I’ve been researching concepts of minimalism as it applies to computing and personal productivity, and I’m convinced that in many cases, a minimal setup can really help you get more done. Trimming the unnecessary applications and eye-candy from your computing setup can help your focus and find the most efficient workflow. I offer four truly minimal Linux distributions here…and to me minimal doesn’t necessarily imply small, and small does not mean minimal. Take PuppyLinux, for instance. Small, yes. Minimal? Hardly. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad thing (I’m a Puppy fan); it’s just not really minimal. So, not all of these distros are super tiny, but they do all embrace minimalistic principles: simple but pleasing design,  just the applications you need, and an emphasis on performance.

Minimal Linux Desktop #1: Slitaz

Slitaz is definitely one of the most interesting Linux desktops I’ve come accross in quite a while. Somehow, they crammed a modern-feeling desktop, a compelete suite of familiar apps, and a web server into 25 mb download. Yeah, you heard read that right: 25 mb. They use Joe’s Window Manager along with lxpanel to create a warm, inviting, but minimal desktop. What’s more, they have 1400 packages in their repository, all managed by their apt-like application, tazpgk.  If you’re looking for a distro that’s minimal in pretty much every sense, but still has a large repo of easily installed applications, then Slitaz might be right up your alley.

• Slitaz Home Page
• Further reading: Distrowatch.com review
• Screenshot of default desktop

Minimal Linux Desktop #2: Crunchbang Linux

Crunchbang has been enjoying a lot of popularity in certain circles lately due to the flexibility of its Ubuntu base and its clever implementation of OpenBox as the window manger as well a pretty sweet Conky setup right out of the box. All the advantages of standard Ubuntu are there, so you get great hardware support, thousands of up-to-date packages, regular security updates, and the like. Instead of GNOME or KDE, though, you’ll enjoy the minimal lxpanel and a lighter suite of applications. I’ve used Crunchbang Linx briefly, and I really liked what I saw. I can see why so many Ubuntu fans are excited about this uniquely minimal implementation of their favorite distribution.

• Crunchbang Linux Home Page
• Further reading: LWN.net review
• Screenshot of default desktop

Minimal Linux Desktop #3: Zenwalk

Zenwalk is a pretty intriguing distribution to me, however I haven’t had the time to try it personally.  I’ve heard a lot about it though, and and the buzz really has me itching to try this minimal beauty out. No, it’s not super small, but it does have a gorgeously simple default desktop and by all reports runs amazing fast (probably due to its Slackware base) The developers have included what they term a “rational” set of default applications, meaning there’s just one application included for each major task. Minimal philosophy at work, folks! Although perhaps not quite as user-friendly as Ubuntu, the hardware support is reportedly very good, and it comes with Flash, Quicktime, and Windows media support built-in.

• Zenwalk Linux Homepage
• Further Reading: Softpedia review
• Screenshot of default desktop

Minimal Linux Desktop #4: Fluxbuntu

Not too long ago, I had the priviledge to live with Fluxbuntu for a week. Since then development stalled, but I’m glad to be able to say that it has started up again! Fluxbuntu, as you’ve probably guessed, is Ubuntu based, like Crunchbang Linux. Instead of OpenBox, though, it uses one of my personal favorites: the elegant and super-configurable Fluxbox. Fluxbuntu packs great looks, seemless Ubuntu compatiblity, and a very sensible application suite into a minimal but highly useful package. One nice touch is the inclusion of lightweight but full-featured Kazehakase web-browser. Definitely keep your eye on this one as it develops.

• Fluxbuntu Linux Homepage
• Further reading: TechThrob review
• Screenshot of default desktop

Did I miss any? What are your favorite minimal Linux distributions?