A simple and light linux distribution capable of resurrecting the oldest of PCs
After deciding to regenerate an old notebook, I tried all the various linux distributions that boasted an excellent functionality / lightness ratio. After various distributions like Lubuntu, Xubuntu and linux Mint, I came to PeppermintOS and was blown away by it.
PeppermintOS is a very light ubuntu-based distribution with maximum functionality. Since this article is dedicated to those who chew the subject a little, I will do without talking about Xfwm4, Nemo, Sakura and Nitrogen (all unknown and incomprehensible names), but I will limit myself to describing how the operating system behaves on the machine I have recovered (thanks to him).
The computer
Let’s talk about a 1.60 GHz 32-bit Aspire One and 1GB of RAM born with Windows 7. All the rest of the hardware let’s leave it to the unknown. I need a system that automatically interfaces with all the hardware without too many fuss, and that gives me the ability to perform the minimum necessary without slowing down using a paltry GB of RAM.
PeppermintOS has allowed all this without denying the possibility of being 100% customized.
The pros
The distribution is very light. Its interface is the same as the better known Windows, it contains a complete software park, and its update manager alerts you on the availability of new updates and installs them when desired.
It allows the computer to be operational in less than 40 seconds when switched on, it is easy to use and allows with a minimum of familiarity to be completely customized. From writing the taskbar to the Start button logo. It is compatible with all applications developed for Ubuntu, as PeppermintOS comes from Ubuntu derivative Lubuntu.
The beauty of this distribution is that if we notice that an application makes the system unresponsive, we can replace it using Ice (an already integrated application) easily creating a web-based application so as not to miss anything.
Example: We want to have the Gmail application on the desktop. With Ice we will create an application that points to Gmail, based on the browser we decide on. Within the application menu we will see the Gmail application that displays the browser content, but it will be managed as if it were a real app.
The cons
PeppermintOS is completely internet dependent. We could also use it to work offline on documents, but let’s forget about resource-intensive procedures. If we use Peppermint we must also remember why we are doing it, and that is why we have a computer that perhaps cannot afford things like video editing or software development.
My advice
It is an excellent operating system that I recommend to those who want to use it exclusively with the internet. I use it to watch Netflix movies, YouTube videos and stream music. It practically resurrects a computer for use very similar to that of a tablet.
I’ll try to test it as a server to see if it performs well from this profile. There will obviously be updates on this.
Currently available in version 8, you can download it for free on the official website.