Puppy Linux Software Overview
Puppy Linux is designed as a lightweight, fast system that includes essential software out-of-the-box while making it easy to add more applications as needed.
Built-in Software (Typical Puppy Distribution)
Desktop Environment
- JWM (Joe's Window Manager) or OpenBox: Ultra-lightweight window managers
- ROX-Filer: Fast, icon-based file manager with desktop icon support
- Multiple desktop backgrounds and theming options
Internet & Communication
- Default web browser: Usually a lightweight browser
- Pale Moon (Firefox-based, lighter)
- Chromium or Iron (in some versions)
- Newer Puppies may include Firefox ESR
- Email client: Claws Mail or Sylpheed (lightweight, feature-rich)
- Chat: Pidgin or similar multi-protocol messenger
- FTP client: gFTP
- RSS reader: Built into some browsers or standalone
- Network tools: Extensive network configuration utilities
Office & Productivity
- Text editor: Geany (programmer's editor with syntax highlighting)
- Simple text editor: Leafpad or similar
- PDF viewer: ePDFView or similar lightweight reader
- Spreadsheet: Gnumeric (lightweight alternative to Excel)
- Word processor: AbiWord (lightweight, can handle .doc/.docx)
- Calculator: Basic calculator application
- Note-taking: Various simple note apps
Graphics & Imaging
- Image viewer: Viewnior or GPicView (fast image browser)
- Screenshot tool: mtPaint or built-in screenshot utility
- Basic image editor: mtPaint (surprisingly capable for basic editing)
- Scanner support: XSane (if you have a scanner)
- PDF creator: Supports creating PDFs from various applications
Multimedia
- Audio player: Deadbeef, XMMS, or similar lightweight player
- Video player: Usually MPV or MPlayer (plays most formats)
- CD/DVD burning: Pburn (Puppy's custom burning application)
- Audio recording: Audacity (in some versions) or simpler recorders
- Volume control: RetroVolume or similar mixer
System Utilities
- Package manager: Puppy Package Manager (PPM) - install/remove software
- System information: Hardware detection and reporting tools
- Disk utilities: GParted (partition editor), disk usage analyzers
- Archive manager: File compression/decompression (tar, zip, rar, 7z, etc.)
- Process monitor: System monitor showing CPU, RAM, processes
- Backup tools: Built-in backup utilities for save files
- Firewall: Basic firewall configuration tool
- Printer setup: CUPS configuration utilities
Programming & Development
- Geany: Full-featured programmer's text editor
- Terminal: Multiple terminal emulators (urxvt, xterm)
- Scripting: Bash shell scripting environment
- Basic compilers: Some versions include gcc, Python
Accessibility
- Screen magnifier: Available in accessibility tools
- On-screen keyboard: For touchscreen or accessibility needs
Available Software Additions
Puppy Linux has access to thousands of additional applications through multiple sources:
Installation Methods
1. Puppy Package Manager (PPM)
The primary software installation tool with access to:
- Official Puppy repositories: Puppy-specific packages
- Ubuntu repositories (FossaPup): Thousands of Ubuntu packages
- Debian repositories (BookwormPup): Massive Debian software collection
- Slackware packages (Slacko Puppy): Classic Slackware software
- Pet packages: Puppy-specific format (.pet files)
2. SFS (SquashFS) Files
Compressed file systems that load into RAM:
- Large applications packaged as single files
- Language packs and localization
- Development environments
- Load/unload without installation
- Available from Puppy forums and repositories
3. AppImages
Portable applications that run without installation:
- Download and run immediately
- No system modification needed
- Growing library of modern applications
4. Flatpak (newer Puppies)
- Access to Flathub repository
- Thousands of modern applications
- Sandboxed for security
Popular Software Additions
Office & Productivity
- LibreOffice: Full office suite (word, spreadsheet, presentations)
- FreeOffice: Alternative lightweight office suite
- PDFtk: Advanced PDF manipulation
- Scribus: Desktop publishing
- GnuCash: Accounting software
- Project management: Planner, ProjectLibre
Graphics & Design
- GIMP: Full-featured image editor (Photoshop alternative)
- Inkscape: Vector graphics editor (Illustrator alternative)
- Blender: 3D modeling and animation
- Krita: Digital painting
- darktable: Photo workflow and RAW processing
- Shotwell: Photo organizer
- MyPaint: Simple painting application
Multimedia
- VLC: Powerful media player (all formats)
- Audacity: Professional audio editing
- Kdenlive: Video editing
- OpenShot: Simpler video editor
- HandBrake: Video transcoding
- Spotify: Music streaming (via Flatpak)
- OBS Studio: Screen recording and streaming
Internet & Communication
- Google Chrome: Full-featured browser
- Thunderbird: Full-featured email client
- Skype: Video calling (via Flatpak or web)
- Telegram: Messaging
- Discord: Gaming/community chat
- FileZilla: Advanced FTP client
- Transmission: BitTorrent client
- qBittorrent: Alternative torrent client
Development & Programming
- VSCode/VSCodium: Modern code editor
- Eclipse: Java IDE
- Python (full installation with pip)
- Node.js: JavaScript runtime
- Git: Version control
- Docker: Containerization (on capable systems)
- Vim/Emacs: Advanced text editors
- Lazarus: Pascal/Delphi IDE
Games
- Steam: Gaming platform (possible via Flatpak)
- 0 A.D.: Historical RTS game
- SuperTuxKart: Racing game
- Battle for Wesnoth: Turn-based strategy
- Frozen Bubble: Puzzle game
- PySolFC: Solitaire collection
- DOSBox: DOS emulator for classic games
- Wine: Run some Windows games/apps
Science & Education
- Stellarium: Planetarium software
- Celestia: Space simulation
- GeoGebra: Mathematics software
- Scilab: Mathematical computation (MATLAB alternative)
- Octave: Numerical computation
- R: Statistical computing
- Maxima: Computer algebra system
System & Utilities
- Timeshift: System backup and restore
- Bleachbit: System cleaning
- KeePassXC: Password manager
- Syncthing: File synchronization
- rsync: Advanced file copying
- Rclone: Cloud storage sync
- htop: Advanced process monitor
- GSmartControl: Hard drive monitoring
File Management
- Midnight Commander: Text-based file manager
- Double Commander: Dual-pane file manager
- Thunar: Alternative graphical file manager
- FreeFileSync: File synchronization
- Unison: Bidirectional file sync
Special Puppy Linux Features
SFS Loading System
Unique to Puppy - load entire applications on-demand:
- LibreOffice SFS: Load complete office suite when needed
- Development SFS: Programming tools as one package
- Language packs: Additional language support
- Codec packs: Multimedia codecs
- Load multiple SFS files simultaneously
- Unload when not needed to save RAM
devx SFS
Development environment in one SFS file:
- Complete compilation tools (gcc, make, headers)
- Development libraries
- Essential for compiling software from source
- Load only when developing
Pet Package System
Puppy-specific packages with features:
- Dependency resolution
- Pre-configured for Puppy
- Optimized size
- Available from Puppy forums
Finding and Installing Software
Where to get software:
-
Puppy Package Manager (built-in)
- Menu → Setup → Puppy Package Manager
- Browse by category
- Search by name
- Automatic dependency handling
-
Puppy Linux Forums
- https://forum.puppylinux.com/
- Pet packages section
- SFS files section
- User-created packages
-
Ibiblio Repository
- http://distro.ibiblio.org/puppylinux/
- Official Puppy packages
- SFS files
-
Flathub (if Flatpak enabled)
- https://flathub.org/
- Modern applications
- Easy installation
-
AppImageHub
- https://www.appimagehub.com/
- Portable applications
- No installation needed
Installation Tips
For small applications:
- Use Puppy Package Manager (easiest)
- Install directly from repositories
For large applications (100MB+):
- Consider SFS files (load on demand)
- Saves disk space
- Can unload when not needed
For newer applications:
- Try Flatpak or AppImage versions
- Often more current than repository packages
For Windows software:
- Wine may work for some applications
- PlayOnLinux simplifies Wine usage
- Not all Windows apps will work
RAM Considerations
Since Puppy runs in RAM:
- Your 8GB is plenty for typical use
- Large applications (GIMP, LibreOffice) will use RAM
- SFS files load into RAM when active
- Monitor RAM usage if loading multiple large SFS files
- Can use swap space if needed
The beauty of Puppy is you can start minimal and add exactly what you need, keeping the system fast and efficient!
How to Install
The Intel Celeron J4125 is a relatively modern processor (2019, Gemini Lake), so you'll want a current Puppy Linux version that can take advantage of it.
Recommended Puppy Linux Version
For your J4125 system, I recommend FossaPup64 9.5 or BookwormPup64 10.0.x (the latest). Both are 64-bit versions that will work well with your hardware:
- FossaPup64 9.5: Based on Ubuntu 20.04, very stable
- BookwormPup64 10.0.x: Based on Debian 12, more recent software
What You'll Need
- Your large USB drive (8GB minimum, though Puppy only needs ~400MB)
- A working computer to prepare the USB
- Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Windows/Mac/Linux) to create the bootable USB
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Download Puppy Linux
-
On your current working computer, visit the official Puppy Linux download site:
- Go to: https://puppylinux-woof-ce.github.io/
- Or direct download: https://distro.ibiblio.org/puppylinux/
-
Download your chosen version:
- For FossaPup64: Look for
fossapup64-9.5.iso(~400MB) - For BookwormPup64: Look for
bookworm64-10.0.x.iso(~500MB)
- For FossaPup64: Look for
Phase 2: Create Bootable USB Drive
Using Rufus (Windows):
- Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/
- Insert your USB drive
- Launch Rufus
- Configure settings:
- Device: Select your USB drive
- Boot selection: Click SELECT and choose your downloaded Puppy .iso file
- Partition scheme: GPT (for UEFI) or MBR (for older BIOS) - GPT is safer for modern systems
- Target system: UEFI (or BIOS/UEFI if unsure)
- File system: FAT32
- Leave other settings as default
- Click START
- If prompted about ISOHybrid or DD mode, select ISO mode (recommended)
- Wait for completion (2-5 minutes)
Using Etcher (Any OS):
- Download Etcher from https://etcher.balena.io/
- Launch Etcher
- Click "Flash from file" and select your Puppy .iso
- Click "Select target" and choose your USB drive
- Click "Flash!"
Phase 3: Prepare Your Mini PC
-
Back up any data from the mini PC if needed
-
Insert the USB drive into the mini PC
-
Access BIOS/UEFI settings:
- Power on the mini PC
- Immediately press the BIOS key repeatedly (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC)
- Common keys for mini PCs: F2, F7, F10, F12, DEL
-
Configure boot settings:
- Find the "Boot" or "Boot Order" menu
- Set USB drive as first boot priority
- If available, disable Secure Boot (in Security settings)
- Save and Exit (usually F10)
Phase 4: First Boot and Installation
-
Boot from USB:
- The mini PC should boot to Puppy Linux menu
- Select the first option (usually "puppy" or default boot)
- Wait 30-60 seconds for Puppy to load into RAM
-
Initial Setup Wizard:
- Puppy will launch a setup wizard
- Keyboard layout: Select your layout (US English default)
- Timezone: Set your timezone
- Screen resolution: Puppy should auto-detect, but you can adjust if needed
-
Test the System:
- Puppy is now running entirely in RAM
- Test internet connection (wired should work automatically)
- Explore the desktop
- Everything works from RAM - nothing is saved yet!
Phase 5: Install to USB (Persistent Storage)
Since you want to use the USB drive permanently:
-
Click the "Install" icon on the desktop (or Menu → System → Puppy Installer)
-
Choose installation type:
- Select "USB Install" or "Frugal Install"
-
Select target:
- Choose your USB drive
- Create a partition if prompted:
- Use the entire USB drive
- Format as ext4 (Linux) or FAT32 (if you want Windows compatibility)
- Recommended: ext4 for better performance
-
Bootloader installation:
- Install GRUB bootloader: Yes
- Location: MBR of USB drive
-
Save file options:
- Create a save file or save folder:
- Save folder (recommended): More flexible, easier to backup
- Save file: More compatible with some systems
- Size: Allocate several GB (or leave remainder for general storage)
- Create a save file or save folder:
-
Complete installation and reboot
Phase 6: Post-Installation Setup
After rebooting from the USB:
-
First save:
- When you shut down, Puppy will ask to save your session
- Choose your save location (the one you created)
- This saves all changes, settings, and installed programs
-
Update system (if internet connected):
- Menu → Setup → Puppy Package Manager
- Click "Update database"
- Install any updates
-
Install additional software:
- Menu → Setup → Puppy Package Manager
- Browse and install applications as needed
- Common additions: LibreOffice, GIMP, VLC, Firefox
-
Configure WiFi (if needed):
- Click network icon in system tray
- Use the network wizard to configure wireless
Important Tips
- Puppy runs in RAM: Even installed, Puppy loads into your 8GB RAM, making it extremely fast
- Save regularly: Changes are saved to the USB only when you shut down properly
- Save sessions: Click "Save" icon periodically to avoid losing work
- USB wear: ext4 on USB is fine, but avoid excessive writes if possible
- Backup: Periodically copy your save file/folder to another location
Troubleshooting Boot Issues
If the mini PC won't boot from USB:
- Try different USB ports (USB 2.0 ports often more reliable for booting)
- Re-check BIOS settings: Ensure Legacy/CSM mode if UEFI fails
- Recreate USB using DD mode instead of ISO mode in Rufus
- Try Ventoy: Alternative USB boot method (www.ventoy.net)
Your setup should work perfectly with the J4125 processor - it's more than capable for Puppy Linux, which will feel incredibly snappy on that hardware!
Firefox on Puppy Linux
Firefox is definitely available for Puppy Linux, though the approach varies by Puppy version.
Firefox Availability by Puppy Version
FossaPup64 9.5 (Ubuntu 20.04-based)
- Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) available through PPM
- Install via: Menu → Setup → Puppy Package Manager → search "firefox"
- Typically Firefox ESR 78 or newer
- Full-featured, stable, receives security updates
BookwormPup64 10.0.x (Debian 12-based)
- Firefox ESR available from Debian repositories
- Usually a more recent ESR version (102, 115, or newer)
- Install same way through Puppy Package Manager
Installation Methods
Method 1: Puppy Package Manager (Recommended)
-
Open Puppy Package Manager
- Menu → Setup → Puppy Package Manager
- Or click the package manager icon
-
Search for Firefox
- Type "firefox" in search box
- Look for "firefox" or "firefox-esr"
-
Install
- Select the package
- Click "Install"
- PPM will handle all dependencies automatically
- Takes 2-5 minutes depending on internet speed
-
Launch
- Menu → Internet → Firefox
- Or search in menu for Firefox
Method 2: Official Firefox (Latest Version)
If you want the absolute latest Firefox (not ESR):
Download from Mozilla:
-
Open terminal and download:
cd /root wget "https://download.mozilla.org/?product=firefox-latest-ssl&os=linux64&lang=en-US" -O firefox.tar.bz2 -
Extract:
tar -xjf firefox.tar.bz2 -
Create desktop shortcut:
- Right-click desktop → Create launcher
- Command:
/root/firefox/firefox - Name: Firefox
- Icon:
/root/firefox/browser/chrome/icons/default/default128.png
-
Or move to system location:
mv firefox /opt/ ln -s /opt/firefox/firefox /usr/local/bin/firefox
Method 3: Flatpak Firefox
If your Puppy has Flatpak enabled:
-
Install Flatpak (if not already):
pkg install flatpak flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo -
Install Firefox:
flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox -
Launch:
flatpak run org.mozilla.firefox
Method 4: SFS File (Space-Saving Option)
Some Puppy repositories offer Firefox as an SFS file:
- Download Firefox SFS from Puppy forums
- Load it: Menu → Setup → SFS Manager
- Select your downloaded .sfs file
- Load on demand - saves disk space
- Firefox appears in menu when SFS is loaded
Firefox vs. Default Browser
Why Firefox Might Be Better Than Default:
Advantages:
- Better compatibility: More websites work correctly
- Extensions: Full access to Firefox Add-ons
- Modern features: Latest web standards support
- Regular updates: Security patches and features
- Sync: Firefox Sync across devices
- Privacy tools: Enhanced tracking protection
- Developer tools: Better for web development
Default browsers (Pale Moon, Iron, etc.):
- Lighter weight: Use less RAM
- Faster startup: On very old hardware
- Smaller size: Save disk space
- Good enough for basic browsing
RAM Usage Comparison
On your 8GB system:
- Pale Moon: ~150-250 MB RAM
- Firefox ESR: ~300-500 MB RAM (with a few tabs)
- Firefox (latest): ~400-600 MB RAM
- Chromium/Chrome: ~500-700 MB RAM
Your 8GB is plenty for Firefox - you'll be fine!
Post-Installation Setup
Essential Firefox Tweaks for Puppy:
-
Set as default browser:
- Menu → Setup → Default Applications
- Select Firefox for web browser
-
Enable hardware acceleration (for J4125):
- Firefox → Settings → General
- Scroll to "Performance"
- Uncheck "Use recommended performance settings"
- Check "Use hardware acceleration when available"
-
Reduce memory usage (optional):
- Type
about:configin address bar - Search for
browser.sessionhistory.max_entries - Change from 50 to 10 (fewer back/forward cache)
- Search for
browser.cache.memory.capacity - Set to 51200 (50MB cache)
- Type
-
Install essential extensions:
- uBlock Origin: Ad/tracker blocking (saves bandwidth)
- Privacy Badger: Additional privacy protection
- HTTPS Everywhere: Force secure connections
- Dark Reader: Dark mode for websites (easier on eyes)
Firefox Profile Location
In Puppy Linux, Firefox stores data at:
/root/.mozilla/firefox/(your profile)
Important for backups: Include this in your save file!
Recommended: Firefox ESR
For Puppy Linux, Firefox ESR is the sweet spot:
✅ Stable: Fewer updates, tested thoroughly
✅ Compatible: Works with Puppy repositories
✅ Lightweight enough: Reasonable RAM usage
✅ Secure: Gets security updates
✅ Full-featured: All Firefox features
✅ Easy updates: Through Puppy Package Manager
Performance Tips
Make Firefox Faster on Puppy:
-
Disable animations:
about:config→toolkit.cosmeticAnimations.enabled→ false
-
Reduce auto-update checks:
- Settings → General → Firefox Updates → Check for updates but let you choose
-
Clear cache regularly:
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data
-
Limit open tabs:
- With 8GB RAM, you can easily handle 20-30 tabs
- But fewer tabs = faster performance
-
Use lightweight theme:
- Avoid heavy themes/customizations
Troubleshooting
Firefox Won't Start:
-
Check dependencies:
ldd /usr/bin/firefox -
Reset profile:
firefox -safe-mode -
Check for conflicts:
- Remove old Firefox installations
- Only one version should be installed
Sound Not Working in Firefox:
-
Check ALSA/PulseAudio:
- Puppy usually uses ALSA by default
- Firefox Settings → check audio output device
-
Test with other apps to confirm sound works in Puppy
Video Performance Issues:
- Enable hardware acceleration (see above)
- Your J4125 has Intel UHD Graphics 600 - excellent for video
- Install video codecs if needed:
pkg install gstreamer1.0-plugins-good gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad
My Recommendation
For your setup (J4125, 8GB RAM, Puppy Linux on USB):
Install Firefox ESR through Puppy Package Manager
Why:
- ✅ Easiest installation
- ✅ Automatic updates through PPM
- ✅ Perfect balance of features and performance
- ✅ All dependencies handled automatically
- ✅ Your system can easily handle it
- ✅ Better website compatibility than lightweight alternatives
You'll have a modern, secure browser that works with everything while still keeping Puppy's legendary speed!
