sudo apt install fastfetch
To install it in Ubuntu, download the .deb file from GitHub and install it.
Sweet Linux, Sweet Computing
Install fastfetch in Debian
Debian based lightweight Linux operating systems
Lightweight operating systems are helpful to revive old computers, including desktops and laptops. It consumes very less CPU and RAM resources. Lightweight operating systems are often powered by window managers such as IceWM, JWM, and Fluxbox. They require significantly less RAM and CPU power than popular desktop environments like GNOME or KDE. Such systems can enhance the performance of the less powerful machines. The Debian operating system does not consume too many hardware resources. Here is the list of such Debian-based operating systems.
AntiX Linux is a very slim operating system that consumes only 250 MB of RAM to run. It's systemd-free, instead using lighter init systems like SysVinit or Runit, and it makes minimal resource usage and fast boot times. AntiX also comes in different "flavours" (Full, Base, Core, and Net) with varying levels of pre-installed software. The "Core" and "Net" versions are extremely minimal.
Q4OS is another lightweight Debian-based distro available with the Trinity desktop and Plasma. Trinity desktop consumes only 256 MB of memory.
CrunchBang++ uses the Openbox window manager and makes use of significantly fewer system resources.
BunsenLabs Linux Boron is another slim operating system that uses the Openbox desktop.
Slax Linux is a slim operating system with a modular design and a lightweight desktop, which are its highlights. The core system is kept minimal, and users can add or remove software by simply adding or removing "modules".
MiniOS is an active, lightweight operating system project. XFCE and FluxBox-based desktops are available to download.
WattOS is another rocket-powered distro with the LXDE desktop.
PeppermintOS, a well-customised Debian-based distro with XFCE desktop and added features.
MX Linux is another distro with customised XFCE desktop environment. It consumes around 495 MB to 505 MB of memory.
Debian LXDE and XFCE desktops also make a small footprint on hardware resources. The previous versions of Debian Linux (e.g. Debian 10, 11) were also fast due to their legacy kernels. Those who like vanilla Debian flavour, try the native Debian installer or Live DVD to experience a feather walk.
Debian 13 Trixie released
Download links
Android and worries
 |
| Image courtesy: Google Gemini |
How smartphones work differently from Computers
Smartphones aren’t built like computers. Computers let you upgrade parts or replace them if they break. But in phones, everything is packed into a single chip. Phone makers add special software (like drivers) to connect the hardware to the Android system and make it look good.Drawbacks of Android phones
Android is the most used phone system worldwide, powering 70% of phones. It was created by a group of companies, with Google playing a big role. Unlike computers, most people can’t easily change their phone’s operating system.Many phones come with bloatware—unwanted apps that track users, show ads, or can’t be easily removed. These slow down phones and invade privacy. Only a few brands, like Google Pixel and Nothing Phone, offer a clean Android without bloatware.
Short Lifespan of Phones
Phones need updates to stay secure and work properly, but most companies stop updates after just two years. When updates end, apps (especially banking apps) stop working, forcing people to buy new phones. This creates more electronic waste. Nothing Phone does better by offering 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security updates.Can Custom Software Help?
When manufacturers stop supporting a phone, custom ROMs (modified Android versions) can keep it running longer. However, phone makers make it hard to install these, and some banking apps won’t work on them.Are There Better Alternatives?
Some groups are working on privacy-focused, non-commercial phone systems based on Linux (like Debian). These systems, such as Mobian, offer basic features like calls, contacts, and maps. But they have fewer apps than Android and only work well on certain phones.The Bigger Challenge
For Linux-based phones to succeed, more manufacturers need to support them. Google once tried a modular phone project (Ara) but gave up. Right now, Android dominates, leaving users with limited choices.Buy old phones at low prices and upgrade to the latest Android
 |
| Image courtesy: Google Gemini |
When a new phone comes out, it’s usually costly. But after some time, the price drops, especially when newer models arrive and companies compete for customers. If you buy a phone at its high launch price, you might later feel like you overpaid. Companies sell phones for much more than it costs to make them. For example, Apple spends about ₹41,000 to make an iPhone 16 Pro Max but sells it for ₹1,44,900 in India.
Why do phone prices drop?
- New technology: As tech improves, older phones lose value.
- Better specs: Faster processors, better cameras, more RAM, and 5G support make people want the latest models.
- Basic needs: Most people don’t need a high-end phone just for calls, social media, banking, or photos. Even a powerful phone is rarely used to its full potential—most people only need about 40% of its features.
A smarter way to buy phones
If you don’t want to spend a lot, consider buying an older model. Premium phones from a year or two ago are much cheaper online. You can check prices on sites like 91mobiles and read reviews before buying. Using a credit card might get you an extra 5-10% discount, and you could save up to 60% compared to the original price.
What about software updates?
Older phones (especially those 2+ years old) may stop getting Android updates. But you can still keep them up-to-date by installing a custom ROM – a modified version of Android made by developers.
How custom ROMs work
- Phone companies release Android’s source code so developers can create custom ROMs.
- A tech-savvy friend or local repair shop can help install one.
- Benefits: Better performance, longer battery life, no bloatware, and the latest Android version (like Android 15 or even 16 soon).
Best phones for custom ROMs
Brands like Redmi and Poco often support custom ROMs. For example:
- The Poco X3 Pro was ₹20,000 at launch but now sells for around ₹10,000.
- You can install CrDroid (Android 15) on it and use it for years.
Final thought
Before buying a new expensive phone, ask yourself: Do I really need it? An older phone with a custom ROM can save you money and work just as well for daily use.
Before buying a new expensive phone, ask yourself: Do I really need it? An older phone with a custom ROM can save you money and work just as well for daily use.
A list of underrated laptops for basic computing requirements with a low price
MSI Intel Core i3 12th Gen 1215U - (8 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 11 Home) Modern 14 C12MO-1401IN Business Laptop
Dell Latitude 3440 Intel Core i3 12th Gen - (8GB/512 GB SSD/Intel UHD Graphics) Thin and Ubuntu Linux Laptop/14 HD Display.
CHUWI Intel Core i3 12th Gen 1220P - (8 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 11 Home) Corebook X i3 Laptop
CHUWI Intel Core i3 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U - (12 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 11 Home) FreeBook 2 in 1 Laptop
HP G10 AMD Ryzen 5 Hexa Core 7th Gen 7530U Turbo Boost - (8 GB/512 GB SSD/Windows 11 Pro) 245 G10 R5 Business Laptop
Install the Buyhatke Chrome browser extension to track price history, compare prices, find auto coupons, and get alerts.
Turn off Chrome browser home page with Ads in Linux Lite OS
Google Chrome > Settings > On startup
Remove the URL from the Open a specific page or set of pages.
Debian 13 Trixie software repository information
Here are the steps to add the main repository address to Debian 13 (Trixie).
Add to sources.list
Open the sources.list using your favourite text editor (e.g. Mousepad),sudo mousepad /etc/apt/sources.list
Copy and paste the following lines into the file,
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian/ trixie main non-free-firmware
deb-src http://deb.debian.org/debian/ trixie main non-free-firmware
deb http://security.debian.org/debian-security trixie-security main non-free-firmware
deb-src http://security.debian.org/debian-security trixie-security main non-free-firmware
# trixie-updates, to get updates before a point release is made;
# see https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/ch02.en.html#_updates_and_backports
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian/ trixie-updates main non-free-firmware
deb-src http://deb.debian.org/debian/ trixie-updates main non-free-firmware
Save and close the file. Update the repository list and upgrade the packages by applying the following commands;
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Q4OS is pocket Hercules
Q4OS rocks, whether you're talking about a Core 2 Duo, Athlon 64, Celeron, i7, or Ryzen. Easy enough to configure with a mouse. Q4OS is a lightweight Linux distribution based on Debian, targeted as a replacement for operating systems no longer supported by outdated hardware. Trinity and Plasma desktops come preloaded on this pocket Hercules device. Its automated installation feature is wonderful.
Install Virtualbox in Ubuntu: command line method
Make the system upto date. Apply the command one bye one.
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt upgrade
Install the latest Linux kernel headers.
sudo apt-get -y install gcc make linux-headers-$(uname -r) dkms
Install the VirtualBox packages from repository.
sudo apt install virtualbox virtualbox-ext-pack
Install Liquorix Kernel in Debian and Ubuntu
The stable versions of Debian and Ubuntu Linux operating systems face off with the latest versions of the Linux Kernel. The latest versions of the Linux kernel are packed with many features that are in tune with the changes in technology changes and hardware support. Debian and Ubuntu stable edition users can try the latest Linux kernel versions from third-party service providers.
Liquorix is based on the Zen kernel, which is designed to improve the performance of Linux desktop users. Liquorix Linux kernel is suitable for Debian and Ubuntu distributions. If you're looking for a performance boost, give it a try!
A useful tool for PDF arrangement
PDF Arranger is a small application that allows one to merge or split pdf documents and rotate, crop, and rearrange their pages using an interactive and intuitive graphical interface. PDF Arranger was formerly known as PDF-Shuffler.
How to install it
It's available in Debian/Ubuntu-based operating systems. Apply the command to install it,
sudo apt install pdfarranger
GNOME Flashback: a classic touch for your Linux desktop
GNOME Flashback can be giving your modern computer a retro makeover. It changes how your desktop looks and feels to resemble those older versions of GNOME. Choose Flashback if you find the newest GNOME desktop confusing or prefer the classic style. GNOME Flashback has a panel at the bottom of the screen, a traditional start menu, and different ways to manage your windows. In addition, it has no animation and does not consume much computer resources.
How to get GNOME Flashback
Existing Linux-based operating systems users can install GNOME Flashback desktop. Apply the following commands to the terminal to install it in Debian / Ubuntu-based operating systems:sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback
Reboot system. From the login screen, just look for the little gear icon next to your name on the login screen, and choose "GNOME Flashback" from the list.
Upgrading GNOME on Debian
The stable version of Debian often comes with an old GNOME version due to its focus on stability. For example, GNOME Debian 12 latest update comes with GNOME 43. The newest version of GNOME, as of writing this post, is 46. The latest versions of GNOME loaded so many innovative features. Debian 12 users can't simply update to GNOME 46. Here are the steps to update to GNOME's latest version. Debian 12 is used to demonstrate the update process. I request that the process be tried in a Debian 12 installed in Virtualbox for learning purposes and later tried on the production computer. Take the data backup before the update attempt.
Two ways we can do the GNOME update. Install the Debian 12 without any desktop. While software selection, uncheck the Debian Desktop environment and GNOME to get desktopless Debian.
Start the installation directly if you are using the Debian stable version with a desktop. Anyway, start the update process from here.
How to update Linux kernel in Debian
Check the current kernel version
Apply the following command in the terminal to see the kernel version.
uname -r
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)