What is BunsenLabs? Who it is for
BunsenLabs is built on Debian. It uses Openbox as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
BunsenLabs at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: Openbox
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a graphical installer
Who BunsenLabs suits
BunsenLabs suits people who like a simple, keyboard-friendly, lightweight desktop.
Strengths
- Low memory and processor use, which helps older or modest computers feel quick.
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
Things to consider
- The lighter design means fewer built-in features and a plainer look than the big desktops.
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try BunsenLabs from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the BunsenLabs bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Installing software on BunsenLabs
BunsenLabs uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is BunsenLabs good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but BunsenLabs is aimed more at people who like a simple, keyboard-friendly, lightweight desktop. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does BunsenLabs use?
BunsenLabs uses Openbox. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does BunsenLabs need?
As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is BunsenLabs based on another distribution?
BunsenLabs is built on Debian.
How often is BunsenLabs updated?
BunsenLabs follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try BunsenLabs without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.