I love hacking on Linux. All the languages and frameworks that I learned to program with work with run natively on Linux: Python, PHP, the usual suspects.

Since I made the move back to Mac two years ago, I've used my old Toshiba Satellite laptop (2007) to experiment with different Linux distros. I've installed versions of Redhat (which is a lot easier to intall than it was in 2004!), Debian, and Ubuntu. And I've enjoyed them all, especially Ubuntu.

But what I noticed in the latest upgrade to Ubuntu 11.something is that the OS is heavy and clumsy, maybe even a little fat. Fat == slow. Install it and see for yourself. It ain't what it used to be. So, I decided to look for something that fights in a lighter weight division. I need a faster interface.

With more than 250 actively maintained distributions available today, we have a lot of options of Linux to consider. Some of them are more evolved than others, and some are very specialized, but we think that these two are the next ones to try in our search for Linux lite:

!# CrunchBang

Based on Debian, CrunchBang evolved later than other lightweight derivative Linux distributions such as Xubuntu and Lubuntu. With a download size of just under 700MB, CrunchBang includes an impressive collection of software in its basic install.

CrunchBang is built almost entirely from packages available in the Debian repositories and has excellent compatibility with a huge range of software. And since I'm familiar with Debian, Ubuntu and its derivatives then CrunchBang is an obvious choice. And we like the look of it's interface.

Puppy Linux

The Puppy Linux distro runs completely in RAM, and should be compatible with decent selection of older hardware (often an issue with built-from-scratch distributions). Apparently, the software choices aren't enormous, but since my only concerns in using Linux these days are to write code, find things on the web, and type stuff, it fits the bill.

End note

While we were hunting down distros to try, we happened upon a rather interesting version of Linux for all those interested in talking a walk on the dark side: Ubuntu Satanic Edition.