Damn Small Linux!

> * Run very nicely from an IDE Compact Flash drive via a method we call frugal install > * Transform into a Debian OS with a traditional hard drive install > * Run light enough to power a 486DX with 16MB of Ram > * Run fully in RAM with as little as 128MB (you will be amazed at how fast your computer can be!

Damn Small Linux alternatives

  • Arch Linux

  • Arch Linux is an independently developed, i686- and x86_64-optimised Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking. Operating on a rolling release system, Arch can be installed from a CD image or via an FTP server. The default install provides a solid base that enables users to create a custom installation. In addition, the Arch Build System (ABS) provides a way to easily build new packages, modify the configuration of stock packages, and share these packages with other users via the Arch Linux user repository. »

    tags: lightweight linux-based linux-operating-systems operating-system rolling-release
  • Xubuntu

  • Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment.

    tags: debian debian-based gnome-based lightweight linux-operating-systems
  • Manjaro Linux

  • Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting edge – and bleeding edge – software. However, Arch is also aimed at more experienced or technically-minded users. As such, it is generally considered to be beyond the reach of those who lack the technical expertise (or persistence) required to use it. »

    tags: arch-based community-based configurable easy-to-use-feature gnu-linux
  • Lubuntu

  • Lubuntu is a faster, more lightweight and energy saving variant of Ubuntu using LXDE, the lightweight X11 Desktop Environment.

    tags: customizable debian-based lightweight linux-operating-systems lxde
  • Ubuntu MATE

  • Ubuntu Mate is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. Ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor. With modest hardware requirements it is suitable for modern workstations and older hardware alike.

    tags: debian-based lightweight linux-based linux-operating-systems live-cd
  • Puppy Linux

  • Linux is a free operating system, and Puppy Linux is a special build of Linux meant to make computing easy and fast.

    tags: bootable-cd bootable-iso bootable-usb cd-boot cd-booting
  • Antergos

  • Antergos, as its father, Arch Linux , is a rolling release distro. It started life under the name of Cinnarch, combining the Cinnamon desktop with the Arch Linux distribution, but the project has moved on from its original goals and now offers a choice of several desktops, including GNOME 3 (default), Cinnamon, Razor-qt and Xfce. Antergos also provides its own graphical installation program. »

    tags: arch-based auto-installer gnome linux-operating-systems operating-system
  • SliTaz

  • SliTaz GNU/Linux LiveCD operating system. "SliTaz is a free operating system, working completely in RAM and booting from removable media such as a cdrom or USB key. SliTaz is distributed as a LiveCD, and weighs less than 30MB. The system is quick and responsive, clean and robust. SliTaz is simple and intuitive, providing a lightweight, elegant desktop, detailed documentation and easy to use configuration tools."

    tags: live-cd operating-system
  • Knoppix

  • Knoppix is an operating system based on Debian designed to be run directly from a CD / DVD (Live CD) or a USB key (Live USB), one of the first of its kind for any operating system. When starting a program, it is loaded from the removable medium and decompressed into a RAM drive. The decompression is transparent and on-the-fly.Although Knoppix is primarily designed to be used as a Live CD, it can also be installed on a hard disk like a typical operating system. Computers that support booting from USB devices can load Knoppix from a live USB flash drive or memory card.There are two main editions of Knoppix: the traditional Compact Disc (700 megabytes) edition and the DVD (4.7 gigabytes) "Maxi" edition. Each of these main editions has two language-specific editions: English and German.Knoppix mostly consists of free and open source software, but also includes proprietary software »

    tags: booting-from-usb linux-emulator linux-operating-systems live-cd livecd
  • Alpine Linux

  • Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.

    tags: lightweight linux-operating-systems operating-system security-focused
  • Bodhi Linux

  • A minimalistic Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and the Enlightenment desktop environment.

    tags: linux-operating-systems minimalistic operating-system ubuntu ubuntu-based
  • Illumos

  • Illumos is a derivative of OS/Net (aka ON), which basically is a Solaris/ OpenSolaris kernel with the bulk of the drivers, core libraries, and basic utilities. It is dependent on OS/Net, which Illumos will follow very closely while allowing to retain changes to code which might be unacceptable to upstream OpenSolaris . Illumos is aiming at 100% ABI (Application Binary Interface) compatibility with Solaris ON, focusing just on the core foundation blocks. »

    tags: open-solaris operating-system solaris unix
  • Tiny Core Linux

  • Tiny Core Linux (TCL) is a minimal Linux operating system focusing on providing a base system using BusyBox and FLTK. The lead developer of the project is Robert Shingledecker. The distribution is notable for its size under 12 Megabyte, with additional functionality provided by extensions of which there are more than 3200. Tiny Core Linux is Free open source software and is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.

    tags: lightweight linux-operating-systems minimalistic operating-system