Operating System (OS) is software that allows computer users to execute tasks on hardware. Simply put, it’s an interface from which you can easily perform all the usual tasks without thinking of how it works or the line of code running in the background. These tasks may be browsing, word processing, spreadsheet, watching videos, playing games, etc.

As technology evolves over the years, software and hardware is being revamped with new visual effects and features. As a result, your laptop or desktop soon age, performance decrease, and task execution take much longer to complete.

How to come over the underperformance? You can try one of the lightweight OS below before you junk your old computer.

#1 Linux Deepin

Deepin is a Debian-based Linux distribution that uses its in-house Desktop environment based on Qt 5 toolkit called Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE). It features a beautiful UI design and comes with a set of useful native applications. Its macOS-like app store allows you to browse for more applications, go through app categories, and details.

Despite the suspicion of being a spyware instrument because of its Chinese origin, the OS steps in as an alternative to Windows and macOS users. The basic system requirements to install Deepin Linux are,

• Intel Pentium IV 2-GHz processor
• 1 GB of RAM 
• 10 GB of free disk space. 
• Intel, AMD, or Nvidia graphics card 

For more reliability and stability it advocates you get 2GB Ram

#2 Linux Mint

As stated on its About page,  “The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant, and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use. Besides, the Ubuntu-based Linux distribution comes in 3 versions with different desktop environments, Cinnamon, Mate, and Xfce.

When thinking of modern and innovative with many desktop features, go for Cinnamon. The lightweight and most stable versions are to be Mate and Xfce. System requirements to boot up Linux Mint are, 

• 1GB RAM (2GB recommended for better performance)
• 15GB of disk space
• 32-bit ISO can only boot with BIOS. 64-bit is bootable with both BIOS or UEFI

#3 Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is another lightweight Linux-based OS. The whole system load and run from your Random Access Memory (RAM) and doesn’t need to access the hard drive. The relatively small size, 300 MB or less - allow you to boot and used it from a Live CD, a USB drive, a memory card, or on a hard disk with your settings and data saved.

 Plus, you can also boot puppy Linux from a USB stick to retrieve data from a hard drive if your system or hard. 

#4 ELEMENTARY OS 

Possibly the most beautiful and fast Linux distro, Elementary OS is another macOS-like operating system, developed for non-technical background users. Readable and intuitive, Elementary OS has its homemade desktop environment called Pantheon. Unlike other OS, the desktop is not customizable.

It is a no-distraction OS for people looking for productivity and who want easy-to-use with useful native apps. Also, the number of applications you can get from the apps store is relatively small compared to other OS. Mainly because of the small community developer working on the project. At the list, you’ll get a file manager, a mail client, a music player, a photo manager, and a text editor. 

• Recent Intel i3 or comparable dual-core 64-bit processor
• 4 GB of system memory (RAM)
• 15 GB of Solid-state drive (SSD) free space
• Internet access
• 1024×768 display

#5 Lunbuntu 

Lubuntu is based on the Linux distribution system Ubuntu and uses low resources desktop environment LXDE or LXQT. The built-in lightweight applications and tools fit every need and require a low RAM with any generation CPU. There are no precise system requirements for Lubuntu because some components are still in development. Like Puppy Linux, Lubuntu is a lightweight system that boots from a CD or USB. Different installation packages are available for downloading, Intel x86, 32 Bit, and 62 Bit. 

Note that the best operating system choice mainly depends on the user's need. Thus, choosing one that best suits your needs is the key to satisfaction.