The Raspberry Pi is an extremely low-priced single-board computer (SBC) suitable for a variety of projects. Among the most popular uses include turning it into a media player or simulated gaming console. Given its excellent versatility, many people have begun to wonder whether it can replace traditional desktop computers. The answer is yes, but you need to use the following lightweight operating system designed for the Raspberry Pi.

Table of contents

• 1. Raspberry Pi OS
• 2. OpenFyde
• 3. Edubuntu
• 4. DietPi
• 5. PiCore
• 6. Alpine Linux
• 7. Arch Linux ARM

Note : There are many different models of Raspberry Pi on the market. This article focuses on operating systems that can run smoothly on the Raspberry Pi 5. While some systems may also run on weaker devices, such as the Zero series, the actual experience may vary greatly.

1. Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS is the official recommended operating system for Raspberry Pi. Based on Debian, it is a Linux distribution optimized for Raspberry Pi with a variety of built-in features and applications. Standard images include modern web browsers, powerful office suites, and code editors, which are suitable for daily use and professional development.

In addition, Raspberry Pi OS is equipped with a standalone app store and package repository, similar to the mechanisms of Debian and Ubuntu. This allows you to easily install new software and complete system updates with a few clicks.

When downloading, you have two options: full version with recommended software and a streamlined version. If you are pursuing extreme lightweight, you can also try Raspberry Pi OS Lite. Please note, however, that this version does not include a desktop environment or any graphical interface.

Tip : You can refer to the tutorial here to learn how to install Raspberry Pi OS.

2. OpenFyde

If you have used a Chromebook, you will feel very familiar with OpenFyde. OpenFyde is built on Google's open source Chromium OS, which is the system kernel used by Chromebooks. Similar to Chromebooks, OpenFyde is centered on web applications and services and is one of the few lightweight cloud operating systems that can run on the Raspberry Pi. You can think of it as a "affordable Chromebook".

Since OpenFyde provides a browser-based desktop experience, its resource usage is much lower than that of traditional operating systems. This means it starts quickly and the program responds quickly. At the same time, the hardware performance requirements are low and can run smoothly even on devices with weak configurations.

Additionally, if you are building a portable Raspberry Pi computer, using OpenFyde will often get longer battery life. If you rely primarily on web applications, OpenFyde is definitely worth trying.

3. Edubuntu

Edubuntu is a lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, focusing on educational purposes. Although not designed specifically for Raspberry Pi, developers provide a fast ported version of the platform, which is very suitable for parents to build low-cost, easy-to-operate learning computers for their children.

The biggest advantage of Edubuntu is that it can complete the deployment of the educational environment with "zero configuration". Simply write the system image to the SD card and make a small set up to be put into use.

The system is pre-installed with a large number of learning tools, such as gbrainy for thinking training, gCompris for young children, and kGeography and Stellarium for helping to understand geography and stars. In addition, it supports multi-device management capabilities, suitable for home and classroom scenarios.

Tips : Want to learn more about open source children's software? You might as well explore the most popular Linux kid-friendly applications and games at the moment.

4. DietPi

DietPi is a flexible Debian derivative Linux system designed for single-board computers to provide a lightweight and efficient operation environment. In addition to supporting the Raspberry Pi, it can also run on Odroid, Orange Pi, Rock64 and other devices. It is worth mentioning that DietPi also provides the x86_64 version, meaning you can also install it on a normal desktop.

A highlight of DietPi is its unique DietPi-Software tool that integrates system management tasks into a terminal interface. Developers have greatly simplified the installation and configuration process of complex software through this tool. For example, just check one option to automatically complete the entire NextCloud deployment.

By the way : Want to revive the old computer? Try these best lightweight Linux distributions.

5. PiCore

PiCore is the official ported version of the Tiny Core Linux project on the Raspberry Pi. Like its upstream projects, PiCore does not provide desktop environments or graphics tools, but only provides command-line and basic UNIX toolsets. Although there is a certain threshold for most users, it is very attractive for geeks who want to build systems from scratch.

The most prominent feature of PiCore is its extremely small basic mirror - only about 32MB, making it one of the smallest operating systems on the current Raspberry Pi platform. In addition, its resource management efficiency is extremely high, and the memory usage is only 100–120MB in idle state, making it ideal for old or low-end models of Raspberry Pi.

Extended Learning : Want to explore in depth? Check out our comprehensive review and setup guide on PiCore.

6. Alpine Linux

Alpine is an efficient and optimized Linux distribution that is widely used in virtual machines and bare metal devices. Unlike other systems, Alpine pays more attention to code accuracy and system security, which is very suitable for Raspberry Pi application scenarios that require stable and lightweight environments.

One of the core advantages of Alpine is the adoption of musl instead of glibc as the standard C library. This makes the system smaller and the attack surface narrower, making it particularly suitable for resource-constrained devices such as Raspberry Pi.

Note : Musl and glibc are essentially different in the underlying implementation, which may lead to certain package compatibility issues.

Similar to PiCore, Alpine's basic installation does not contain any graphical interface, making it ideal for building server or container images. At the same time, its community warehouse is quite mature and can meet almost all the software needs you need.

7. Arch Linux ARM

Arch Linux is the best among minimalist universal Linux distributions. With manual installation processes, a huge community resource library and focus on cutting-edge software, Arch allows you to take full advantage of Linux to create a fully personalized system.

Arch Linux ARM is an adaptive version of Arch on a single-board computer. Although it is not an official branch, it is maintained actively and keeps up with the pace of kernel updates. More importantly, it supports AUR (Arch User Repository) and has one of the richest available software ecosystems in the Raspberry Pi platform.

With these lightest and most efficient Raspberry Pi operating systems in hand, you're ready to dive into the wonderful world of low-power embedded systems. Start this journey by learning how to transform your Raspberry Pi into a game simulation tool using Batocera.

Image source: Harrison Broadbent via Unsplash. All modifications and screenshots are produced by Ramces Red.

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