you’re both new to Linux and using old hardware, Linux Lite is for you. Containing a taskbar familiar to Windows XP users everywhere, Linux Lite takes speed and combines it with simplicity in perfect fashion. An example of this is their renaming of all major softwares. Rather than having their original, technical names, such as gedit and Rhythm Box, Lite follows a more straight-forward approach for those of you who haven’t used Linux previously; choosing-instead to name them Text Editor and Music Player, so you’re left with little guess-work in choosing the program that best suits your current needs.

However, not to take away from one of the best distros available, bar-none, if you’ve used Linux in the past and have some general knowledge on its usage then it’s probably best to skip this one in favor of those yet to be mentioned. As Lite, while incredible, isn’t quite up to par with the next two on this list.

- snip -

Lessee... Bodhi uses the Enlightenment Desktop, and Lubuntu 13.10's buggy, with an uncertain future. In MY book, that moves LL to the #1 spot.

Here's the URL:

http://www.gamerheadlines.com/2014/02/linux-the-top-5-lightweight-distros-of-2014/

73 DE N4RPS
Rob