[SOLVED] Do excess packages slow down linux?

Robert.Thompson · 01-10-2010, 11:47 AM

Hello:

I just installed Debian and I can see that there are a lot of packages installed that I do not want - 'games' for example.

If I remove the packages I don't want, will linux speed up?

Thanks,

r3sistance · 01-10-2010, 12:01 PM

Hi, This is unlikely to be the case unless any of these packages are generally active or you are very low on space in the filing system.

Robert.Thompson · 01-10-2010, 12:05 PM

Thank you.

MTK358 · 01-10-2010, 12:52 PM

Unless they are running I don't see how they can slow down your system, but they do take up disk space.

Robert.Thompson · 01-10-2010, 01:01 PM

Thanks.

Robert.Thompson · 01-10-2010, 01:02 PM

BTW, how can I tell what is 'running' when I start Debian?

r3sistance · 01-10-2010, 01:20 PM

in the terminal you can use the ps command to see the running processes personally I use 'ps aux | grep program' however this will likely return the ps command will likely return the grep process itself what can be ignored. Games will not be running by default but other processes or applications might possibly be if you are looking into other things.

Robert.Thompson · 01-10-2010, 01:27 PM

Thank you.

Quakeboy02 · 01-10-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert.Thompson

BTW, how can I tell what is 'running' when I start Debian?

If you're using gnome then Applications->System Tools->System Monitor->Processes

Robert.Thompson · 01-10-2010, 06:22 PM

Thank you, I am.

tuxgirl · 01-12-2010, 02:50 PM

You can also run top from a terminal to see which process are taking up the most resources. It will show you a constantly updating view, hit q to exit.

Skaperen · 01-12-2010, 03:09 PM

They could slow the system by taking up filesystem space in a way that results in greater and wider scattering of files for packages that later get upgraded. Backups would run slower if you backup the system. Other programs that look around for files would take more time.