The best lightweight operating systems for older computers

Is it time to choose a lightweight operating system?

In this guide I am going to talk to you about the best lightweight operating systems for old equipment. All of them comply with three premises that, personally, I consider essential in any current OS. The first is that its demand for resources is very low, but without this implying a reduction in capabilities. In other words, the fact that the system is light does not prevent you from doing all your usual tasks.

The second requirement that a lightweight operating system must meet is make it free. This publication is based on the idea that, sooner or later, Windows is going to become so heavy that the computer will not be able to function with a minimum of agility. Come on, the team is already getting older and, therefore, it is not worth investing much more in it, not even in buying new licenses.

Finally, to be one of the best lightweight operating systems, it is crucial that the platform is currently supported. All the OS that I am going to recommend below continue to be updated and receive patches from their developers.

If your computer is no longer what it was and its performance has been affected by the latest updates, the time has come to think about replacing Windows with a lightweight operating system. Let’s see what the best options are.

Linux Mint, an easy-to-use distribution

Linux Mint It is one of my favorite Linux distributions. In addition to being a system that demands very few resources, it has an interface very similar to that of Windows. If you’ve been using Microsoft’s operating system for years, the transition is going to be pretty easy.

With Linux Mint you get most of the software you need. For example, it includes a browser, Firefoxan office suite, LibreOfficeand the rest of the typical tools of an operating system, such as a settings panel suitable for all types of users. Additionally, like almost all Linux, it offers a live mode that runs the system from the bootable USB, without making changes to your computer. Thus, it is easy to determine if this proposal fits you, without having to erase the hard drive.

What I like the most

• Super simple and well finished interface.
• Right from the start, it provides you with all the software you need for general tasks.
• Highly adaptable to your needs.

What I like least

• The newest version is only available for 64-bit computers. This is a problem if your computer is quite old.
• Depending on your computer’s hardware, it may require some additional configuration to get everything working.

If you want to bet on Linux Mint, read its official installation guide.

ChromeOS Flex, for Google users

ChromeOS Flex It is the successor to Cloud Ready, a fork of ChromeOS that was based on ChromiumOS. Google bought the company that developed it and added the last name Flex, I suppose because of the flexibility it provides to revive almost any computer.

ChromeOS Flex’s minimum requirements are quite low. you just need 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. The company only indicates that PCs manufactured before 2010 (yes, 14 years ago) could have some performance problems, although everything normally works as expected.

The core of ChromeOS Flex is the Chrome browser, which will provide you access to any web service. Taking into account that even Microsoft 365 already has online applications, with this system you will be able to complete any task.

What I love about this system

• Its interface is simple and very modern.
• The system updates at the same time as any other Chromebook, so it is well supported.
• Access to a lot of applications. In fact, anyone that offers web access is available.
• Compatibility with Linux applications.
• Great integration with Android.

What I don’t like so much anymore

• It does not have a version for 32-bit processors.
• High dependence on Chrome and the Google ecosystem.
• It does not have support for Android applications, as there is in the regular version of ChromeOS.

If you want to give this lightweight operating system a try, check out our guide on how to install ChromeOS Flex on your old PC.

BunsenLabs, the most minimal minimum requirements

We continue with another Linux proposal (remember that ChromeOS Flex, in essence, is also Linux). If you’re looking for a really lightweight operating system, you need to take a look at what it offers BunsenLabs. This distribution, which is available for both 64-bit and 32-bit computers, works on computers that only have 1 GB of RAM.

Also, just ask about 20 GB of storageso it will work even on the oldest computers. Its interface is very simple and the distribution is derived from the most recent version of Debian. The problem is that it is a project launched in the form of hobbies. Right now, it meets all the criteria set out at the beginning of this guide, but at any time it could stop updating.

Like from BunsenLabs

• Still available for 32-bit computers.
• It has a simple interface based on Openbox.
• Its minimum requirements are very low.

But I don’t like it that much

• The developers do not promise continuity in the future, although right now it is updated regularly.
• The installation process may be somewhat long.

Take a look at the installation guide on the official website BunsenLabs.

Linux Lite, a project with a future based on Ubuntu

LinuxLite It is another operating system that you should follow closely if you want to give new life to your old computer. This is a distribution that only requires a processor with a frequency of 1.5 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and 20 GB of storage.

The best thing is that, despite its minimum requirements, this distribution comes with everything you need. Even Google Chrome installed by default, which will make things easier for many users. For the rest, it has an email manager, an app to view photos, LibreOffice as an office suite and the rest of the usual tools.

From Linux Lite I highlight this

• Similar interface to Windows and ChromeOS.
• It has Google Chrome installed by default. This makes the transition easier for the majority of users who use this browser every day.
• Based on Ubuntu, which allows access to most of the additional software that is required.

On the contrary, this is the worst

• Its ISO is quite heavy.
• The 32-bit version is available, but with no updates planned.

See all the steps to install Linux Lite on your official website.

Linux is the savior of old computers

As Microsoft bulks up Windows and raises its minimum requirements, Linux continues alongside the most modest equipment. Even Google has decided to dedicate some efforts to maintaining one of the best lightweight operating systems currently available. In addition to the ones I have mentioned here, you would do well to take a look at Puppy Linux, Lubuntu either Tiny Core Linuxthe latter being one of the most basic and compact.

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