System resources and linux

zack6901 · 01-17-2007, 01:46 PM

I don't even know if this applies to any disro, but maybe I'll get a few responses from this question. Are there any distros that seem to be heavier on resources than others? I know it depends on what services are running, but taking into account only the essential services needed and other things which I don't know about since I've only been using linux for a couple weeks.

pljvaldez · 01-17-2007, 01:57 PM

It's a symptom of distros but only because as you say it depends on what is installed. Typically heavier distros use Gnome or KDE. Comparing distros is not really the problem. Some distros make it easier to install lean system than others though.

For example, with Debian you can install a text system that takes up only 400MB of hard disk space and 20MB of RAM. Then you can build your system from the ground up using aptitude install x-window-system-core icewm (or kdebase for a lighter KDE). But you have to take the time to install everything you want when you need it.

matthewg42 · 01-17-2007, 01:58 PM

As you said, it depends what software you are running. Not just services, but desktop environment is also a major factor if you're using the machine as a desktop. KDE and Gnome are a lot heavier than XFCE and others.

It goes a little deeper than which software you run. The kernel can be set up in such a way as to reduct latency for some types of apps (usually focused on GUIs). There is a penalty for this though, usually in terms to dealing with server loads. Depending on the emphasis of your distro, the kernel which ships with the default install will be optimised for different things.

zack6901 · 01-17-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewg42

As you said, it depends what software you are running. Not just services, but desktop environment is also a major factor if you're using the machine as a desktop. KDE and Gnome are a lot heavier than XFCE and others.

It goes a little deeper than which software you run. The kernel can be set up in such a way as to reduct latency for some types of apps (usually focused on GUIs). There is a penalty for this though, usually in terms to dealing with server loads. Depending on the emphasis of your distro, the kernel which ships with the default install will be optimised for different things.

Well, I had the crazy idea of kinda building my own distro sort of, but I'm not such a techie as to build it from scratch. Maybe you guys can help with a starting point ot something. I'm only using my computer for a lot of web surfing and some occasional audio and image editing. I'm also storing all my audio and image files on my hard drive. If switching desktop environment will lessen the load, then I'm all for it and I'll start from there. Maybe a distro that has XFCE or others as a default?

matthewg42 · 01-17-2007, 03:37 PM

What do you use now, and what don't you like about it?