After Trying Several Minimal Linux Distros for Old PCs, I settled on AntiX
After receiving 5 old laptops from friends, several lightweight Linux distributions were tested to revive the old machines, with the final decision to use AntiX.
The ones i tried was:
- Ubuntu Mate
- Puppy Linux
- SliTaz
- Tiny Core Linux
- Absolute Linux
- Bodhi Linux
- Slax
Some of these distros don't support older machines or hardware. Others require advanced Linux users to navigate, as they come with a basic interface that can be difficult for Windows users.
What is AntiX Linux?
AntiX is a lightweight, easy-to-install Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, suitable for both old and new computers. It can run on systems with as little as 256MB RAM, though 512MB is recommended.
It can be installed on a hard drive with a minimum size of 7.0GB. antiX can also be used as a fast-booting rescue CD and can run 'live' on a USB stick or 'frugal' on a hard drive. The latest version, antiX-23.1 "Arditi del Popolo", comes in four sizes for both 32-bit and 64-bit computers.
Starting with version 19, antiX offers sysVinit and runit as init system options. From version 22, it is provided elogind-free for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Version 23.1 introduced new apps including antiX TV, antiX Radio, Finder, antiX SAMBA manager, and several others.
Why AntiX Linux?
- Super easy to install.
- Lightweight
- Fast and efficient
- Simple user-friendly desktop.
- Packed for 64 and 32 bits.
- Different editions
- Boots easily on old machines
- Supports old hardware
- Based on Debian
- Limited RAM usage
- Regularly upgraded
- Many Software
Cons
- No PPA support: Unlike Ubuntu-based distributions, AntiX does not support PPAs which can limit software installation options.
Editions
- antiX-full (c1.7GB): Suitable for most users, comes with 4 windows managers and a full LibreOffice suite.
- antiX-base (c1GB): Suitable for those who want to customize what to install, comes with 4 windows managers.
- antiX-core (c520MB): Suitable for confident users who want to build up from a minimal install, does not include a GUI environment but should support most wireless.
- antiX-net (c220MB): Suitable for advanced users, does not include X, provides just enough to get you connected and ready to build.
Resources & Downloads
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