The Raspberry Pi is a super affordable single board computer that can be used for a variety of different projects. Some of the most popular uses of the Raspberry Pi are to turn it into a dedicated media player with OSMC or a video game emulation machine with RetroPie or Recalbox. Given the versatility of the Raspberry Pi, some have wondered if it could replace a traditional desktop computer. While the Raspberry Pi has significant hardware limitations, the following lightweight operating systems certainly think so.
Contents1. raspbian2. Flint OS3. Kano OS4. Risc operating systemNote :The Raspberry Pi has a number of different models on the market. For the purposes of this article, we will highlight operating systems that work fine on the Raspberry Pi 3B/3B+. While it is possible to run these operating systems on weaker Raspberry Pi hardware, such as the Zero, your mileage may vary significantly.
You have two different options when downloading Raspbian, one with the recommended software and one without. Alternatively, if you really want to stretch the RPi's resources, try Raspbian Stretch Lite. However, be aware that there is no desktop or graphical user interface of any kind. This means that users will have to rely solely on the command line interface.
If you've ever used a Chromebook, you'll be immediately familiar with the Flint operating system. Flint OS is built around Google's open-source Chromium operating system, which is the same operating system used on Chromebooks. Like Chromebooks, Flint OS is based on web apps and services. This makes Flint OS one of the few cloud-based operating systems available for the Raspberry Pi. Think of it as a cheap basement Chromebook.
Since Flint OS runs a web-based desktop experience, it consumes much less resources than the traditional OS. Ultimately, this means that Flint OS boots up and launches the software quickly. Also, since it does not require the same kind of processing power as other operating systems, it is possible to run Flint OS on weaker hardware. Also, if you're building a Pi-based laptop that runs on battery power, you'll likely get better battery life with Flint OS. If you're comfortable limiting yourself to web apps, Flint OS is definitely worth a look.
The Kano Kit was launched several years ago following a successful Kickstarter campaign. The idea behind the Kano kit was simple:teach a child to build and program their own computer by providing all the necessary parts in a single box. The Kano kit includes a Raspberry Pi, a case, all necessary cables, a kid-friendly Bluetooth keyboard, and tons of easy-to-understand manuals. Luckily, you don't need to purchase any of the kits to use the Kano OS. Since the Kano OS is open source, it is freely available for everyone to download and install.
Aimed at children under 10, the simple-to-use operating system is a complete desktop environment. What sets Kano OS apart are the interactive educational apps. Take "Story Mode". for example. Here, a digital character walks around the Raspberry Pi circuit board, identifying various parts and components and explaining how each works. Additionally, Kano OS comes with a programming game to teach kids the basics of coding. It even comes with a hackable version of Minecraft! Overall, Kano OS is a kid-friendly operating system that teaches kids about computers when using the operating system.
The Risc operating system was originally developed by British company Acorn Computers in the 1980s for use in their Archimedes personal computers. Since then, Risc has become an open source operating system called Open Risc Operating System; a version of this is available for the Raspberry Pi. Upon booting up Risc OS you will immediately notice that it is very different from the Windows/Mac/Linux experience. However, if you take the time to learn how Risc OS works, you will be impressed with its performance. This is because Risc OS is tiny. The entire operating system, including the desktop GUI, weighs around 10MB. To sweeten the deal even more, the software for Risc OS is calculated in kilobytes, not megabytes. Needless to say, Risc OS is one of the fastest operating systems available.
Although there is a steep learning curve, Risc OS presents a fantastic opportunity to learn a new operating system. Luckily, there's plenty of documentation out there to help you do Risc OS heads and tails. Plus, once you've developed an understanding of the ins and outs, Risc OS becomes a powerful, yet incredibly lightweight operating system for your Raspberry Pi.
Do you have a Raspberry Pi? What operating system do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
