Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- A minimal Linux installation is more useful than you think.
- Minimal installations do require a bit more Linux skills.
- Minimal installations have minimal system requirements.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve installed Linux. Needless to say, it numbers well into the thousands. I’ve installed Linux distributions of all types, ranging from mobile editions all the way up to server clusters (and everything in between).
Also: Ready to ditch Windows for good? This is the Linux distro I recommend for beginners
There’s one type of installation that I’ve had to use on several occasions: the minimal install.
What is a minimal installation?
A minimal Linux installation is exactly what it sounds like: an installation that installs a minimum of software. These bare-bones installs only include the core components to allow the operating system to function, such as the boot loader, the kernel, the networking stack, the shell, the command line interface (CLI), basic GNU utilities, and a package manager.
A minimal installation does not include a desktop environment, GUI apps, sound server, or productivity tools.
These installations are text-only and are not intended for users with minimal or no Linux skills. However, working with a minimal installation will challenge you to learn much more about Linux. There have been instances where I’ve intentionally started with a minimal Linux installation and built on it to create the exact desktop operating system I wanted or needed.
Also: I converted this Windows 11 mini PC into a Linux workstation – it was so worth it
Typical minimal installations can take up to only 500MB to 750MB of space and can run on very little RAM. Of course, if your intention is to build a full-blown desktop Linux from a minimal installation, you’ll want more resources than that.
Not all distributions offer minimal installations. If you’re looking to use a minimal installation, you’ll want to look at the likes of Alpine Linux, Arch Linux, Debian, Slackware, Void Linux, NixOS, and Tiny Core Linux.
As you might have assumed, minimal installations are typically done via the command line. However, there are some distributions that do use a GUI installer and allow you to go the minimal route. Even when installing the OS with a GUI, the end result will still be command-line only. And don’t be fooled, a distribution that uses a lightweight desktop environment (such as Fluxbox, LXQt, or LXDE) is not a minimal installation.
Think of it this way: If there’s a desktop GUI, it’s not truly minimal.
When a minimal installation comes in handy
Let’s finally answer the question at hand: When does a minimal installation come in handy?
There are several instances when a minimal installation isn’t just handy, but necessary. Do keep in mind, however, that even after completing a minimal installation, you’ll then need to install whatever software is required to serve your purposes, as a basic minimal installation isn’t all that useful.
Also: I’ve used Linux for 30 years. Here are 5 reasons why I’ll never switch to Windows or MacOS
If you’re curious as to when a minimal Linux install is the right way to go, consider these use cases:
- Low-resource or older hardware: With older hardware, with limited RAM or storage, a minimal installation ensures the system will run efficiently, without wasting resources. With a minimal installation, you can then install only the applications you need to serve the purpose at hand, without having to worry that the OS will bog down the computer with unnecessary services and software.
- Server and cloud deployments: If you’re installing Linux on a server (either on bare metal or as a virtual machine) or on a cloud-based host, minimal installations are the best way to keep those installations lightweight and fast. You’ll get faster boot times and fewer necessary updates.
- Enhanced security: A minimal installation has fewer running services and installed software, which means a smaller attack surface. With fewer vulnerabilities, a minimal installation offers better security. On top of that, you can ensure that only the software you need is included, so there’s less of a chance that you’re installing software that is susceptible to malicious code.
- Customization and control: When you want to create a Linux distribution to meet specific needs, the best way to do this is by starting with a minimal installation. Starting with a simple and clean slate, you can create a server or desktop operating system that is unique and geared specifically for you. You can also be certain there’ll be no bloat, so the OS should perform very well. Starting from the very basics, you can choose the desktop environment, the specific applications, and what services are available.
- Distraction-free environment: On personal devices, a minimal setup helps limit distractions, which can decrease screen time and increase productivity. Imagine you’re starting with a minimal Linux installation and the only software you install is a lightweight desktop environment and LibreOffice. All of a sudden, you have a desktop operating system that will only allow you to write with zero distractions.
- Development: If you’re OK with developing without a GUI IDE, a minimal installation can be a great place to start. You don’t have to worry about extra software bogging down your development machine during compile time, and you can install only the tools and libraries that you need. And if you need a GUI desktop, you can always install a lightweight option to keep the machine speedy.
Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro
A minimal Linux installation doesn’t necessarily have to be minimal in usage. With a bit of skill and time, you can take a minimal installation and make it exactly what you need. Just remember that going this route does require a bit more Linux skill.
