Opens the download page on distrib.wiki.
English edition published on .
Linux distributions serve different needs. Trisquel Mini is the lighter edition of Trisquel GNU/Linux, intended for computers with modest resources, including suitable older machines and netbooks. This profile introduces its features and the checks needed before choosing it.
Features of Trisquel Mini
Trisquel Mini aims to provide a usable desktop with restrained resource requirements, balancing a smaller footprint with everyday functionality.
LXDE desktop
It uses LXDE, the Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment. LXDE provides a traditional graphical interface with relatively modest resource demands. That can help on constrained hardware, although application requirements remain important.
Preinstalled applications
The original catalogue description lists a compact application collection covering several everyday tasks. Included programs vary by release, so check the image you choose:
- AbiWord and Gnumeric for documents and spreadsheets;
- Midori for web browsing;
- Parole for media playback;
- additional desktop utilities.
Performance and compatibility
The lighter desktop may help suitable older machines, but an old 256 MB memory claim should not be used to plan a current installation. The official requirements for Trisquel Mini 12.0 amd64 specify 2 GB RAM for physical installations or 1 GB for virtual installations, and 7.4 GB storage without downloaded updates. Allow more for applications and personal files. These requirements are not a benchmark of your workload.
Hardware compatibility
Compatibility depends on the processor architecture, graphics, wireless devices and other peripherals. The project’s free-software policy is particularly relevant where hardware requires non-free firmware. Check supported installation images on the official download page and try essential devices rather than assuming an older computer is automatically supported. File formats and network services also need to match your intended tasks.
Commitment to free software
Trisquel Mini shares Trisquel’s commitment to free software: users should be able to run, study, modify and redistribute the included software. This is a central reason to choose it for people who place particular value on software freedom.
Trisquel Mini combines a restrained desktop with that free-software commitment. It can be worth considering for compatible modest hardware, provided that memory, architecture, firmware and application requirements are checked for the actual release.