9 Linux distributions that will breathe life into your old computer

Many of us have laptops or netbooks, which serve for a long time. They have no problems working with Windows XP or Vista, and that's the new version of Microsoft's OS it is not too tough. If you try to start Windows 10, your laptop starts strained creak and fashionable tablet flat windows turn into a slide show, do not rush to throw it. Resuscitate him help Linux.

Establish a system is easy enough to follow instructions. Simply download the package from the official website, write it on a flash drive or disk, and boot the computer from this disc. By installing Linux, you will forget about your old computer slowness and problems with viruses and get update and maintain the system on older hardware.

A few words about the media or envelopes, desktop. Roughly speaking, this is an interface that allows us to interact with Linux. The most popular shell - KDE, GNOME and Cinnamon, but for seasoned laptops and desktops is better to choose something easier. This can be either Xfce or LXDE medium or tiling window manager, such as Awesome and i3. They are difficult to set up than a full shell, but can run on this hardware, which passes even LXDE.

1. Xubuntu

Xubuntu - the official flavor of the popular Ubuntu. The only difference is that instead of not too agile Unity Xfce used here. It's fast, but at the same time functional and flexibly configurable desktop environment. Xubuntu is compatible with all applications and repositories Ubuntu.

Minimum system requirements: with a frequency of 500 MHz, 512 MB RAM, 7.5 GB of available disk space.

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2. Lubuntu

Another flavor of Ubuntu, this time with LXDE. Designed for use on even the older PCs. Lxde not as functional as the Xfce, but unpretentious and can run on virtually any configuration.

Minimum system requirements: processor - 266 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 3 GB of free hard disk space.

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3. bodhi Linux

Simple and quick distribution based on Ubuntu. Usage lightweight window Moksha medium containing 17 Enlightenment.

Minimum system requirements: processor - 500 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 4 GB of available hard drive space.

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4. Debian

Debian is known for stability and conservatism. What else do you need an old computer? This is one of the oldest and most popular Linux distributions - Ubuntu is based on it. Debian, as opposed to the next in the distribution list, has a handy .NET-installer. With light desktop environment, Debian accustomed to any gland.

Minimum system requirements: CPU - 1 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.

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5. Arch

Arch is not the best choice for those who have not had anything to do with Linux, and just wants to install the system. «Naked» Arch is installed on the web, via the command line - it will put out of yourself anyone.

Nevertheless Arch good and pretty darn fast. In conjunction with the Xfce, LXDE or better yet, tile window managers such as Awesome or i3, Arch cheer any old computer or laptop. And its vast repository AUR will give access to all the wealth of Linux applications installed one click.

Minimum system requirements: any processor i686 and the x86_64, 128 MB RAM, 800 MB free hard disk space.

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6. Manjaro

If you do not want to bother with installing Arch, try Manjaro. This is a fork of Arch with a convenient installer, and many of its features. It comes with Xfce for old computers and modern with KDE. In addition, flavory Manjaro with other media supported by the community.

If you think that a lot of excess Manjaro installed, you can use Manjaro-Architect and assemble a system to fit your needs. Arch bun like Rolling release and AUR are included.

Minimum system requirements: 1 GHz processor, 384 MB RAM, 10 GB of free hard disk space.

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7. Puppy Linux

10 GB disk space, 5 GB, 3 GB... If you think that this is too much for Linux, try Puppy. This distribution takes only 200 MB. In this case, Puppy Linux - a complete system with the programs and repositories.

Minimum system requirements: processor - 333 MHz, 64 MB of RAM, 200 Mb of free disk space.

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8. SliTaz

Even more compact distribution that aims to ensure that the entire work from memory. In the unfolded state is about 100 MB, the image Live CD - less than 40 MB.

Minimum system requirements: Any processor i686 or x86_64, 128 MB of RAM, 100 Mb of free disk space.

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9. Damn Small Linux

Damn small Linux, like its name implies. Despite the fact that the distribution fits in 50MB, the developers managed to cram here XMMS player, browser Dillo, text editor Ted, editing Xpaint, viewer Xpdf, emelFM file manager and more.

Minimum system requirements: 486DX processor, 16 MB RAM, 50 MB free hard disk space.

Download Damn Small Linux →

at last

Installing any lightweight Linux distribution, you will get updated and modern system on the old device. You can comfortably listen to music, view videos, and edit documents.

However, this does not solve problems with memory, such as when working with heavy web pages in the browser. Therefore, here's a couple of recommendations.

On very old computers can use the lungs of browsers like Midori or Dillo. Either disable the flash-animation and scripts in Firefox or Chrome.

Use light applications instead of web services in the browser. To save memory, YouTube videos can be viewed in VLC or Mpv. For Spotify, you can connect via the Clementine. Connect to social networks accounts Pidgin, and instead of the Gmail web interface is worth a try Geary mail client.

By following these recommendations, you will turn an old laptop or computer into a workhorse, able to perform basic tasks.