5 Lightweight Linux Desktop Environments For Older Computers

If you own an older computer and it’s running slow, chances are it's time to switch to a lightweight Linux desktop environment. Good news is that there are many lightweight Linux desktop environments available that can breathe new life into your old computer. In this article, we will discuss five of best lightweight Linux desktop environments that are perfect for older computers.

LXDE - Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment

LXDE is one of most popular lightweight Linux desktop environments. It’s known for its simplicity, speed, and low system requirements. LXDE is based on Openbox window manager and it’s designed to be very lightweight. LXDE comes with many basic applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor.

LXDE is an excellent choice for older computers with limited resources. It uses very little memory and CPU power and it can run on as little as 128MB of RAM. LXDE is also very customizable, and you can change theme, icons, and fonts to suit your preferences.

XFCE - XForms Common Environment

XFCE is another popular lightweight Linux desktop environment. It’s designed to be fast, efficient, and easy to use. XFCE is based on GTK toolkit and it comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor.

XFCE is an excellent choice for older computers with limited resources. It’s very lightweight and it can run on as little as 256MB of RAM. XFCE is also very customizable, and you can change theme, icons, and fonts to suit your preferences.

Mate - Traditional Desktop Environment

Mate is a traditional desktop environment that’s designed to be fast, efficient, and easy to use. It’s based on Gnome 2 desktop environment, which was known for its simplicity and ease of use. Mate comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor.

Mate is an excellent choice for older computers with limited resources. It’s very lightweight and it can run on as little as 512MB of RAM. Mate is also very customizable, and you can change theme, icons, and fonts to suit your preferences.

LXQT - Lightweight Qt Desktop Environment

LXQT is a lightweight Linux desktop environment that’s based on Qt toolkit. It’s designed to be very fast, efficient, and easy to use. LXQT comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor.

LXQT is an excellent choice for older computers with limited resources. It’s very lightweight and it can run on as little as 512MB of RAM. LXQT is also very customizable, and you can change theme, icons, and fonts to suit your preferences.

Openbox - Window Manager

Openbox is a window manager for Linux that’s designed to be very lightweight and customizable. It’s not a full desktop environment like other options on this list, but it’s a great choice if you want to build your own desktop environment.

Openbox is an excellent choice for older computers with limited resources. It’s very lightweight and it can run on as little as 64MB of RAM. Openbox is also very customizable, and you can change theme, icons, and fonts to suit your preferences.

Enlightenment

Enlightenment is a lightweight Linux desktop environment that’s designed to be visually stunning and customizable. It’s based on EFL toolkit and it comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor. Enlightenment is very lightweight and it can run on as little as 128MB of RAM.

Fluxbox

Fluxbox is a window manager for Linux that’s designed to be very lightweight and customizable. It’s not a full desktop environment like other options on this list, but it’s a great choice if you want to build your own desktop environment. Fluxbox is very lightweight and it can run on as little as 32MB of RAM.

IceWM

IceWM is a lightweight Linux desktop environment that’s designed to be fast, efficient, and easy to use. It comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor. IceWM is very lightweight and it can run on as little as 64MB of RAM.

JWM

JWM is a lightweight Linux desktop environment that’s designed to be fast, efficient, and easy to use. It comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor. JWM is very lightweight and it can run on as little as 64MB of RAM.

WindowMaker

WindowMaker is a lightweight Linux desktop environment that’s designed to be visually stunning and customizable. It’s based on GNUstep framework and it comes with a variety of applications such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a basic text editor. WindowMaker is very lightweight and it can run on as little as 64MB of RAM.

If you own an older computer and it’s running slow, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy a new computer. With right lightweight Linux desktop environment, you can breathe new life into your old computer and make it run faster than ever. In this article, we discussed five of best lightweight Linux desktop environments that are perfect for older computers. Whether you choose LXDE, XFCE, Mate, LXQT, or Openbox, you can be sure that you’re getting a fast, efficient, and customizable Linux desktop environment.

In addition to being lightweight and customizable, these Linux desktop environments are also free and open-source. This means that you can download them and use them without any licensing fees. Additionally, because they are open-source, you can modify them to suit your needs and preferences.

When choosing a lightweight Linux desktop environment for your older computer, there are a few factors to consider. First, you should consider system requirements of desktop environment. You want to choose a desktop environment that will run smoothly on your older computer without consuming too many system resources.

Second, you should consider level of customization that you need. Some Linux desktop environments are more customizable than others, and if you want to tweak every aspect of your desktop environment, you may want to choose a more customizable option.

Finally, you should consider ease of use of desktop environment. You want a desktop environment that’s easy to use and navigate, even if you’re not a Linux expert. All of desktop environments on this list are designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you own an older computer and you want to breathe new life into it, a lightweight Linux desktop environment is way to go. Whether you choose LXDE, XFCE, Mate, LXQT, or Openbox, you can be sure that you’re getting a fast, efficient, and customizable Linux desktop environment that will make your older computer feel like new. So, give it a try and see difference for yourself!