Best lesser-known distribution/DE for low-end machines?

I know Debian and others can breathe life into older machines. But i wonder if there are any distros with serious optimizations that I haven’t heard of. I’ve already tried MX Linux on an old Thinkpad SL400, and didn’t see any difference from plain Debian.

Update: thanks for the great suggestions. Forgot to say many distros feel zippy and fast until you open a web browser. Appreciate your thoughts on which web browser to use too. So far I’ve had a positive experience with Thorium and Chromium.

squiblet,
@squiblet@kbin.social avatar

I used to use WindowMaker on seriously underpowered laptops 10-15 years ago. Seems like it’s still just as efficient. For something more standard interface-wise you could try IceWM.

Another thing to do is build your own kernel without any features you don’t use. Not sure how much of a difference that makes exactly.

Grant_M, (edited )
@Grant_M@lemmy.ca avatar

Bodhi! Another I’ve found to be lean is Zorin Lite

ipsirc,
@ipsirc@lemmy.ml avatar

*buntu can’t be counted as lightweight.

ReversalHatchery,

If you have any expectation of privacy, you shouldn’t use chromium based browsers. Their purpose is not privacy, and google actively makes sure it will never be.

EponymousBosh,
@EponymousBosh@beehaw.org avatar

I use SpiralLinux on my old Inspiron but it’s basically just Debian with some user-friendly tweaks. I guess you could try Tiny Core or Porteus or something really small like that.

aquasteel,

I used to use slax, I don’t even know if it’s still around.

mfat,

It is, and i guess it’s now based on Denian.

atomkarinca,

alpine and void linux are pretty lightweight.

  • All
  • Subscribed
  • Moderated
  • Favorites
  • •
  • linux@lemmy.ml
  • localhost
  • All magazines
    •
    Loading…
    Loading the web debug toolbar…
    Attempt #