Lightweight Software
Heavy software makes a computer feel old long before it is. These picks do the same jobs with less memory and less waiting.
Quick answers
What uses the most memory?
Usually the web browser. Closing tabs and removing extensions you don’t use makes more difference than switching browsers.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Office?
LibreOffice is free, and it opens Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Why does my PC take so long to start?
Too many apps launch at start-up. In Windows, open Task Manager, choose Startup apps and turn off the ones you don’t need.
Which Linux desktop is lightest?
Xfce, LXQt and MATE use less memory than most defaults. Linux Mint comes in Xfce and MATE editions.
Guides
- The best browser for a low-end PC or a 4 GB laptop
- The best lightweight Linux distros for old laptops
- Free Microsoft Office alternatives compared
- Lightweight antivirus for an old PC: what you actually need
- How to disable startup apps in Windows 11 and Windows 10
- Lightweight photo editors that run well on older PCs