Lean Linux distributions for older hardware

SliTaz

SliTaz [11] is a tiny operating system that, in its stable version, just barely manages to have an image size of 35MB. Like our other candidates, SliTaz comes with a graphical interface and preinstalled software.

The desktop is similar to SalentOS in that it is based on Openbox. Localization settings are found in the boot manager, which copies the entire operating system from the live CD to memory. This allows SliTaz to achieve an attractive operating speed even on old computers.

Nonetheless, the memory should not be less than 256MB capacity. Systems with less RAM can be used with the so-called LORAM version that the developers have created. This version makes do with a 128MB memory. Furthermore, a Loram CD-ROM version is available that actually needs only 24MB RAM. All of the versions can be installed on bulk storage. Once booted, the graphical desktop promptly appears.

On the desktop, you will find a horizontal panel bar at the upper edge of the display screen. This bar has a start menu and a system tray. The desktop accepts icons and files and as a result may begin to resemble star performers such as Xfce and LXDE (Figure 5).

Figure 5: At first glance, the SliTaz desktop is barely distinguishable from Xfce and LXDE.

SliTaz was developed in Switzerland and has its own package administrator and an accompanying graphical package administration tool. Because fast Internet connections are not available everywhere, the package sources – which number in the thousands – can be stored on a DVD and subsequently installed when it is convenient. The entire size of the package currently amounts to about 3GB.

The TazPanel functions as the central administration tool in SliTaz. This tool lets you install new applications and update existing software. It also makes it possible to accomplish a wide variety of administration tasks.

The breadth of SliTaz software packages is not as far reaching as that of other candidates with origins in Debian and Ubuntu. Nor does it include large applications such as LibreOffice, Gimp, Thunderbird, or Firefox. Still, it shows itself to be a slim and useful alternative for very old hardware (Figure 6).

Figure 6: SliTaz lets you install new programs without requiring the use of the command line.

Conclusion: SliTaz makes the recommended list due to its capabilities on very old hardware as far back as the Pentium II processor. However, your system should have at least 256MB of RAM. The system makes no demands on bulk storage or graphics hardware.

For everyday use, you would need to retrofit SliTaz with various applications. Thanks to the graphical package manager, however, this does not present any problems.

Overall Impression

The four Linux distributions tested here clearly show that it can be productive and practical to use old hardware. What you will need is a suitable operating system that can breathe new life into the machinery.

The four candidates we tested are able to do this. They defied the persistent myth that functional shortcomings and operating difficulties are inevitable with small Linux distributions. It makes sense to seriously consider these modern and secure operating systems instead of older less secure versions of Windows that have not been maintained for a very long time.