Jack Wallen/ZDNET
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Sparky Linux is a lightweight distribution based on Debian 13.
- With Sparky Linux, you can install from over 20 desktops.
- Sparky Linux is a great option, even for new Linux users.
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Sparky Linux is well-known as a very good lightweight Linux distribution. Typically, Sparky defaults to the LXQt desktop, but offers versions with MATE, Xfce, and KDE Plasma. When I considered testing Sparky Linux, I considered what would be the best option for those who are new to Linux, but also want to benefit from a more lightweight distribution, so they can resurrect older hardware (such as those computers running Windows 10 that do not support Windows 11).
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With that in mind, I decided to go the KDE Plasma route.
I like KDE Plasma. I find it’s the perfect desktop environment for those who are new to Linux, but also might want to be able to configure their desktop however they want (and without struggle). This is a bit of an odd combination, given that KDE Plasma isn’t exactly known for being a lightweight environment. That may be true, but KDE Plasma has proven itself to be quite capable, even with lesser system resources.
With the combination of Sparky and KDE Plasma, I was excited to see how it would work out… especially for someone new to Linux. I downloaded the Plasma edition of Sparky Linux 8 (which is based on Debian 13) and I wasn’t disappointed.
A beautiful desktop
To be honest, I was expecting a rather uneventful, bland take on KDE Plasma, but found it to be rather appealing. Although it may not be tricked out like some other Plasma-based distributions, it’s not too shabby. The Sparky take on KDE Plasma offers a bit of transparency, a floating panel, and (to my relief) it defaults to a light theme (although it does ship with three variations of a dark theme).
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Of course, you can also download new themes from the KDE Settings app (from within Colors & Themes > Global Theme). I added the Se7en Aero theme. Because I’m using Sparky in a virtual machine, I had to install the Guest Addons before I could apply the new theme. If you like the look of a glassy desktop, you’ll appreciate this one.
The Se7en Aero theme is gorgeous.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
After I had the desktop just how I wanted it, it was time to give the distribution the once and twice over.
Out of the box, you get all of the apps you need to be productive. You’ll find LibreOffice, GIMP, Firefox, Riseup-VPN, Thunderbird, VLC media player, and more.
Browsers, browsers, browsers
If you open the Sparky Welcome app, you can open the AppCenter, which takes a bit different approach to the likes of GNOME Software. The Spary Aptus Appcenter places everything in simple categories, such as Accessories, Desktops, Development, Internet, and more.
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I clicked Internet and then Web Browsers to find a large selection of options. There are familiar browsers and ones that I’ve never actually heard of (such as Blisk, Dooble, Iron, Min, Otter, and Slimjet. The default browser is Firefox ESR, but I decided to go with Opera (because it’s my default on everything else). During the installation of the web browser, you are prompted to answer if you want to update the new browser along with your system. What this means is that the package manager will add the necessary repository, such that any time you upgrade the software, the new browser will be upgraded as well.
You’ll find browsers you’ve never heard of here.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Opera worked to perfection on Sparky Linux, opening as quickly as any other application (which is pretty speedy). On top of that, Opera offers a brilliant theming engine, which means it won’t feel bland against the new KDE Plasma theme.
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The Welcome app handles all upgrades. Open the tool, click Upgrade, type your user password, and if there are upgrades available, they’ll be applied. You can even add some desktop effects (such as the window slide back effect). To my surprise, adding some desktop effects didn’t cause any issues with performance. In fact, I found the performance of KDE Plasma on Sparky to be impressive.
Sure, it might not be quite as snappy as Sparky with, say, Xfce, but given I wanted to test a more complete environment, I was happy to discover KDE Plasma performed like a champ on Sparky Linux.
You can take care of all sorts of things from the Welcome app.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Even more desktops
Remember the Web Browser installer? Sparky gives desktop environments the same treatment. Go to the app center, click Desktops, and you’ll find 27 different desktops to install, from Awesom, Budgie, CDE, Cinnamon, Enlightenment, GNOME, i3, MATE, Openbox, Sway, and more.
I decided to test this out and install Budgie to see how successful it would be. After a quick reboot, I logged into a Budgie desktop. The setup of the Budgie desktop was pretty bland (especially compared to my customized KDE Plasma), but Budgie allows for a lot of customizations, so I could tweak it as much as I needed.
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I did find that Budge felt even faster than KDE Plasma, which is a bonus.
In the end…
After all was said and done, my conclusion about Sparky Linux is this: If you want a snappy desktop operating system that gives you the option to select from a lot of different browsers and environments, while also offering the stability and reliability of Debian 13, Sparky makes for an outstanding option. It might not be the sexiest distribution available, but I’d happily recommend it for users of all types.
