Linux Lite and Lubuntu are both lightweight Linux distributions that are designed to be fast and efficient on older or less powerful hardware. In this blog we will understand what LinuxLite and Lubuntu offers, and what are the differences between them. However, the most common feature between them is that they both are suited for low-end laptops or PCs.
Linux Lite
Linux Lite is an Ubuntu-based distribution that aims to provide a user-friendly desktop environment with a similar interface to that of Windows. It comes with many pre-installed applications and utilities, making it a convenient option for basic computing needs. Linux Lite has low hardware requirements, which means that it can run smoothly on older or less powerful machines.
Lubuntu
Lubuntu, on the other hand, is also an Ubuntu-based distribution that uses the LXQt desktop environment. Like Linux Lite, Lubuntu is designed to be lightweight and can run smoothly on older or less powerful hardware. It is particularly well-suited for users who want a simple and minimalistic operating system that does not require a lot of system resources.
which one is better? Linux lite vs Lubuntu
If you are a beginner and prefer a more Windows-like interface, Linux Lite may be a better choice for you.
On the other hand, if you are an advanced user and prefer a minimalistic and highly customizable operating system, Lubuntu may be the better option.
In any case, both Linux Lite and Lubuntu are excellent choices for users who want a lightweight, fast, and efficient operating system that can run smoothly on older or less powerful hardware.
linuxLite vs Lubuntu- Key comparision
Base Distribution
Both Linux Lite and Lubuntu are based on Ubuntu, which is based on Debian. This means that users of Linux Lite and Lubuntu have access to the vast Ubuntu software repository, which includes thousands of packages and applications that can be installed using the APT package manager.
Additionally, users can add third-party repositories or Personal Package Archives (PPAs) to their systems to access even more software packages that are not available in the official Ubuntu repositories.
System Requirement
Linux Lite and Lubuntu are both lightweight Linux distributions that are designed to run on older hardware with limited specifications. Here are the recommended system requirements for both distributions:
| Distribution | CPU | RAM | Storage | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Lite | 1.5GHz processor (Single-Core) | 1024MB | 20GB | VGA, DVI, or HDMI screen 1366x768p |
| Lubuntu | 2GHz processor (Single-Core) | 2048MB | 20GB | VGA, DVI, or HDMI screen 1366x768p |
Installation Process
Linux Lite and Lubuntu come with different installers, but both are modern, user-friendly, and easy to use. Here are some details about the installers for each distribution:
Linux Lite:
Linux Lite uses a custom installer called the “Linux Lite Installer.” It is a graphical installer that provides an intuitive step-by-step process for installation. It also includes options to customize the installation, such as selecting the language, time zone, partitioning, and software to install. The Linux Lite installer also includes an option to install third-party drivers and codecs for media playback.
Lubuntu:
Lubuntu uses the Calamares installer, which is a popular and user-friendly installer used by several Linux distributions. The Calamares installer provides an intuitive graphical interface that guides users through the installation process step-by-step. It includes options for language, time zone, partitioning, and software selection. Like the Linux Lite installer, Calamares also includes an option to install third-party drivers and codecs for media playback.
Default Desktop Environment
Both Xfce and LXQt are lightweight desktop environments that offer a good balance of functionality and performance on older hardware. They are also highly customizable, so users can tailor the interface to their liking.
Linux Lite comes with Xfce
The default desktop environment for Linux Lite is Xfce. Xfce is a lightweight and customizable desktop environment that provides a traditional desktop layout with a taskbar, application menu, and system tray. It is designed to be fast, stable, and user-friendly, making it a great choice for older hardware.
Lubuntu comes with LXQT
The default desktop environment for Lubuntu is LXQt. LXQt is a modern and lightweight desktop environment that provides a clean and minimalist interface. It is designed to be fast and energy-efficient, making it ideal for older hardware. LXQt also includes several applications that are optimized for low-resource systems, such as the PCManFM file manager and the FeatherPad text editor.
Pre-Bundled Applications
Both Linux Lite and Lubuntu are targeted at new users and people who are just starting with Linux, so they come with pre-bundled applications that are necessary for regular day-to-day use. Here are some of the applications that are included in both distributions:
- Web browser: Both distributions come with a web browser pre-installed. Linux Lite comes with Mozilla Firefox, while Lubuntu comes with either Mozilla Firefox or the lightweight web browser, QupZilla.
- Office suite: Both distributions come with an office suite pre-installed. Linux Lite comes with LibreOffice, which includes a word processor, spreadsheet application, and presentation software. Lubuntu includes the lightweight AbiWord word processor and the Gnumeric spreadsheet application.
- Media player: Both distributions come with a media player pre-installed. Linux Lite includes the VLC media player, which can play a wide range of audio and video formats. Lubuntu includes the lightweight Qmmp audio player and the GNOME Videos media player.
- Image viewer and editor: Both distributions come with an image viewer and editor pre-installed. Linux Lite includes the Xfce Image Viewer and the GIMP image editor. Lubuntu includes the lightweight LXImage-Qt image viewer and the mtPaint graphics editor.
