I tried Peppermint Linux: How this bare-bones distro lets you build your ideal OS

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Tech Home Tech Services & Software Operating Systems Linux I tried Peppermint Linux: How this bare-bones distro lets you build your ideal OS Peppermint Linux was once a minimalist distribution for out-of-date hardware, but has grown into something much better. Jack Wallen/ZDNET One could always run updates in Synaptic, but we're back to new users using software that isn't 100% suited for them. Jack Wallen/ZDNET With GNOME Software up and running, I installed the tools I needed, such as GIMP (image editor), Opera (web browser), Geary (email), codecs, and fonts. Open Source Europe's plan to ditch US tech giants is built on open source - and it's gaining steam 10 open-source Windows apps I can't live without - and they're all free How AI coding agents could destroy open source software Open-source skills can save your career when AI comes knocking Europe's plan to ditch US tech giants is built on open source - and it's gaining steam 10 open-source Windows apps I can't live without - and they're all free How AI coding agents could destroy open source software Open-source skills can save your career when AI comes knocking Editorial standards Show Comments Log In to Comment Community Guidelines Related The Flipper One may be the ultimate Linux PC for hackers in 2026 - and I'm excited How much RAM does Linux really need in 2026?

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I tried Peppermint Linux: How this bare-bones distro lets you build your ideal OS
Peppermint Linux was once a minimalist distribution for out-of-date hardware, but has grown into something much better.
Written by
Jack Wallen,
Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
April 6, 2026 at 9:20 a.m. PT
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
Peppermint is a lightweight, Debian-based Linux distribution.
Peppermint ships with the bare minimum of software.
With just a bit of work, you make this OS your own.
It seems like years since I last installed Peppermint Linux. Back then, I had always just tagged the distribution as
best suited for aging hardware
that you might want to reinvigorate.
I had good reason. Peppermint is
small, light, and very fast
(yes, even on older hardware). Peppermint is a Debian-based distribution that uses the Xfce desktop environment (configured to look and feel very familiar to all), to give it that peppy peppermint feeling.
According to the official Peppermint website, the distribution is "...an operating system that provides a user with the opportunity to build the system that best fits their needs. While at the same time providing a functioning OS with minimum hassle out of the box."
After testing the latest release of Peppermint Linux, I can attest to that claim. This lightweight OS serves as a great base from which to build. But don't worry, the process of "building" is really just installing the software that you want.
It's bare bones but ready
My new take on Peppermint Linux is that it's a Linux distribution anyone can use and make their own. It's like an à la carte Linux distribution.
Peppermint OS (aka Peppermint Linux, aka Pep) comes with the bare minimum of software installed. And being based on Debian, it has access to the full range of software titles. This way, instead of being "told" what software you should use, you get to choose what you want. The one caveat to this is that Peppermint ships with the Synaptic Package Manager, which isn't quite as user-friendly as, say, KDE Discover or GNOME Software.
Even so, all you have to do is fire up Synaptic, type your user password, search for the software you want to install, and install it. What I like about this approach is that it ends with me having only the software I want (with the addition of a few pre-installed tools like the file manager, terminal app, web browser, and other utilities).
All the while, you have a blazing-fast operating system that enjoys the stability and reliability of Debian.
Is Peppermint for all user types?
This is always one of the first questions I ask myself when testing a Linux distribution. I really do want to say that Peppermint OS is a great option for those who are new to Linux.
Remember when I said earlier that Peppermint could be useful for all types of users? Well, although I do still stick to that claim, I do with an attached asterisk.
Also:
10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)
First, Synaptic isn't really the best option for new users. Yes, it's easy to work with, but the GUI is old-school and could easily trip some users up. And although the update manager is effective by way of an icon in the system tray indicating there are updates available, when you click on the icon, a terminal window opens requesting your password. All updates then take place within that terminal window.
Synaptic might not look easy to use, but it really is.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
One could always run updates in Synaptic, but we're back to new users using software that isn't 100% suited for them.
Also:
This lightweight Linux distro is the best (and easiest) way to revive your old computer. Here's how
Just for fun, I decided to install GNOME Software to see what would happen. To my surprise, it ran perfectly. That being said, I'm surprised that such an easy-to-use Linux distribution doesn't include this app by default (as it's much more user-friendly than Synaptic).
Ah, this is much better.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
With GNOME Software up and running, I installed the tools I needed, such as GIMP (image editor), Opera (web browser), Geary (email), codecs, and fonts.
I then installed Flatpak (from the command line), configured GNOME Software to use it, and then installed Spotify and Slack.
Yep, I have to use a few proprietary apps on Linux.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Peppermint OS was starting to become exactly what I needed it to be… and with very little work. Granted, some of the work did require the use of the terminal window, but if one didn't need Flatpak installed (as I do), the terminal wouldn't be necessary.
Also:
Why this lightweight Linux distro won't win any popularity contests but is perfect for power users
In the end, Peppermint OS is one of those Linux distributions that, on the surface, seems focused primarily on reviving aging hardware, but could also be a great platform for those who

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- And although the update manager is effective by way of an icon in the system tray indicating there are updates available, when you click on the icon, a terminal window opens requesting your password.

### Areas for Consideration
N/A

### Implications
- Back then, I had always just tagged the distribution as best suited for aging hardware that you might want to reinvigorate.
- This way, instead of being "told" what software you should use, you get to choose what you want.
- Remember when I said earlier that Peppermint could be useful for all types of users?
- Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too) First, Synaptic isn't really the best option for new users.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers linux, peppermint, software topics. Notable strengths include discussion of linux. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1061.