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Some mainstream distributions install up to 6 gigabytes of software or more. By contrast, other distros aim at a compact installation that requires little memory to run. These distributions are often intended for live CDs or USB drives, and are suitable for both embedded systems and older hardware. Some users prefer the small distributions simply because they appreciate their efficiency.
In order to meet their objectives, most compact distributions use software that is less familiar to those accustomed to the KDE or GNOME Desktops. For example, a compact distro is more likely to use Sylpheed than Evolution for email, and AbiWord instead of OpenOffice.org.
AntiX: Announced last month, AntiX is a built from the Debian-derived Mephis distribution. It is designed to run with a minimum 64 megabytes of RAM, or a recommended 128 megabytes.
Damn Small Linux: One of the earliest compact distributions, DSL (as it is usually called) has the stated goal of never including requiring more than 50 megabytes of hard drive space. It is built only for x86 machines, although versions of DSL have been made for such unusual devices as zip drives and the Xbox.
Puppy: Puppy Linux is one of those relatively rare distros these days that is not derived from a more established one, but is built from scratch. It runs off a RAMdisk for increased performance, and includes its own package management system. For desktops, it uses lightweight window managers such as IceWM and Fluxbox.
VectorLinux: According to its homepage, VectorLinux "has improved Slackware to produce a bloat free, easy to install, configure and maintain operating system." It also claims to be "the fastest, non-source Linux distribution on the planet."
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