Besgnulinux is positioning itself as one of the most compelling lightweight Linux distributions available today—a system that manages to blend efficiency, simplicity, and functionality with surprising depth. Developed upon the solid and dependable foundation of Debian Trixie, this distribution immediately promises both stability and performance. What sets Besgnulinux apart, however, is not merely its minimal system requirements or its open-source purity, but its remarkably generous inclusion of preinstalled applications that allow users to accomplish nearly any computing task right after installation, without the need to spend hours setting up their environment.
For readers unfamiliar with the name, Besgnulinux combines a traditional GNU/Linux philosophy with a refreshingly pragmatic approach. If you say its name multiple times—at least according to the playful tone of the article—you might jokingly imagine Richard Stallman suddenly materializing to remind you of the importance of using entirely free software tools. This humorous touch captures the duality of the distro’s spirit: on one hand, deeply devoted to open-source ideals, and on the other, user-friendly and practical rather than doctrinaire.
When most people see “GNU/Linux” in a distribution’s title, they often assume the system will be exceedingly minimal, possibly including only a few utilities that adhere strictly to GNU standards. These kinds of systems can feel restrictive, particularly for those who prefer to have an arsenal of tools readily accessible for productivity or entertainment. Besgnulinux, however, finds an elegant balance. While it commits fully to open-source principles, it also delivers an expansive library of software already configured and ready for immediate use. This inclusion extends far beyond the basics: you’ll find LibreOffice for document editing, Sylpheed as a lightweight yet powerful email client, and the familiar Synaptic package manager, which simplifies managing packages via APT.
Multimedia support is equally well-covered with mpv, a versatile media player that can handle audio and video playback effortlessly. Password management is made seamless through KeePassXC, while system monitoring gets a boost from Conky Control. For those who enjoy customizing their environment, Kernel Manager offers a straightforward way to install or switch kernels, extending the system’s versatility. And when it comes to web browsing, Besgnulinux incorporates two editions of the Brave browser—one standard and one with built-in Tor integration—ensuring that both conventional web use and privacy-sensitive activity are accommodated. Torrent enthusiasts will find Deluge preinstalled, and gamers can explore a variety of open-source titles included for recreational use.
All these applications are neatly organized within the JWM desktop environment—short for Joe’s Window Manager. JWM is a lightweight, no-frills desktop interface that harkens back to the simplicity of early Linux GUI design. While it lacks the visual extravagance and effects found in modern environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, or System76’s Cosmic desktop, it more than compensates through responsiveness, clarity, and familiarity. Its interface might evoke nostalgia for those who remember the days of simpler computing, yet it operates with impressive speed on both contemporary and aging hardware. Indeed, Besgnulinux is particularly well-suited for users seeking to breathe new life into computers that can no longer run heavy operating systems such as Windows 11.
The hardware requirements are astonishingly modest. With a 64-bit CPU, a bare minimum of 250MB of RAM (though 512MB is recommended for optimal smoothness), and only 8GB of available storage, even outdated machines can host the system effectively. It’s rare these days to encounter an operating system that performs well on such minimal resources—something reminiscent of the early 2000s era when Windows XP was the industry standard.
A noteworthy design choice is Besgnulinux’s omission of universal package managers like Snap or Flatpak. At first, this might appear limiting because such systems have become popular means to install modern desktop applications, especially proprietary ones. However, this exclusion keeps the distribution clean and light by default. For users who wish to expand functionality, both Snap and Flatpak can be easily installed via APT commands, making it straightforward to add popular applications like Spotify or Slack if desired. This approach reinforces flexibility: while the system’s foundation is purely free and open-source, users maintain control over how far they wish to extend it.
Privacy-conscious users will particularly appreciate the dual Brave browsers. The version integrated with Tor allows for anonymous browsing right out of the box. With a single click, the browser connects to the Tor network, enabling encrypted and private navigation without additional configuration. Testing it confirms that IP addresses are properly masked, and traffic is routed securely. For those who prioritize privacy—writers, researchers, or activists—this built-in functionality represents a meaningful and practical enhancement over standard distributions.
Despite its somewhat retro visual style, Besgnulinux is thoroughly capable of serving as a daily driver in modern computing environments. It supports Debian’s extensive repositories via APT, meaning that users have access to thousands of actively maintained packages. The appearance may be old-school, but under the surface lies a current, high-performance, and flexible system. In short, the visual simplicity belies the competence and convenience waiting underneath.
While some might find the sheer number of menu entries and preinstalled applications overwhelming at first, these same features make Besgnulinux an exceptionally approachable system for beginners transitioning from heavier operating systems. Veteran Linux users, on the other hand, can appreciate how swiftly they can get work done without having to configure or install essential utilities.
Now in its third major release, Besgnulinux continues to refine its identity. It blends nostalgia with practicality in an era dominated by excessively graphical interfaces and complex configuration tools. With its combination of stability inherited from Debian, fast performance from the lightweight JWM interface, and remarkable breadth of software integration, Besgnulinux has the potential to become a favorite among fans of lightweight systems in the year ahead. Its message is simple yet powerful: simplicity does not mean inadequacy, and a classic interface can still offer everything the modern user requires.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/besgnulinux-gnu-linux-distro-lightweight-lots-of-open-source-software/
