Microsoft is marching forward withWindows 11and 10 while Apples macOS Ventura is also upping the game.
What is left behind are old computers with less powerful hardware.
They cant keep up with the ever-increasing system requirements of the newer OSes.
They need anywhere between 128 to 1 GB RAM for running on your system.
Some of them are under 200 MB in size and can boot up quickly like a new PC.
And most of these fast and lightweight OS can run live through USB flash drives.
You dont need to install them to use them for everyday work.
So take a look at the best lightweight operating system for older PCs and laptops with less RAM.
After that, you might also learn to create bootable media, if required.
you’re able to run it on 128 MB RAM from live USB or regular installation.
But if you want to use the web internet tool then you will need 512 MB RAM.
Which is not a lot given how smooth the OS actually feels.
Slax uses a module-based system.
Just like other lightweight OS, you’re able to run it live.
But it goes one step further by letting you initiate the OS from the RAM.
opt for option while booting up and then double-check to have 512 MB RAM.
It only requires 768 MB RAM to get up and running.
And just like otherlightweight Linux distros, you could run it live from a flash drive.
You will find a desktop interface similar to Windows here.
So if have used Windows in the past then this will place right at home.
Linux Lite is based on the LTS (Long Term Support) releases of Ubuntu.
This means you might benefit from the stability and extensive software repositories of Ubuntu.
One of the reasons Linux Lite is so lightweight is that it uses the Xfce desktop environment.
Xfce is known for its efficiency and low resource requirements.
3.Lubuntu
Lubuntu is one of the fastest operating systems for old end PCs.
It is a part of the Ubuntu family distribution of Linux thats part of the Ubuntu.
All you need is 512 MB RAM and you could use most of the features on this lightweight OS.
when you obtain it installed, Lubuntu has got your back.
Most of the formats, documents, and files are supported by default.
You wont need to install a third-party app for that.
And even then if you feel like you need more, then there is the Discovery Software centre.
It houses thousands of apps from the Ubuntu family.
On the graphical front, Lubuntu has transitioned from LXDE to LXQt desktop environment.
Its fast, snappy, and has room for customization to your liking.
4.Chrome OS Flex
As you know Googles Chrome OS is exclusive to Chromebooks.
Installing it on other computers and laptops is a herculean task.
Seeing the demand for it, the company releasedChromeOS Flex.
A lightweight OS centered around the Chrome web client.
It is designed to run on old hardware and offers a new life to them.
you’ve got the option to install it on your PC or Mac(not M1/M2 yet).
Being a fast and lightweight operating system, it loads faster than most OS available right now.
And it doesnt slow down over time either.
Unlike Chrome OS, you cannot use Android apps yet on this.
You will, however, get Google Assistant to use on the computer.
5.Puppy Linux
No list of lightweight OS for old laptops is complete without mentioning Puppy Linux.
It is particularly known for its small size, speed, and ease of use.
you’ve got the option to get started with 512 MB of RAM on the 32-bit version.
Many users reported running it on even lesser but I wouldnt recommend it for stability sake.
This way you wont dont lose your prefs and data when you shut down.
Over the years, hundreds of puplets or versions of Puppy Linux have been developed.
Tiny Core Linux is available in three primary variants.
The most stripped-down version is Core, which includes only a command-line interface with no graphical environment.
Then there is the Tiny Core, which includes a minimal graphical desktop environment based on FLTK/FLWM.
Its ISO size is anywhere between 40 to 50 MB.
And then comes their most advanced version, Core Plus with 200 MB ISO size.
after you grab selected the variant, then its time to install your software.
To add software, you make use of Tiny Core Extensions.
These extensions are like packages or apps, which can be loaded or unloaded in the systems RAM.
7.ReactOS
Imagine running Windows applications on a different OS.
That is exactly what ReactOS aims to do.
Its development started 25 years ago for running applications starting from Windows XP.
But given the massive ecosystem of Windows, it is still a work in progress.
it’s possible for you to run a lot of Windows applications on this lightweight operating system.
It can even run several drivers from different manufacturers.
ReactOS can read from NTFS file systems, which is commonly used in Windows installations.
So you wont have a problem accessing data on different partitions.
8.NimbleX
We talked about a fast OS earlier but had no graphical user interface.
This one does and is arguably the fastest operating system around.
And it is loaded directly to the RAM so its faster than other operating systems available.
You will have to update all of them since NimbleX is not being developed anymore for years now.
Even though its a live USB OS, it’s possible for you to still install third-party applications.
All of the parameters will be stored in the RAM.
9.antiX
antiX is an easy-to-install OS, which is based on the Debian distribution.
you’re able to run it live or install it from while running the operating system.
The storage space required is between 5 to 10 GB depending upon the variant selected for installation.
10.Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux surprises many by being an OS with fast loading time.
Coupled with the Moksha desktop environment, it is visually appealing and brings modernity to old computers.
you’re free to get started with as little as 128 MB RAM with a single-core processor.
You get a uniqueapp centerhere.
you might find and install various applications curated for the operating system.
you might install Android apps on PC through the official FydeOS store or through sideloading.
They run on Android subsystem environments just like Windows 11.
Just log into a Google account to use the services on the FydeOS.
For added functionality, it often includes LXPanel, which provides a taskbar and system tray.
Along with that, you get Openbox Windows Manager, which is highly configurable and lightweight.
you might choose from a range of boot options to cater to different system requirements.
It includes text-only modes to graphic modes with different resolutions.
Because without it, you wont be able to boot the OS for live USB or installation.
Install and launchRufuson your machine.
- choose the flash drive on which you want to create a bootable.
Then pick the operating system ISO that you have downloaded.
Now give a name to your bootable media.
It can be anything but I kept it as OS to keep things simple.
And finally, clickStartto begin the bootable creation process.
It will be completed within a couple of minutes.
Then it’s possible for you to kickstart your machine and boot from it.
First, you have to finalize what you need in a fast operating system.
Then start looking at the options and zero down on the one that matches your needs.
Even then if you are unsure then launch the OS via live USB.
And then if feels good then you could install it on your system.
source: www.techworm.net
