 Visitor Reviews |
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Reader supplied reviews for MiniOS
Average rating
9.1 from 20 review(s)
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 8
Date: 2026-01-01
Votes: 1
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The system loads quickly, has the necessary programs, and is easy to use. I haven't used it on multiple PCs yet. The only problem I've encountered is that it doesn't load or detect Wi-Fi devices, let alone connect to them. I hope they fix this problem; another suggestion would be to make other desktop environments or window managers available. The system loads quickly, has the necessary programs, and is easy to use. I haven't used it on multiple PCs yet. The only problem I've encountered is that it doesn't load or detect Wi-Fi devices, let alone connect to them. I hope they fix this problem; another suggestion would be to make other desktop environments or window managers available.
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Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-12-23
Votes: 0
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I would give this a 10 if it had the ability to install it easier onto hard drive. Everything is fast but that. It looks clean and everything worked but sound, which I am working on now. I did put this on a Chromebook with MrChromeBox.tech for firmware and MiniOS is very fast and manages well with the wimpy tiny eMMc hard drive. Basically a sd card. MiniOS works well with a chromebook. MiniOS is replacing Manjaro which worked great and even the sound worked but in a few months ran out of storage thanks to not being able to upgrade eMMc hard drive. MiniOS is super fast on this piece of garbage and looks great as well.
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Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-17
Votes: 3
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I'm using miniOS 4.
I started by using miniOS 5, but I accidentally pressed the "restart" button at booting,
which, to my regret, wiped out all my previous settings.
I have installed miniOS 4 on VirtualBox, so I'm not sure if drivers will work properly when installed normally,
but it's a lightweight distro. It can be used even on older PCs.
The limited language support is a bit of a shame.
It took a lot of effort to set it to Japanese and enable Japanese input.
(I use fcitx5 for the first time because it doesn't seem to work well with ficitx4, which I have used on others.)
It's Debian, so updates aren't so frequent, which is a good thing.
This is a small but good news.
On Debian I couldn't install winetricks with "apt", while this distro is OK with "apt".
I use lightweight distros such as bunsen too, but I find it more convenient to have icons on my desktop like here.
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Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-12-15
Votes: 2
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Without a doubt, one of the best operating systems I've had the pleasure of using. Simple, fast, and practical, it has essential tools for daily use, maintenance of other storage units, and is lightweight thanks to XFCE. It's much better, though. I'm only not giving it 10 stars because it doesn't run on the awful TPM2.0 and Security Boot on my new machines, which would be useful for future disk maintenance and virus removal for novice users. Please make it more intuitive for home users. Otherwise, it fulfills its intended purpose very well!
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Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-12-08
Votes: 0
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Currently, MiniOS is not a good idea. To be exact, I have to say that I tried MiniOS Ultra. I think it is too raw. The list of available programs of Ultra form the box is too distant from sufficient. The official documentation is not clear for avarage users. The developer declares the best cuctomization of all Live systems, but... Try to customize MiniOS, you'll see, the process is too complex and badly described. Yes, persistence works fine. Yes, MiniOS works fast, obviously because of my fast CPU. But still, this product is too raw... Unfortunately!
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Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-03
Votes: 6
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The best portable distribution available at the moment. I've been using MiniOS since version 3, and now I've upgraded to 5.1 - it's even better. I like that it's a full-fledged Debian, not some kind of stub. You can install any software. The modularity is very convenient, once you get the hang of it. In 5.1, the sound works noticeably better (they switched to PipeWire), and videos on YouTube don't stutter. It works very fast and uses almost no RAM. If you're looking for a replacement for Slax or just a fast system on a flash drive, install it, you won't regret it.
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-11-07
Votes: 2
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I'm using miniOS 4.
I started by using miniOS 5, but I accidentally pressed the "restart" button at booting,
which, to my regret, wiped out all my previous settings.
I have installed miniOS 4 on VirtualBox, so I'm not sure if drivers will work properly when installed normally,
but it's a lightweight distro. It can be used even on older PCs.
The limited language support is a bit of a shame.
It took a lot of effort to set it to Japanese and enable Japanese input.
(I use fcitx5 for the first time because it doesn't seem to work well with ficitx4, which I have used on others.)
It's Debian, so updates aren't so frequent, which is a good thing.
This is a small but good news.
On Debian I couldn't install winetricks with "apt", while this distro is OK with "apt".
I use lightweight distros such as bunsen too, but I find it more convenient to have icons on my desktop like here.
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Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-27
Votes: 17
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So far MiniOS has proven to be very flexible and reliable.
I have now used MiniOS for about 3 weeks and installed the Standard Edition it in 4 old computers--3 laptops and 1 desktop--just as an experiment. All of these computers were built for Win XP and had Intel Core 2 Duo processors of different models, DDR2, standard hard drives and 4 GiBs of RAM, which I increased from 2 Gib before the installs. I didn't test the installs with 2 GB RAM but I'm confident that it could work too based in my observation that other similarly light distros have worked with 2 GB RAM.
One thing that I believe it will make this distro even snappier is to install it in a cheap SSD (you can get a 120 GB for about $10).
Customization was easy as well: I removed the extra language packs from the system and Firefox, added some extra security, including a VPN and 2 more secure browsers (secret sauce), synaptic (I'm not afraid of the command line but like the extra layer of help), and other packages and it all worked well.
I was ready to give these computers to the recycling, which is sad, but now these computers have a new life. I can give them to kids that needs them or a granny or grandpa to check their email or watch a video. I will keep one as a tool box and for those times where you need an extra "personality" to get in the Internet.
I noticed that this distro has some similarity to other light distros in how it is stored and loaded into memory, which I like, and this likely why is uses more memory but also why it is more responsive than other distros.
Good job MiniOS developers, keep going, you have my support.
LifeSaver
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Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-25
Votes: 0
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i think this os is very good because i use it and it works pretty well . I've been using MiniOS for several months now and I'm very pleased. I installed it on an old pc with 4 GB of RAM, and the system just flies! I had tried various "lightweight" distributions before, but MiniOS exceeded all expectations in terms of speed and responsiveness.
The system is very stable, being based on Debian, which speaks for itself. I haven't had a single crash the entire time I've used it. I especially like how fast everything works "out of the box" without needing lengthy configurations. I use it for work on the go, carrying it on a flash drive. It boots up instantly, and all my settings are saved.
As for minor downsides, I noticed that the RAM usage is a bit higher than I expected, especially with several applications open. However, it hardly affects the overall performance.
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Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-28
Votes: 25
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I've been using MiniOS for several months now and I'm very pleased. I installed it on an old laptop with 4 GB of RAM, and the system just flies! I had tried various "lightweight" distributions before, but MiniOS exceeded all expectations in terms of speed and responsiveness.
The system is very stable, being based on Debian, which speaks for itself. I haven't had a single crash the entire time I've used it. I especially like how fast everything works "out of the box" without needing lengthy configurations. I use it for work on the go, carrying it on a flash drive. It boots up instantly, and all my settings are saved.
As for minor downsides, I noticed that the RAM usage is a bit higher than I expected, especially with several applications open. However, it hardly affects the overall performance.
All in all, it's an excellent choice for old hardware or as a portable system. I recommend it to anyone looking for something fast, stable, and easy to use.
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Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-25
Votes: 4
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I've been using MiniOS for over six months and I'm delighted. After a long search for a Linux distribution that met my needs, I was finally impressed by the ease and simplicity (minimalism) of MiniOS. Now with a major and almost complete update, I hope MiniOS will be even more effective and reach more users. What I like most is its modular system. We can create modules using the included utilities. Simply place the files containing the desired programs into the system folder, and the module will appear in the system after reboot. If you need to remove something, simply delete the file. This system is truly ingenious yet simple, and most importantly, it actually saves all changes, so it's a complete workspace, not just a live system. Despite all these features, the system remains lightweight and fast. I even run it on an older computer; once everything is loaded into ram, the system runs smoothly. It's Debian-based, so it's very stable, and I have access to a wide range of programs. I'm also pleased with the built-in Secure Boot support, which is essential for modern laptops. This is a truly unique distribution that combines power for enthusiasts with simplicity for everyday users. With a little trick, we can even run it side by side with another OS. Welcome new MiniOS users.
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Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-24
Votes: 19
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I have been using MiniOS for a long time and never cease to be amazed at how the system develops from release to release. I have not seen such large-scale and useful changes in any other portable distribution.
What I like most is its modular system. You can create a module using the utilities included in the package, simply drop the file with the desired program into the system folder, and it will appear in the system after rebooting. If you need to remove something, just delete the file. It's ingenious in its simplicity. And most importantly, the system truly saves all changes, so it's a full-fledged workplace in your pocket, not just a Live system. All my settings and documents are always with me on a flash drive.
In the latest version, the developers have added a bunch of new graphical utilities that make life much easier. There is an intuitive installer, a convenient configurator for setting up the system without headaches, utilities for managing sessions, kernels, and disks - a paradise for enthusiasts. It is evident that they truly care about their users.
With all these features, the system remains surprisingly light and fast. I even ran it on old hardware, and with the toram option, when everything is loaded into RAM, it just flies. It's based on Debian, so the system is very stable, and I have access to a huge number of programs. I'm also happy with the out-of-the-box Secure Boot support, which is important for modern laptops. This is a truly unique distribution that combines power for enthusiasts with simplicity for everyday users.
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-07-16
Votes: 4
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I was looking for a replacement for Knoppix because it's no longer maintained. I stumbled over MiniOS and I'm very pleased with the looks, the size and the tools! A well done Rescue OS!
I use it as a simple Test-VM on Proxmox for Testing and Debugging Tasks.
The qemu-utils can also be used to backup Windows Harddisks as .VHDX Files
The installation is genius with the automatic creation of a persistent data partition.
For my little VM-Machines a HDD with 5G is more than enough.
Just dd /dev/sr0 to /dev/sda and reboot!
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-06-11
Votes: 9
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I discovered this distro in 2025 (searching a linux with 32-bit uefi support) and i am very pleased with the preinstalled tools (especially toolbox version). Is based on debian so you can install all the applications you need.
I use it on slow computers and is running just fine. From web browsing to play movies, recovering files, remote connection and virtual machine technology...alll working just fine.
You can make a test using live-cd and install it if you like it. I really recommend it.
Congratulations to the authors ! i will check for updates
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-29
Votes: 8
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I have been using MiniOS for over 3 years now and I think this distribution is the best implementation of Debian for a flash drive. I don't know exactly what technologies the authors used, but MiniOS is worthy of being a benchmark for performance: the system boots quickly and works just as fast even when using old, slow flash drives. Since I work as a system administrator, I often have to use this system in my work, for which I have built several modules with the software I need, using the built-in tools for creating modules. I congratulate the developers on such a wonderful distribution and really hope that they will not stop there and continue to develop the project.
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-25
Votes: 8
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For my part, I am glad that I found this distro. I have also been using Thomas Mateicek's script for a long time. I have found that you can only make a working build from a pure Debian installation, because the rest either fail, or the mouse will not work even with a close relative (ubuntu). I do not make an iso file from the finished build. I just empty everything from the boot folder except for initrfs.img and vmlinuz. I place the prepared finished build folder on an ext4 file system, insert it into the ventoly grub menu, or place it in a linux file system, insert it into the host-linux grub menu with puppy linux frugal install, and always load it into RAM, because there is enough of it. I have been looking for a mini Debian distro for a long time in which the network manager works well and the wifi is ready to work, and I finally found the standard version with you. ... Thank you! I loaded this into the RAM using my own method, before that I edited the config file to my liking. After booting, I only had to set the keyboard to Hungarian in the internal settings menu and I installed everything I needed into the system. Then I copied the vmlinuz file from your original build to the root of the file system (I was able to do it because there was no kernel update in the meantime) and with the help of the Live Linux Kit I made my own build with an sb module from it. It is about 1.1GiB in size. Thank you. I will read more from you on how to update the kernel. ... Best regards, CsIxy
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-05-25
Votes: 0
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MiniOS uses minimal RAM - ROM - Space online , live and by installation. Firefox-esr is onbord, and all other useful system-features are preinstalled. It is a slim, fast and serious distro compared to other linux- systems. It convinced especially for older laptops if windows was damaged or out of update-time. If needed, some other software-apps could be installed via update and by the use of the puzzle-distro feature to install or to use at the live-start .
There is a way to compare the distro-variations of MiniOS if you download the various MiniOS - editions and start their iso-files alternatively by using the Yumi iso-installer to see them in the live - Modus on one device. thx
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-24
Votes: 0
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The distribution was pleasantly pleased. I use the Standard edition. Nothing superfluous, all the equipment was determined immediately. My favorite desktop environment is XFCE. Very smooth operation and moderate consumption of system resources leaves a pleasant feeling. I definitely recommend this distribution. I really hope that it will be developed and the developers in version 5 will make it even better. I haven't tried other editions yet, but I'm sure they won't disappoint me either. Good luck to the authors of this product!
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-05-23
Votes: 3
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This was a surprisingly delightful distro. However it has one major failing it is not the lightweight desktop it is advertised to be. In fact on a 32 bit machine it is clearly a middleweight distro weighing in at 620 MB RAM at idle, in the same class as LMDE, Kanotix, Emmabuntus. With youtube playing in the browser it eats a hefty 1201 MB RAM. This is in direct contrast to the advertised spec of 512 MB RAM for the 32 bit Standard addition. So at idle MiniOS already exceeds its spec by over 100 MB RAM.
That aside (it is far more than a nit-pick) it is a zippy distro with a pleasing desktop and fabulous app selection. I would rate this distro highly if it was not so RAM hungry. There are several 32 nit distros out there in the 80-400 MB RAM at idle range: antiX, Salix, Slackel, SliTaz. Bodhi, Void, Sparky, Porteus, Slax, Mageia, Exe/GNU to name a few.
I always rate distros against what they claim to do and in the case of MiniOS iit falls short of the mark. But if you have RAM to spare it is a nice distro.
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Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 7
Date: 2025-05-22
Votes: 2
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GOOD Distribution. Based on XFCE. Customisable. Liked a LOT.
STANDARD Version is the DEFAULT.
ULTRA Version is the most Requested.
I use it with Ventoy Non Persistent Mode. Because of these ISSUEs
1. Time Zone cannot be SET manually. v4.0 which doesn't have this issue.
2. Some AUDIO Devices doesn't work out of the box.
3. Apart from en UTF-8 rest of the locales are not viewable.
4. Doesn't have default UserSpace Out of Memory Handler.
i have rolled back to v4.0.
WAITING for v5 with the Customisation REVISIONS.
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Latest Reviews
Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 8
Date: 2026-01-01
Votes: 1
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The system loads quickly, has the necessary programs, and is easy to use. I haven't used it on multiple PCs yet. The only problem I've encountered is that it doesn't load or detect Wi-Fi devices, let alone connect to them. I hope they fix this problem; another suggestion would be to make other desktop environments or window managers available. The system loads quickly, has the necessary programs, and is easy to use. I haven't used it on multiple PCs yet. The only problem I've encountered is that it doesn't load or detect Wi-Fi devices, let alone connect to them. I hope they fix this problem; another suggestion would be to make other desktop environments or window managers available.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-12-23
Votes: 0
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I would give this a 10 if it had the ability to install it easier onto hard drive. Everything is fast but that. It looks clean and everything worked but sound, which I am working on now. I did put this on a Chromebook with MrChromeBox.tech for firmware and MiniOS is very fast and manages well with the wimpy tiny eMMc hard drive. Basically a sd card. MiniOS works well with a chromebook. MiniOS is replacing Manjaro which worked great and even the sound worked but in a few months ran out of storage thanks to not being able to upgrade eMMc hard drive. MiniOS is super fast on this piece of garbage and looks great as well.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-17
Votes: 3
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I'm using miniOS 4.
I started by using miniOS 5, but I accidentally pressed the "restart" button at booting,
which, to my regret, wiped out all my previous settings.
I have installed miniOS 4 on VirtualBox, so I'm not sure if drivers will work properly when installed normally,
but it's a lightweight distro. It can be used even on older PCs.
The limited language support is a bit of a shame.
It took a lot of effort to set it to Japanese and enable Japanese input.
(I use fcitx5 for the first time because it doesn't seem to work well with ficitx4, which I have used on others.)
It's Debian, so updates aren't so frequent, which is a good thing.
This is a small but good news.
On Debian I couldn't install winetricks with "apt", while this distro is OK with "apt".
I use lightweight distros such as bunsen too, but I find it more convenient to have icons on my desktop like here.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-12-15
Votes: 2
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Without a doubt, one of the best operating systems I've had the pleasure of using. Simple, fast, and practical, it has essential tools for daily use, maintenance of other storage units, and is lightweight thanks to XFCE. It's much better, though. I'm only not giving it 10 stars because it doesn't run on the awful TPM2.0 and Security Boot on my new machines, which would be useful for future disk maintenance and virus removal for novice users. Please make it more intuitive for home users. Otherwise, it fulfills its intended purpose very well!
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-12-08
Votes: 0
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Currently, MiniOS is not a good idea. To be exact, I have to say that I tried MiniOS Ultra. I think it is too raw. The list of available programs of Ultra form the box is too distant from sufficient. The official documentation is not clear for avarage users. The developer declares the best cuctomization of all Live systems, but... Try to customize MiniOS, you'll see, the process is too complex and badly described. Yes, persistence works fine. Yes, MiniOS works fast, obviously because of my fast CPU. But still, this product is too raw... Unfortunately!
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.1.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-03
Votes: 6
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The best portable distribution available at the moment. I've been using MiniOS since version 3, and now I've upgraded to 5.1 - it's even better. I like that it's a full-fledged Debian, not some kind of stub. You can install any software. The modularity is very convenient, once you get the hang of it. In 5.1, the sound works noticeably better (they switched to PipeWire), and videos on YouTube don't stutter. It works very fast and uses almost no RAM. If you're looking for a replacement for Slax or just a fast system on a flash drive, install it, you won't regret it.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-11-07
Votes: 2
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I'm using miniOS 4.
I started by using miniOS 5, but I accidentally pressed the "restart" button at booting,
which, to my regret, wiped out all my previous settings.
I have installed miniOS 4 on VirtualBox, so I'm not sure if drivers will work properly when installed normally,
but it's a lightweight distro. It can be used even on older PCs.
The limited language support is a bit of a shame.
It took a lot of effort to set it to Japanese and enable Japanese input.
(I use fcitx5 for the first time because it doesn't seem to work well with ficitx4, which I have used on others.)
It's Debian, so updates aren't so frequent, which is a good thing.
This is a small but good news.
On Debian I couldn't install winetricks with "apt", while this distro is OK with "apt".
I use lightweight distros such as bunsen too, but I find it more convenient to have icons on my desktop like here.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-27
Votes: 17
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So far MiniOS has proven to be very flexible and reliable.
I have now used MiniOS for about 3 weeks and installed the Standard Edition it in 4 old computers--3 laptops and 1 desktop--just as an experiment. All of these computers were built for Win XP and had Intel Core 2 Duo processors of different models, DDR2, standard hard drives and 4 GiBs of RAM, which I increased from 2 Gib before the installs. I didn't test the installs with 2 GB RAM but I'm confident that it could work too based in my observation that other similarly light distros have worked with 2 GB RAM.
One thing that I believe it will make this distro even snappier is to install it in a cheap SSD (you can get a 120 GB for about $10).
Customization was easy as well: I removed the extra language packs from the system and Firefox, added some extra security, including a VPN and 2 more secure browsers (secret sauce), synaptic (I'm not afraid of the command line but like the extra layer of help), and other packages and it all worked well.
I was ready to give these computers to the recycling, which is sad, but now these computers have a new life. I can give them to kids that needs them or a granny or grandpa to check their email or watch a video. I will keep one as a tool box and for those times where you need an extra "personality" to get in the Internet.
I noticed that this distro has some similarity to other light distros in how it is stored and loaded into memory, which I like, and this likely why is uses more memory but also why it is more responsive than other distros.
Good job MiniOS developers, keep going, you have my support.
LifeSaver
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-25
Votes: 0
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i think this os is very good because i use it and it works pretty well . I've been using MiniOS for several months now and I'm very pleased. I installed it on an old pc with 4 GB of RAM, and the system just flies! I had tried various "lightweight" distributions before, but MiniOS exceeded all expectations in terms of speed and responsiveness.
The system is very stable, being based on Debian, which speaks for itself. I haven't had a single crash the entire time I've used it. I especially like how fast everything works "out of the box" without needing lengthy configurations. I use it for work on the go, carrying it on a flash drive. It boots up instantly, and all my settings are saved.
As for minor downsides, I noticed that the RAM usage is a bit higher than I expected, especially with several applications open. However, it hardly affects the overall performance.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-28
Votes: 25
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I've been using MiniOS for several months now and I'm very pleased. I installed it on an old laptop with 4 GB of RAM, and the system just flies! I had tried various "lightweight" distributions before, but MiniOS exceeded all expectations in terms of speed and responsiveness.
The system is very stable, being based on Debian, which speaks for itself. I haven't had a single crash the entire time I've used it. I especially like how fast everything works "out of the box" without needing lengthy configurations. I use it for work on the go, carrying it on a flash drive. It boots up instantly, and all my settings are saved.
As for minor downsides, I noticed that the RAM usage is a bit higher than I expected, especially with several applications open. However, it hardly affects the overall performance.
All in all, it's an excellent choice for old hardware or as a portable system. I recommend it to anyone looking for something fast, stable, and easy to use.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-25
Votes: 4
|
I've been using MiniOS for over six months and I'm delighted. After a long search for a Linux distribution that met my needs, I was finally impressed by the ease and simplicity (minimalism) of MiniOS. Now with a major and almost complete update, I hope MiniOS will be even more effective and reach more users. What I like most is its modular system. We can create modules using the included utilities. Simply place the files containing the desired programs into the system folder, and the module will appear in the system after reboot. If you need to remove something, simply delete the file. This system is truly ingenious yet simple, and most importantly, it actually saves all changes, so it's a complete workspace, not just a live system. Despite all these features, the system remains lightweight and fast. I even run it on an older computer; once everything is loaded into ram, the system runs smoothly. It's Debian-based, so it's very stable, and I have access to a wide range of programs. I'm also pleased with the built-in Secure Boot support, which is essential for modern laptops. This is a truly unique distribution that combines power for enthusiasts with simplicity for everyday users. With a little trick, we can even run it side by side with another OS. Welcome new MiniOS users.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 5.0.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-24
Votes: 19
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I have been using MiniOS for a long time and never cease to be amazed at how the system develops from release to release. I have not seen such large-scale and useful changes in any other portable distribution.
What I like most is its modular system. You can create a module using the utilities included in the package, simply drop the file with the desired program into the system folder, and it will appear in the system after rebooting. If you need to remove something, just delete the file. It's ingenious in its simplicity. And most importantly, the system truly saves all changes, so it's a full-fledged workplace in your pocket, not just a Live system. All my settings and documents are always with me on a flash drive.
In the latest version, the developers have added a bunch of new graphical utilities that make life much easier. There is an intuitive installer, a convenient configurator for setting up the system without headaches, utilities for managing sessions, kernels, and disks - a paradise for enthusiasts. It is evident that they truly care about their users.
With all these features, the system remains surprisingly light and fast. I even ran it on old hardware, and with the toram option, when everything is loaded into RAM, it just flies. It's based on Debian, so the system is very stable, and I have access to a huge number of programs. I'm also happy with the out-of-the-box Secure Boot support, which is important for modern laptops. This is a truly unique distribution that combines power for enthusiasts with simplicity for everyday users.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-07-16
Votes: 4
|
I was looking for a replacement for Knoppix because it's no longer maintained. I stumbled over MiniOS and I'm very pleased with the looks, the size and the tools! A well done Rescue OS!
I use it as a simple Test-VM on Proxmox for Testing and Debugging Tasks.
The qemu-utils can also be used to backup Windows Harddisks as .VHDX Files
The installation is genius with the automatic creation of a persistent data partition.
For my little VM-Machines a HDD with 5G is more than enough.
Just dd /dev/sr0 to /dev/sda and reboot!
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-06-11
Votes: 9
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I discovered this distro in 2025 (searching a linux with 32-bit uefi support) and i am very pleased with the preinstalled tools (especially toolbox version). Is based on debian so you can install all the applications you need.
I use it on slow computers and is running just fine. From web browsing to play movies, recovering files, remote connection and virtual machine technology...alll working just fine.
You can make a test using live-cd and install it if you like it. I really recommend it.
Congratulations to the authors ! i will check for updates
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-29
Votes: 8
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I have been using MiniOS for over 3 years now and I think this distribution is the best implementation of Debian for a flash drive. I don't know exactly what technologies the authors used, but MiniOS is worthy of being a benchmark for performance: the system boots quickly and works just as fast even when using old, slow flash drives. Since I work as a system administrator, I often have to use this system in my work, for which I have built several modules with the software I need, using the built-in tools for creating modules. I congratulate the developers on such a wonderful distribution and really hope that they will not stop there and continue to develop the project.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-05-25
Votes: 0
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MiniOS uses minimal RAM - ROM - Space online , live and by installation. Firefox-esr is onbord, and all other useful system-features are preinstalled. It is a slim, fast and serious distro compared to other linux- systems. It convinced especially for older laptops if windows was damaged or out of update-time. If needed, some other software-apps could be installed via update and by the use of the puzzle-distro feature to install or to use at the live-start .
There is a way to compare the distro-variations of MiniOS if you download the various MiniOS - editions and start their iso-files alternatively by using the Yumi iso-installer to see them in the live - Modus on one device. thx
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-25
Votes: 8
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For my part, I am glad that I found this distro. I have also been using Thomas Mateicek's script for a long time. I have found that you can only make a working build from a pure Debian installation, because the rest either fail, or the mouse will not work even with a close relative (ubuntu). I do not make an iso file from the finished build. I just empty everything from the boot folder except for initrfs.img and vmlinuz. I place the prepared finished build folder on an ext4 file system, insert it into the ventoly grub menu, or place it in a linux file system, insert it into the host-linux grub menu with puppy linux frugal install, and always load it into RAM, because there is enough of it. I have been looking for a mini Debian distro for a long time in which the network manager works well and the wifi is ready to work, and I finally found the standard version with you. ... Thank you! I loaded this into the RAM using my own method, before that I edited the config file to my liking. After booting, I only had to set the keyboard to Hungarian in the internal settings menu and I installed everything I needed into the system. Then I copied the vmlinuz file from your original build to the root of the file system (I was able to do it because there was no kernel update in the meantime) and with the help of the Live Linux Kit I made my own build with an sb module from it. It is about 1.1GiB in size. Thank you. I will read more from you on how to update the kernel. ... Best regards, CsIxy
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-24
Votes: 0
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The distribution was pleasantly pleased. I use the Standard edition. Nothing superfluous, all the equipment was determined immediately. My favorite desktop environment is XFCE. Very smooth operation and moderate consumption of system resources leaves a pleasant feeling. I definitely recommend this distribution. I really hope that it will be developed and the developers in version 5 will make it even better. I haven't tried other editions yet, but I'm sure they won't disappoint me either. Good luck to the authors of this product!
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-05-23
Votes: 3
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This was a surprisingly delightful distro. However it has one major failing it is not the lightweight desktop it is advertised to be. In fact on a 32 bit machine it is clearly a middleweight distro weighing in at 620 MB RAM at idle, in the same class as LMDE, Kanotix, Emmabuntus. With youtube playing in the browser it eats a hefty 1201 MB RAM. This is in direct contrast to the advertised spec of 512 MB RAM for the 32 bit Standard addition. So at idle MiniOS already exceeds its spec by over 100 MB RAM.
That aside (it is far more than a nit-pick) it is a zippy distro with a pleasing desktop and fabulous app selection. I would rate this distro highly if it was not so RAM hungry. There are several 32 nit distros out there in the 80-400 MB RAM at idle range: antiX, Salix, Slackel, SliTaz. Bodhi, Void, Sparky, Porteus, Slax, Mageia, Exe/GNU to name a few.
I always rate distros against what they claim to do and in the case of MiniOS iit falls short of the mark. But if you have RAM to spare it is a nice distro.
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Project: MiniOS
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 7
Date: 2025-05-22
Votes: 2
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GOOD Distribution. Based on XFCE. Customisable. Liked a LOT.
STANDARD Version is the DEFAULT.
ULTRA Version is the most Requested.
I use it with Ventoy Non Persistent Mode. Because of these ISSUEs
1. Time Zone cannot be SET manually. v4.0 which doesn't have this issue.
2. Some AUDIO Devices doesn't work out of the box.
3. Apart from en UTF-8 rest of the locales are not viewable.
4. Doesn't have default UserSpace Out of Memory Handler.
i have rolled back to v4.0.
WAITING for v5 with the Customisation REVISIONS.
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