Alternatives to Puppy Linux
A family of small Linux distributions for home computers, sharing the same Puppy tools. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Puppy Linux
A family of small Linux distributions for home computers, sharing the same Puppy tools.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Puppy Linux.
Porteus
A small, modular Slackware-based Linux system built to run from a USB drive, CD or disk.
Porteus is a Slackware-based portable system under 300 MB, using a modular system for software instead of Puppy's .pet packages.
antiX
A fast, lightweight live Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, without systemd or elogind.
antiX is a Debian Stable live distribution without systemd or elogind, with well developed live-USB support and monthly snapshots.
Damn Small Linux
A revived compact Linux distribution for low-spec x86 computers, based on antiX.
Damn Small Linux is an antiX-based compact distribution for low-spec x86 computers, with a set of light desktop apps and many terminal tools.
4MLinux
A small feature-oriented Linux distribution for maintenance, multimedia, a mini server and games.
4MLinux is a small distribution combining rescue, multimedia and mini server roles with regular stable releases, but minimal documentation.
Bodhi Linux
A lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with the Moksha desktop, derived from Enlightenment.
Bodhi Linux moves you to an Ubuntu base with the customisable Moksha desktop and a 32-bit non-PAE build for old hardware.
Linux Lite
A lightweight, beginner-friendly Linux distribution for older computers and people moving from Windows.
Linux Lite is a beginner-friendly distribution for older computers with a built-in help manual, but it is not built around a live session.
Q4OS
A lightweight Debian-based desktop Linux distribution aimed at ease of use and less powerful hardware.
Q4OS is a lightweight Debian-based desktop for older hardware, with tools to remove unneeded components and an ARM edition.
Peppermint OS
A minimal Xfce Linux distribution based on Debian or Devuan that lets you choose your own applications.
Peppermint OS is a minimal Xfce distribution on a Debian or Devuan base where you install most applications yourself.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Emmabuntüs
A Debian-based Linux distribution designed for refurbishing and reusing older computers.
NomadBSD
A persistent FreeBSD-based live system for USB flash drives with automatic hardware detection.
YUMI
A multiboot USB creator that puts several operating systems and tools on one drive.
Easy2Boot
A free multiboot USB kit that boots many ISO, IMG and VHD files from one drive.
GLIM
A set of GRUB2 configuration files that boots many Linux live ISOs from one USB stick.
