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ZDNET's key takeaways

• A lightweight Linux distribution can revive old hardware.
• Puppy Linux and Linux Lite achieve this in very different ways.
• Both of these distributions can be used for free.

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Do you have an old computer lying around, collecting dust and doing nothing? Is that computer the one that used to run Windows 10 but doesn't qualify for Windows 11?

If that sounds like your situation, I have good news. There are plenty of lightweight Linux distributions available for you to install on that old and crusty machine that will make it perform like it's a teenager about to drive a car for the first time. Vroom, vroom.

Also: Linux will be unstoppable in 2026 - but one open-source legend may not survive

But which of the many small-footprint Linux distributions should you try? I've narrowed it down to two that I believe are quite good: Puppy Linux and Linux Lite. Let's see how they compare.

Puppy Linux

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Puppy Linux is one of the longest-running lightweight Linux distributions available. This small distro runs anywhere between 500 MB to 1.5 GB in size. You read that right, five hundred megabytes. That's small for an operating system. Consider this: Most Linux distributions run somewhere between 1 and 5 gigabytes in size.

One of the most interesting aspects of Puppy Linux is that it's available using different bases. You can choose a version based on Debian, Ubuntu, Slackware, and Void.

Puppy Linux also happens to be usable, right out of the box. However… You knew it was coming.

Also: Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 8 Linux distros for free

Puppy Linux is best run as a live distribution. What does that mean? Simple: A live Linux distribution is one that runs entirely in RAM. You can use a live distribution without changing your drive. In other words, if you have a Windows computer and you want to temporarily run Linux, you can boot a live version, use it, reboot, and you're back to Windows.

You can also install Puppy Linux on a USB drive with persistent storage, so you can carry Linux around wherever you go. Because Puppy Linux is so lightweight, it'll still run like a champ from USB.

Puppy Linux also features:

• JWM window manager.
• Runs entirely in RAM and uses minimal system resources.
• Session persistence: Saves your work and settings to a file on shutdown.
• Installed apps include Pale Moon (web browser), AbiWord (word processor), media players, Rox Filer (file manager), and more.
• Function over form design.
• Does not automatically mount drives at boot to prevent accidental data loss.
• Puppy Unleashed is a powerful tool for building custom Puppy Linux ISOs.
• Uses its own PET package manager but supports APT and RPM.
• Supports running apps in isolated containers and also has a lockdown mode for added security.

Is Puppy Linux right for you?

If you don't mind running your Linux distribution from RAM and you don't care about modern aesthetics, then Puppy Linux is ideal for reviving older hardware. If you do want to install Puppy Linux on your drive, then be prepared to read some documentation.

Linux Lite

It's a simple but effective desktop.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Linux Lite is the lightweight distribution for those looking to migrate from Windows. Linux Lite is based on the latest LTS (Long Term Support) release of Ubuntu. Unlike Puppy Linux, Linux Lite is meant to be installed (although it can be run as a live distribution).

For Windows users, Linux Lite will be a no-brainer, thanks to its familiar desktop layout. You've got everything: panel, start menu, system tray, clickable icons, etc. There's also the preinstalled apps, which include the Chrome web browser, LibreOffice office suite, VLC Media Player, GIMP image editor, Thunderbird email, and utilities like Timeshift, a PDF Viewer, and a USB Image Writer.

Unlike Puppy Linux, Linux Lite is fairly customizable, thanks to the Xfce desktop environment. You can tweak the UI to look and feel exactly how you want it.

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Linux Lite is also perfectly at home on modern hardware. I've experienced Linux Lite on a newer desktop PC, and it's insanely fast.

To achieve the blazing fast speed, Linux Lite employs the zRAM memory compression tool.

Although Linux Lite isn't quite as lightweight as some other similar distributions, it is still considered one of the most popular small-footprint distros on the market.

Linux Lite also features:

• Uses the lightweight Xfce with a familiar, intuitive layout.
• Optimized for speed and efficiency.
• Designed to ease the transition from Windows.
• Ships with all the software you need to get going.
• Includes several system tools, such as Lite Tweaks, Lite Software (app store), and a system monitor.

Is Linux Lite for you?

This one is pretty easy to answer. If you're a Windows user looking to migrate that Windows 10 PC to Linux, and you don't want to learn how to use one of the more modern desktop environments, Linux Lite is the perfect distribution. Because Linux Lite is based on Ubuntu, you'll get access to the standard repositories, which include tons of software to install and enjoy.

Also: How much RAM does your Linux PC actually need in 2025? An expert weighs in

Which is the better option for you?

Another easy question to answer. If you want a lightweight, portable Linux distribution to carry around with you, go with Puppy Linux. If you want a more traditional operating system to ease your transition from Windows to Linux on an aging PC, you want Linux Lite.