wattOS is a fast desktop Linux distribution based on Debian. Using the lightweight Openbox window manager as its default user interface, the distribution strives to be as energy-efficient as possible so that it can be used on low-specification and recycled computers.
To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
Jeu de couleurs:green text = dernière version stable, red text = version de développement ou bêta. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
I keep an eye on distros aiming to low power and memory consumption and I can say straight away that WattOS has been up to the task.
Very minimal memory footprint at startup 480mb~. Very responsive desktop. Stays under 2GB memory usage even under heavier loads.
The general feeling I got is that of an improved / more polished version of the standard Debian LXDE desktop without the bloat.
Preinstalled software is very limited indeed but this makes sense. WattOS installation media is one of the smallest in Linux World at ~1.2GB.
Yet the small ISO size must have been the reason why WattOS installer did not complete installation offline. It is understandable to require active network connection but users should have been at least warned ahead of starting the installation. Mabox for instance warned me that I must be online to install it.
Default dark theme is pleasant but I prefer light themes for increased legibility. "Customize feel n look" app made the switch to Adwaita theme / icons a matter of seconds. Desktop now looked more traditional / old-fashioned but easier to work with.
The only somewhat serious problem I had was with flatpaks. I keep receiving the message "'/var/lib/flatpak/exports/share'
'/home/myusername/.local/share/flatpak/exports/share' are not in the search path set by the XDG_DATA_DIRS environment variable, so applications installed by Flatpak may not appear on your desktop until the session is restarted." Reboot unlike in other DEs does not solve this problem. I tried a few workarounds. No luck. Only way to create menu entries for the one or two essential flatpaks I have to use was by creating symbolic links to /usr/share/applications or creating custom menu entries. Not biggie in my books. Still an inconvenience.
If you're familiar with Debian n debian distros, you'll find WattOS pleasant and a good base on which to build a lightweight system tailored to your needs.
Version: R12 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-12-01 Votes: 4
Awesome discovery!
I had never heard of wattOS, until Distrowatch announced the appearance of R12 two weeks ago. Downloaded, put on a Ventoy stick, smooth installation (important for me: Calamares allows the use of a pre-formatted partition with my choice of UUID & label, my choice if and where to install grub), booted just fine with ~ 350 MB memory usage after opening the terminal.
The preinstalled software bundle seems spartan to me, after all the ISO has 1.2 GB. I'm okay with that, easy to `apt install` just my preferred apps. After that, e.g. abiword & gnumeric instead of libreoffice, the disk usage is merely 4.7 GB. Very snappy, excellent performance, look & feel perfect for me!
For the last years LXLE has been one of my favourites, but this one is better - considering that the former came up with a 'new' release based on Ubuntu 20.04 this summer and eats more resources. As a fan of LTS releases I'm happy with the Debian 11 base.
Cons? No tool for printer setup - however after installing cups that's a piece of cake. I haven't found out yet why the repos are locked often, apt telling me that I have to wait xx hours until they are available to the public again. This behaviour is new to me.
For an average user with average Linux skills no reason for a score deduction.
Version: R12 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-11-27 Votes: 4
Downloaded the R12 version. Ran the live usb testing on a Dell 3636 desktop and a Dell Inspiron 3340 laptop.
It detected the wifi in both desktop and laptop. Keyboard, mouse and touchpad (laptop) were also detected.
Firefox ESR worked quickly and well as long as you don't open many tabs.
Very low power consumption was detected in the laptop (even when running youtube)
Basic home file structure. Other folders like Videos, Templates, etc can be easily added.
This is a basic no frills distro with Debian in the LXQT desktop. It is easy to learn and manuver.
I also installed the Chrome browser and added extensions to both browsers.
I heartily recommend to anyone who wants a simple system that doesn't need much tweaking to get it to run.
Good for old and new computers.
PS.... If you need a more advanced distro with excellent out of the box adjustment, I recommend SparkyLinux Xfce but then that
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