The beginning of 2025, as always, brings new releases of various Linux distributions, mainly 64-bit, but we should not forget about the still active, maybe already outdated 32-bit hardware architecture (i686). Some open-source projects are still actively developing this architecture, it should be borne in mind that it will disappear completely in the near future.
It should also be taken into account that home computer users still have working laptops or desktops with 32-bit processors that still fulfill their tasks.
My list provides information about Linux-related projects that still support 32-bit systems. The list of Linux 32-bit distributions contains only ACTIVE projects, without awarding points and stars, which can be done by any of you.
1. Debian GNU/Linux
Debian is one of the oldest Linux distributions valued for its stability, excellent package management system that automatically solves dependency problems and security.
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2. SparkyLinux
SparkyLinux is a Linux distribution built on Debian. It has a pre-installed rich set of programs, codecs and plugins that allow you to work freely on your computer.
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3. Damn Small Linux
Damn Small Linux (DSL) is a minimalist Live distribution built on Knoppix. DSL takes up about 50MB and does not require installation on the hard drive and the default desktop is JWM and Fluxbox. The last version based on antiX was released in 2024.
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4. Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is an independent Linux distribution designed to support routers, VoIP gateways and network firewalls. It is intended to work in embedded devices.
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5. NixOS
NixOS is an independent GNU/Linux distribution developed since 2003. NixOS stands out from other distributions with its innovative way of managing packages and building the structure of system directories.
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6. antiX
antiX is a Live distribution designed for older computers. The default system desktop is IceWM. By design, antiX is designed to provide a lightweight but fully functional operating system.
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7. MX
MX is a Linux distribution built on top of antiX. The system uses the Xfce desktop by default. The project is developed in cooperation with the Mepis distribution community.
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8. GParted LiveCD
GParted (GNOME Partition Editor) is a tool for managing disk partitions. The program allows you to create, copy, read, delete, move, and resize partitions. It supports many types of file systems, such as Btrfs, ext2, ext3, ext4, FAT16, FAT32, HFS, HFS+, JFS, SWAP, NTFS, Reiser4, ReiserFS, UFS and XFS.
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9. Q4OS
Q4OS is a Linux distribution based on the stable branch of Debian GNU/Linux. It features the classic look of the Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE) along with a collection of basic applications.
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10. Porteus
Porteus is a Linux distribution based on Slackware. It is a community fork / continuation of the Slax distribution and is built from modules. The Porteus project was founded in early 2010 as “Slax Remix”.
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Ten post dostępny jest również w języku polskim: https://linuxiarze.pl/top-10-dystrybucje-linux-32-bit-2025/
just wondering if somebody uses such old computers