How do you keep a Linux system from accumulating unnecessary software?

A good rule is not to install software unless you know what it does and actually need it. When updating, review the package changes if you’re curious, and occasionally inspect explicitly installed packages. Services you enabled yourself can also be disabled later, but avoid changing unfamiliar system services unless you understand their purpose. Regular backups are more important than trying to achieve a perfectly minimal installation.

Unused programs mainly consume disk space; they usually don’t slow the system down or use RAM just by being installed. If storage is the concern, check which directories and packages are taking up space, clear old package caches, remove unused dependencies when your package manager recommends it, and keep an eye on large logs or old kernels. Don’t remove packages solely because you don’t recognize them—many are libraries required by software you do use.

If you want maximum control, start with a minimal installation and add only the desktop components and programs you need. Some distributions or configuration-based systems make this easier because the installed software is declared in a configuration file. That approach gives you a clear record of what is installed, but a carefully maintained normal desktop installation is usually enough for everyday use. ‘Bloat’ is also somewhat subjective—measure actual disk usage, memory use, and startup services instead of removing things purely on principle.

You’re probably worrying a little more than necessary, but periodic checks are sensible. Look through your installed applications and package list every so often. If you know a package was installed explicitly by you and you no longer need it, uninstall it. Be careful with dependencies and system components, though—removing something just because its name is unfamiliar can break parts of your desktop. Package managers generally provide ways to list installed software, and desktop environments often show applications in a menu.