Is Switching to Linux a Way to Save Storage?

Have you just received a cheap and pretty laptop with a 32GB eMMC drive and 2GB of soldered RAM, and you find that Windows 10 frequently crashes during updates? If this scenario matches, switching to Linux might be a viable solution. Linux requires less space on the eMMC drive, potentially enabling the laptop to run faster and smoother.

Typically, Linux Requires Less Space than Windows

Typically, the OS part of Linux takes up less space compared to Windows. The basic Linux OS including graphical interfaces usually only consumes between 5 to 7GB of storage. However, the size of your data files – documents, music, videos, etc. – stays the same regardless of the operating system.

Variables in Linux Installation Size

I understand that the phrase 'switching to GNU/Linux to have a smaller size OS' can be interpreted in different ways. Here are some scenarios:

If you want a smaller OS size: The size of the Linux install can vary depending on the packages you choose during installation or after the installation. You can opt for a minimal installation or a more extensive setup. A minimal installation might require only a few gigabytes, whereas a more comprehensive setup might take up more space. If you are concerned about the size of your data: The size of your data (photos, documents, etc.) remains the same across different operating systems. A JPEG or RAW photo file will be the same size on Linux, macOS, or Windows.

Advantages of Linux in Storage Optimization

One of the key reasons why Linux can help you save storage is that many of the functions you require are built into the system. This inherent feature can help you use your Linux laptop as a small file server, potentially even as an internet-exposed file server. Additionally, Linux can serve both client and server roles, meaning you might not need a separate machine or separate hard drive for these tasks.

Options for Smaller OS Installations

Linux offers various options for smaller OS installations. For instance, you can opt not to install the graphical user interface (GUI) or any graphical applications, which can significantly reduce the storage footprint. However, this decision may limit your capacity to perform certain tasks with the computer. On the other hand, if you need the GUI and graphical applications, the installation size will be larger, but you will have more functionality available.