In 2022, the Linux kernel will be 32 years old. It is only getting stronger. As of this writing, there are over 1,000 active Linux distributions. A few years ago, the trend was to move to 64-bit architectures. But, as of late, there has been a resurgence in 32-bit Linux distributions. This article ranks the best ten 32-bit Linux distributions available in 2022.
1. Debian
Debian is a well-known Linux distribution that has been around for many years. It is known for its stability and reliability. And it is used by many businesses and organizations. Debian is also famous for servers, which can easily be configured and maintained.
2. Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution. A small team of core developers and a large community of contributors lead the Alpine Linux project. In addition to its excellent security and efficiency, Alpine Linux is also easy to use. It comes with a simple yet powerful package manager called apk that makes installing and updating software packages easy. Overall, Alpine Linux is an excellent choice for those looking for a secure and lightweight Linux distribution.
3. BunsenLabs Linux
BunsenLabs Linux is a Debian-based distribution featuring the Openbox window manager and a variety of tools to customize the look and feel of the desktop. The project takes its name from and is a successor to the CrunchBang Linux distribution. BunsenLabs Linux is available in two editions: Helium (for 64-bit systems) and Lithium (for 32-bit systems). We also offer a range of unofficial images for various ARM devices.
4. Opensuse
openSUSE is a community-driven Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE. It is widely used in server and desktop deployments. The project is available in two main editions, Leap and Tumbleweed. Leap is a long-term support release updated every two years, while Tumbleweed is a rolling release that receives frequent updates. openSUSE is an excellent choice for users who require a stable and robust Linux distribution. It is also suitable for beginners who want an easy-to-use operating system with a wide range of pre-installed software.
5. Antix Linux
Assuming you want a detailed description of the antiX Linux distribution:
- The main goal of antiX is to provide a light but a fully functional and flexible operating system for both old and new computers. In addition, it is easy to install and does not require any particular configuration or maintenance.
- antiX can be run entirely from RAM, which makes it ideal for use on older computers with limited resources.
- Overall, antiX is an excellent choice for a lightweight Linux distribution that is easy to install and use.
6. SliTaz GNU/Linux
SliTaz GNU/Linux is a lightweight, fast, and easy-to-use Linux distribution that is perfect for old computers and new users alike. SliTaz uses minimal RAM and CPU, so it’s ideal for use on a netbook or other low-powered computer. SliTaz has all the basic applications you need for everyday use, including a web browser, office suite, email client, media player, and more. SliTaz is also highly customizable, so you can install only the applications and features you need.
7. Porteus
Porteus is a small, fast, and easy-to-use Linux distribution. It is based on Slackware Linux and uses the same package management system. Porteus comes in two flavors: KDE and LXDE. Both editions are available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Porteus has many popular pre-installed applications, such as the Firefox web browser, LibreOffice suite, GIMP image editor, and VLC media player. It also includes a massive selection of language packs to be used in almost any country.
8. Trisquel GNU/Linux
Trisquel GNU/Linux is a free and open-source software distribution based on Ubuntu that has been designed with three fundamental principles in mind: freedom from lock-in, privacy, and security. Trisquel GNU/Linux is one of the most popular options for those looking for an ethical and practical alternative to proprietary operating systems. It is used by individuals, organizations, and businesses worldwide.
9. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is an open-source operating system that aims to be “a modern, elegant, and comfortable operating system that is both powerful and easy to use,” It is on the Debian and Ubuntu Linux distributions. It was one of the first distributions to offer a Long-Term Support (LTS) release cycle and is currently on its 4th LTS release. Linux Mint is suitable for both newcomers and experienced Linux users. It features a wide range of software pre-installed, including office applications, multimedia codecs, and much more. For those who want even more software, there are over 30,000 packages available in the built-in software manager.
10. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution that uses the Enlightenment desktop environment. It is designed to be quick and user-friendly and can also use with older computers. Ubuntu is its foundation, while the Enlightenment desktop is its primary interface. It gets the job done quickly and easily since it uses the bare minimum of resources. Bodhi Linux is perfect for old computers or for those who want to use a very light distribution.
Conclusion
Nonetheless, many people worldwide continue to rely on 32-bit Linux distributions. This post will look at the top 10 widely-used 32-bit Linux distributions.
