I'm looking for a lightweight Linux distribution that can comfortably fit on a 32GB SSD. I've already tried Mint and Bodhi, but both take up 10-15GB upon installation, which is more than I'd like. I mainly want to use it for light browsing and emulating games from the NES to GBA using a USB stick—no heavy gaming involved. I'm relatively new to Linux, having used Mint for about a year, but I'm open to something more complex if it fits my needs.
4 Answers
You should definitely check out Xubuntu! They have a minimal install ISO that only uses about 7.6 to 8GB right off the bat. Another good option is Q4OS, which also has a lightweight install that takes around 9GB. If you're feeling adventurous, you could start with the Debian netinstall ISO for a command-line base and then manually add Xorg and a window manager like JWM. Just remember to use the **--no-install-recommends** flag when installing packages to keep your system lightweight!
Ubuntu Server can work too! You could install that and then add whichever desktop environment you like. It helps to keep it minimal and fits well under your space limitation.
If you're okay with doing a bit more setup, Arch can fit your needs as well. It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but if you follow the instructions, it should be manageable. You could also use `archinstall` to simplify the installation process.
Lubuntu or Xubuntu are both solid lightweight options that won't take up too much space. Also, have you thought about using Batocera? It's tailored for gaming and could work nicely for your emulation needs.
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