The Lightweight Linux Network (LLN) is an informal network of groups and individuals who use and/or develop usable Linux and Linux tools that are light in their use of computing resources. We share ideas and stay in sync using a mailing list, an Identi.ca group, and through these wiki pages.
Linux distros and components with an emphasis on streamlined coding - such as Openbox, LXDE, XFCE, Slitaz, Puppy, Debian and many more - have much in common. This network is intended to make it easier to send out a message - a suggestion or question - to the wider community of people who know, love, use and create lightweight Linux tools.
Why it matters
- Faster operation
- Lower hardware requirements - smaller CPU and less RAM can do the job.
- An old computer will continue to be useful for longer - very important in ICT for development (ICT4D)
- Less heat produced
- Less use of electricity
- Longer battery life
- Lean code is potentially more elegant, more stable, and easier to debug
These lead to three key outcomes:
- A lower carbon footprint (through lower energy use and less frequent computer hardware upgrades)
- More usable laptops and handheld devices (thanks to lower hardware requirements, less heat output and longer batter life)
- Better results in ICT for development (thanks to lower hardware requirements, and lower power needs)
Guidelines
- Be civil.
- Go further than being civil: Be constructive. We don't have to all agree. We can talk about pros and cons, but this is not a place for accusations or name-calling.
- We want to promote the development of lightweight Linux which is usable for everyone. Not everyone has to like the same solutions. GUIs are important, but command line tools are important too - after all, GUIs use these commands too (they just add a handy interface on top).
- We don't want to create a bunch of separate web sites (including forums blogs and wikis) to divide our attention further. We'll use existing web sites where possible (e.g. find a home on an existing Linux forum site).
Where to find the Lightweight Linux Network
Perhaps we could start a subforum on a Linux forum, but a better idea is probably to use a common tag: lightlinux. If you absolutely must, use lightgnulinux, but that reduces visibility a bit. (If adding a link on this page to search-by-tag or search-by-keyword result in forums etc, use a search for lightlinux OR lightgnulinux where possible.)
These are the guidelines and network proposed by Chriswaterguy 10:18, 21 September 2009 (UTC) & 03:36, 16 December 2009 (UTC). Feel free to tweak them or add more in the same general spirit. If you want to make major changes, suggest them on the talk page.
Lightweight Linux software
See Lightweight Linux software for some suggested conclusions as to the best packages to use.
Participants
You may wish to add yourself here, and how you wish to participate.
- Chris Watkins - an avid Linux user, not a coder, keen to help with documentation and promotion of good solutions.
- Morten Juhl-Johansen Zölde-Fejér - A Linux enthusiast with a passion for elegant solutions.