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Mini Linux Distros



Definition:  A "Linux distro" is a distribution, or particular implementation, of the Linux operating system, packaged with a set of applications and a user interface (referred to below as a "Desktop").

These Linux distributions are able to run on less powerful computers than standard Linux distributions.  This makes them ideal for older, compact, or low-power-consumption computers, or for anyone who wants a sleek and fast computer without bloatware.  To quote the description of Xubuntu, "Older computers feel lively again, while newer ones will run faster than ever before!"

A note about RAM requirements:  Most of these distributions are "Live CDs", meaning  you can boot your computer from the CD to try out the Linux distribution, then install it to your computer's hard drive if you like it.  Typically, the amount of memory needed to run as a Live CD is greater than the amount of memory needed to run from a hard drive installation.  This is because the Live CD uncompresses files from the CD into RAM before it can use the files.  Also, many of these distributions use a full graphical environment while installing the distro to your hard drive.  The installation process can be very RAM-intensive.  In summary, the RAM required to run a LiveCD is generally more than is required to run from the hard drive, and the RAM required to install the LiveCD to the hard drive is generally more than to run the Live CD.  The RAM minimums and recommendations collected for this chart do not differentiate between these three phases of using the distributions.

Name Base CPU min/rec. RAM min/rec. Disk Desktop Notes
AntiX Mepis 7.0 Mepis Pent 2 128M, or 64M+128M swap Install uses 893MB Fluxbox, IceWM, Rox-filer, Rox-desktop antix.mepis.org
Fluxbox has more complete menus than IceWM
Icewm hard to shut down
Recognizes DWL-G630, works after reboot
Damn Small Linux (DSL) (original) Intel 486 24M/64M   Fluxbox Base system fits on a 50MB mini-CD or a 128-MB pendrive.
See also DSL-N, its "slightly larger cousin".
Dream Linux 2.2 MMGL Debian       XFCE + Engage www.dreamlinux.com.br/
www.dreamlinux.com.br/gledition/overview.html
provides Engage application launcher
Dream Linux 3.0DebianP3/ 1GHzXFCE: 128MB
Gnome: 256M
200MB swap, 3.8GB rootXFCE, Gnome"Alternative install: USB Memory Stick with 1 GB. See documentation for details."
www.dreamlinux.com.br/download.html
Dyne:bolicP1MMX / P2@40064 /XFCEMultimedia tools
Can bootstrap from CD but then load OS from disk
Can save user data in encrypted file
ELive Debian 100/ 300 MHz 64 / 128 M   Enlightenment ELiveCD.org
Spiffy Engage application launcher.
MiniMe PCLinuxOS   256/?   KDE KDE is a full-featured desktop.  PCLinuxOS MiniMe is "mini" simply by leaving out most applications, such as OpenOffice.org.  You can add the applications you want using the Synaptic package manager.
Mint XFCE 3.1 Debian, Ubuntu ? ? ? XFCE www.linuxmint.com
Like Xubuntu but with more software included, e.g. WiFi card drivers, multimedia support, etc.
Puppy Linux 3.01 (original) Pent 166 MMX 128M or 64M+swap 100MB JWM, ROX-Filer puppylinux.org or puppylinux.org/wikka/PuppyLinuxMainPage
Prefers to load entirely into RAM, from which it runs very fast!
SAM Linux 2007 PCLinuxOS Pent 128M 3 GB (2GB root + 500MB swap + home) XFCE + Engage www.sam-linux.org
DWL-G630 (Atheros) works.
PCLinuxOS Control Center dialog boxes don't fit on 800x600 screen.
SymphonyOne 2008.1Ubuntu 7.10Pent 200Mezzo / FVWMsymphonyOS.com
Compatible with all Ubuntu packages
TinyME PCLinuxOS 233/ works with 128M Uses 670MB in "/" OpenBox? docs.pclinuxos.com/TinyME
Looks nice
Uses 37MB RAM at desktop
PCMan file mgr adds icon for newly inserted USB devices
Xubuntu Ubuntu ?  192M/256M  1.5 GB XFCE www.xubuntu.org/
128 MB RAM to run the LiveCD, 192 MB RAM to install.
The Alternate Install CD requires only 64 MB RAM.