Which OS consume least memory and HD space

[Silicon Waffle]

I am curious as to which OS and its siblings (e.g Linux={Fedora, Mint,...}) consume the least memory and HD space but sure are still perfectly functional after installed.
Thanks a lot.

 

[rootone]

There are some really stripped down variations of Linux around.
This probably the most well known one.
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

 

[jim mcnamara]

Completely functional does not have to mean every extra possible add on command and driver - ARCH ARM Linux is meant for tiny hardware configurations, like your refrigerator "brain" or the ignition system in your car. Extreme examples run a functioning kernel with just a few device drivers that occupies less than ~50MB, with addressable memory (space to run code) at about 30-50% of that value. Check out a Raspberry Pi 2 with really expanded memory -- 1.0 GB. - They are about $US40 I think.

So you may want to reconsider what makes a good 'completely functional' definition. Just like full blown Debian or Solaris? OR something else. Programming the fridge, maybe.

http://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-2-on-sale/

 

[nsaspook]

Check out a Raspberry Pi 2 with really expanded memory -- 1.0 GB. - They are about $US40 I think.
So you may want to reconsider what makes a good 'completely functional' definition. Just like full blown Debian or Solaris? OR something else. Programming the fridge, maybe.

http://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-2-on-sale/

I'm converting some SPI kernel device drivers (daq_gert driver for the comedi library) written for the original RPi on a RPi 2. The difference in compile speed of the 1GB models is amazing with 4 cores. If you need a full blown embedded system with Raspbian that can be stripped down to run on something even smaller it's a great choice.

 

[Joe Martin]

I'd say go with Linux Ubunto. Not only is it good and many people use it, but it's free and really user friendly. :)

 

[timthereaper]

Technically MS-DOS would fit your criteria, but I think you'll have trouble with compatibility with the programs you want to run.

 

[fluidistic]

Lubuntu (the lightweight version of Ubuntu), Bodhi Linux, Peppermint Linux come to mind. They all consume less than 200 Mb of RAM on boot up, have several programs pre-installed (is that what you mean by being functional?) and if you need other programs, it's very easy to install them.

 

[Svein]

If you are looking for a real-time operating system, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_real-time_operating_systems.