Lean Linux distributions for older hardware

AntiX

AntiX [5] comes from Greece and is well known for a 32-bit version that runs on older computers that have only 64MB of main memory. The prerequisite for using AntiX is that a minimum of 128MB swap area exists in bulk storage. This system is also frugal with processor resources. The lower bound of resource requirements is set by the Pentium II CPU. The available hard drive storage should consist of at least 2.2GB for a static installation.

This operating system is based on Debian's Testing branch and uses a very lean window manager and desktop just as 4MLinux does. It comes equipped with IceWM [6] (Figure 2) but Fluxbox, JWM, and the exotic HerbstluftWM are available as alternatives.

Figure 2: The desktop for AntiX Linux is simple yet functional.

In contrast to most other lean Linux distributions, AntiX includes several standard applications for every day use. As a result, you will find Iceweasel and LibreOffice already on board. The developers have also integrated some programs from Gnome, Xfce, and LXDE into the system.

AntiX also includes a considerable number of maintenance tools. Thus, you can find Bleachbit for deleting superfluous data, GParted for partitioning data storage devices, Htop for showing services and processes currently running, Midnight Commander, which makes work on files and directories more efficient, and also Synaptic, a graphical front end for program administration, among other things.

These are available in the system tools menu. Because of its Debian history, AntiX can make use of a considerable number of software packages. The Debian-based repositories feature more than 50,000 packages.

As could be expected, the AntiX Linux desktop is both spartan and functional. Conky and a slim panel bar are the sole inhabitants on the display screen. In the interest of conserving resources, there are no optical gimmicks and, indeed, resource consumption was very limited during testing. There it became clear that AntiX works very well on old Pentium III systems, sometimes with less than 100MB of memory. Memory usage seldom increased past 300MB even when three or more programs were open. Nor did the system lose agility.

Conclusion: The externals are boring, but AntiX gets points for enormous speed and most importantly its excellent software equipment. Applications typically used in daily work are included on the hard drive. Thanks to its Debian base plus Synaptic, a graphical software administrator, this operating system fulfills not only software desires, it can also easily be operated by beginners and users who are changing systems. All this means that AntiX Linux is well justified in its claims of being a fully functional and flexible operating system for old computers with low performance.

SalentOS

SalentOS [7] is an Ubuntu derivative named after the city of Salento, Italy. It is also available in a version designed for older hardware. Because this version uses Openbox [8] as the window manager, it can make do with significantly fewer resources than those required by the standard Ubuntu derivatives. Elements from Gnome and Xfce have been included in the operating system to spice up the desktop and round out the selection of apps and system tools.

The SalentOS developers want to position their operating system on the market as an option for older hardware. They also wanted to spruce up the appearance of the Ubuntu derivative to maintain a relationship to more contemporary desktops.

As a result, you will find the panel bar Tint2 [9] at the upper edge of the display screen. This is rather unusual for Openbox, but the presence of Tint2 does lend a professional look to the user interface and increases functionality (Figure 3).

Figure 3: You won't find any frills on the SalentOS desktop.

Additionally, SalentOS allows for a detailed configuration of Tint2. The developers have made the legendary configuration options from the Openbox window manager available. All of the relevant options are located in the menu group Openbox settings , which is found in the main menu. These include graphical tools and scripts that you can modify as desired in the terminal (Figure 4).

Figure 4: You will find the most important settings options in the control center.

When started, SalentOS offers a choice between live operation and static installation. This allows you to first look at the system without having to touch the hard drive. Potential language settings are handled directly in the selection window. If the computer you are using has enough graphics hardware, SalentOS lets you use the composite manager Compton [10] to spruce up the appearance of the desktop. The Compton settings can be reached directly from the main menu.

Because this distro sits on top of the package source for Ubuntu, users have the complete Ubuntu repertoire at their fingertips. Also, the distribution already has many standard applications both in live operations as well as static installation on the hard drive. Additionally, the graphics package administration tool Synaptic is available in the main menu, letting you install new programs on the system with just a few mouse clicks.

Conclusion: Like AntiX Linux, which sits on Debian, SalentOS shines because it is very robust and has an enormous selection of software. The system is suitable as an all-around solution for daily tasks and should not present beginners or users switching from another system with too many learning hurdles. When comparing the two distributions, it becomes clear that SalentOS runs significantly more sedately. The system requires more resources than AntiX Linux and is therefore not suitable for application on computers with less than 100MB of working memory.