CentOS Stream and Linux Lite are two unique Linux distributions catering to different user needs. This page explores their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which one suits your requirements best.
Continuous Innovation
User-Friendly Simplicity
TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for enterprise environments. Pick Linux Lite for everyday use and simplicity.
How they stack up across key categories.
CentOS Stream, with its enterprise focus, requires some technical knowledge but offers robust documentation.
Linux Lite is designed for ease of use, especially for users transitioning from Windows, with intuitive interfaces and helpful guides.
CentOS Stream uses GNOME by default, providing a modern and professional look.
Linux Lite uses the Xfce desktop environment, offering a traditional and lightweight interface.
CentOS Stream's rolling release model offers less stability compared to fixed release models but is more stable than other rolling releases.
Linux Lite, based on Ubuntu LTS, provides excellent stability for everyday use.
CentOS Stream users receive continuous updates, providing access to the latest features ahead of RHEL releases.
Linux Lite follows Ubuntu's LTS update schedule, ensuring long-term support and security.
CentOS Stream has access to a wide range of software through the EPEL repository and direct RHEL alignment.
Linux Lite users benefit from Ubuntu's extensive software repositories, offering a vast selection of applications.
CentOS Stream respects user privacy with minimal data collection, typical of enterprise distributions.
Linux Lite emphasizes user privacy, with no telemetry or unnecessary data collection.
CentOS Stream benefits from an active community and comprehensive documentation, particularly for enterprise users.
Linux Lite has a supportive community and accessible documentation, ideal for beginners.
CentOS Stream is not primarily designed for gaming but can be configured to support it with additional effort.
Linux Lite, with its Ubuntu base, supports gaming better, offering compatibility with Steam and other gaming platforms.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Linux Lite
Linux Lite's user-friendly interface eases the transition for Windows users.
Pick: Either
Both offer good documentation and community support for learning.
Pick: Linux Lite
Linux Lite's lightweight Xfce environment runs well on older systems.
Pick: Linux Lite
Linux Lite offers better gaming support through Ubuntu's repositories.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is better suited for enterprise environments with its Red Hat alignment.
Pick: Linux Lite
Linux Lite provides a straightforward and reliable desktop experience for everyday tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
CentOS Stream and Linux Lite are not directly related. CentOS Stream is a rolling release version of CentOS, while Linux Lite is based on Ubuntu LTS.
Linux Lite is more beginner-friendly due to its simple interface and focus on ease of use, making it ideal for new Linux users.
Linux Lite typically offers better performance on older hardware due to its lightweight design, while CentOS Stream is optimized for enterprise environments.
Yes, both CentOS Stream and Linux Lite offer live environments that you can boot from a USB to try before installing.
Linux Lite, based on Ubuntu, offers extensive software compatibility. CentOS Stream has strong compatibility for enterprise software, especially with Red Hat applications.
Linux Lite generally has better hardware support due to its Ubuntu base. CentOS Stream supports a wide range of enterprise hardware.
CentOS Stream follows a rolling release model with continuous updates. Linux Lite follows Ubuntu's LTS release cycle, focusing on long-term support.
Switching between distros is possible but requires a full reinstall, as they are based on different underlying systems.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
