Lightweight distributions for the Raspberry Pi
New Cards
The Raspberry Pi is a Linux machine, and its default distribution is Raspberry Pi OS. But Linux is all about choices….
The default operating system for the Raspberry Pi is the 32-bit version of Raspberry Pi OS [1], formerly known as Raspbian, which was short for Rasp(berry-Pi-De)bian: The distribution is based on Debian GNU/Linux. 2022 saw the official release of a 64-bit version, but the 32-bit edition remains the standard.
Many of the other big Linux distributions have released ARM versions that run on the Rasp Pi, for example Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, Gentoo, Arch Linux, Slackware, and Pop!_OS – some of which will only run on the Rasp Pi 4 and Rasp Pi 400. Kali Linux and Recalbox, which I mention elsewhere in this issue, are also available for the Rasp Pi. Rather than enumerating these Rasp Pi versions of everyday Linux, this article highlights some alternative distros you might not know about.
Finding Distributions
If you want to get an overview of Linux distributions for the Raspberry Pi, you can check the RPi Distributions page in the Embedded Linux Wiki [2]. However, many of the entries on that page are outdated. You can also use your favorite search engine to find distributions, or you can simply download the official Raspberry Pi Imager from the same web page that hosts Raspberry Pi OS [1]: The imager lets you download various distro images and write them to an SD card (Figure 1).
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.