Key Takeaways
- ChromeOS Flex is a simple, cloud-centric operating system optimized for web-based applications.
- Linux Mint is very efficient for a system that is less than 20 years old. It works great with Windows 7 or newer.
- Centos offers a longer release cycle and support. It is perfect for those who prefer Red Hat based distributions.
Like sand in an hourglass, so too do our laptops have a lifespan. As time and technology advance, it’s inevitable that a laptop or two will become obsolete. But just because a laptop no longer runs Windows 10 or Windows 11 doesn’t mean it’s junk. While it may not be a treasure trove either, your old laptop may still have some use for itself.
To get more performance out of your old laptop, you either need to upgrade your hardware or find better software. One of these options is cheaper and easier. There’s nothing wrong with installing a new operating system on an old laptop, but there may be problems before you install it. Which operating system is best for your situation?
While almost any Linux distribution will work on almost any old computer, as long as it’s not from before the turn of the millennium, there are a few that stand out. These are the ones that can take you back to a time before your laptop was defeated by the cruel hands of time.
1 ChromeOS Flex
Google’s lightweight product
You don’t have to buy a Chromebook to use ChromeOS. ChromeOS Flex is a version of ChromeOS that you can install on almost any system. ChromeOS itself is very lightweight and extremely user-friendly. It is a cloud-centric operating system optimized for web-based applications, which means that most tasks are handled through Google Chrome, reducing the demand on local resources. Although Chrome is generally considered a resource hog, it performs quite well in its own customized environment.
ChromeOS Flex is also easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal technical expertise to set up and operate. While many lightweight Linux distributions can be complex to install and maintain for the average user, ChromeOS Flex is the easiest option.
Although Chrome is often considered a resource hog, it performs quite well in its own customized environment.
For the average user who wants to get more time out of an older system, ChromeOS Flex is probably the best choice. It’s simple, and can handle most activities over the web. For those who may need more complex features, it’s better to look elsewhere.
2 Linux Mint
Lightweight, reliable distribution
Linux Mint
First of all, Linux Mint isn’t the lightest Linux distribution you can install on an old computer. But if the original operating system on your device is Windows 7 or newer, then you probably won’t have a problem. If you can run Windows 7 on a computer, then it will handle Linux Mint like a champ.
You might be inclined to think that the Cinnamon desktop environment that comes with Linux Mint by default is resource-heavy. However, Linux Mint is much more efficient with your computer’s resources than an actual Windows installation. However, if you prefer a more lightweight desktop environment, you can download Linux Mint with the more lightweight XFCE environment.
One of the advantages of Linux Mint is that it uses the Debian package management system. Compared to other package managers, Debian has the strongest support for native Linux applications. Although Linux Mint is not the most lightweight option, it will run well on most systems that are less than 20 years old. The learning curve is not too steep for Linux newcomers.
3 Central operating system
This is a good choice for those who prefer Red Hat based distributions
Central operating system
When browsing Linux distributions, you may find that the distribution uses either the Debian package management system or the Red Hat package management system (RPM for short). Although for most users, using Debian or RPM will not make a big difference, some people have a strong preference for one of the two. For those who support RPM and want to buy a lightweight distribution, CentOS may be the best choice.
Yes, CentOS does use YUM instead of RPM, but that’s ultimately nitpicking. For the vast majority of users, it means that installing software on their systems will be much easier. That in itself is one of the benefits of using CentOS. The distribution also enjoys a long release cycle and extended support, which means you can install it on older systems without having to worry too much about having to keep up with constant updates.
One big downside to using CentOS is the GNOME desktop environment, which is far from the most lightweight option available. In most cases, you’ll probably stick with CentOS’s default configuration, but you can install the distribution with XFCE, MATE, or LXDE instead of GNOME. However, the process can be a bit cumbersome. If you’d rather download a Red Hat-based distribution that comes with a lightweight desktop environment, you can download a number of different flavors of Fedora.
4 Xu Bentu
The best lightweight Ubuntu
Xu Bentu
Xubuntu is an alternative version of Ubuntu, the main difference is the GUI. Unlike Ubuntu’s default GNOME desktop environment, Xubuntu comes with XFCE. XFCE is a lightweight alternative to GNOME, which is evident from the performance of Xubuntu.
What makes Xubuntu a particularly good choice is that it is based on Ubuntu. Ubuntu is the most user-friendly Linux distribution out there. It is very intuitive for beginners, and you will have a lot of software compatibility that you may not get with other distributions. While XFCE is not as intuitive as GNOME, it is still very easy to get started with. In addition, it is highly customizable and can be modified to your liking.
If you’re a little intimidated by Linux and want a lightweight version of the simplest option, Xubuntu is a great way to breathe some life into an old laptop.
5 Manzaro
Try Arch
While most Linux distributions are based on Debian or RPM, Manjaro stands out with its use of the Pacman package manager, which is famously associated with Arch Linux. For those who are intrigued by Pacman but find Arch Linux a bit overwhelming, Manjaro offers a user-friendly alternative.
A Simplified Experience with Pacman
Manjaro simplifies the Arch Linux experience, making it more accessible while still retaining many of Arch’s powerful features. Although it requires more maintenance compared to some other distributions, Manjaro’s strong community support can help ease the process. For users who enjoy staying up-to-date with their systems, this additional effort can be worthwhile.
Lightweight and Efficient Performance
Manjaro is known for its lightweight nature, making it an excellent choice for older hardware. It operates efficiently, allowing users to perform a variety of tasks without putting undue strain on their systems. For an even more streamlined experience, users can opt to install Manjaro with the XFCE desktop environment, which further enhances performance and speed.
Ideal for Linux Enthusiasts
If you’re comfortable with regular system maintenance and seek a Linux distribution that combines the power of Arch Linux with a more approachable setup, Manjaro is a great choice. Its lightweight nature and customizable options, like the XFCE desktop, make it an ideal option for reviving older laptops and ensuring they run smoothly.
