Sparky Linux just restored 32-bit support – why that still matters

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Sparky Linux has revived its release for 32-bit hardware
• The 32-bit version is available as either a minimal GUI or a minimal CLI
• You can download and use Sparky Linux for free.

Every PC sold today is 64-bit. In fact, one of the last true 32-bit-only CPUs was the Pentium 4 Northwood chip, which was available for purchase between 2000 and 2008. I can’t remember the last time I actually saw a 32-bit-only machine.

Couple that with Microsoft ending support for Office 365 on 32-bit architecture this December, and it’s pretty simple to conclude that 32-bit PCs are done.

But wait! Before you draw that conclusion and recycle all of those old 32-bit systems, there’s always Linux.

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You’re probably thinking, “Haven’t most distributions given up on the 32-bit architecture?” Yes, many have. But others have decided that 32-bit, single-core systems are still viable. Although it’s nearly impossible to determine how many such systems are still in use, it makes perfect sense that Linux would support them.

Consider this: Around the globe, there are impoverished nations and cash-strapped organizations that still require computers and are probably holding tight to those old systems, hoping they’ll continue working for the foreseeable future. Not only is it good for those who cannot afford to purchase new computers, but it could also prevent serious computer waste from filling up trash dumps.

The developers of Sparky Linux understand this, so they’ve decided to continue releasing the distribution for 32-bit systems. The developers posted on the official Sparky Linux blog:

A year ago, Debian dropped support for 32-bit Live/Install ISO images, so Sparky dropped it as well. This decision has been reassessed, as it turns out there are still a significant number of people in the world who own “really old,” still functional computers with 32-bit processors…That’s why Sparky 8.4 restores support for 32-bit machines, offering, in addition to amd64/x86_64 and ARM64/AARCH64 versions, also 32-bit/i686-pae Live/Install images as ultra-light Openbox and CLI editions for self-configuration as you wish.

Everyone who owns an ancient PC should breathe a sigh of relief.

Also: Ubuntu 26.04 vs. Fedora 44: After years of testing both Linux distros, here’s my verdict

I’ve previously covered Sparky Linux, calling it a blazing-fast distro that can keep your older machines running for years. When I wrote that piece, Sparky Linux 7 had dropped 32-bit support. Well, we’re now at Sparky Linux 8, and the latest release (Seven Sisters .4 release – so 8.4) brings back 32-bit support. The 32-bit version is only available as the non-rolling release (aka “Stable”). If you want the rolling release version, your only option is 64-bit.

The minimal GUI

One thing to keep in mind is that the version of Sparky Linux available for 32-bit systems is not the same as the one that can be installed on modern machines. The 32-bit version of Sparky Linux offers two versions: Minimal GUI (Openbox) or Minimal CLI (text mode). This means you won’t see the more modern desktops that are available for the 64-bit version. That doesn’t mean, however, that the MinimalGUI option isn’t usable. It is. I downloaded the 64-bit version of the MinimalGUI and used it for a virtual machine. 

I’ve worked with OpenBox quite a bit and have always found it to be a solid desktop for the minimally minded user. It’s very fast, configured so that anyone would be instantly familiar with it, and it ships with plenty of preinstalled applications. If you don’t find an application you need, there’s always the APTus AppCenter, where you can install just about anything you need from a handy GUI.

Apps

The Minimal GUI version ships with, as you might expect, a minimal amount of apps. You get Firefox, Gnote, Thunar file manager, RiseupVPN, qpdfview, and some utilities. Clearly, you’ll need to install some apps, and there’s a GUI for that…APTus AppCenter.

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One thing about the APTus AppCenter is that when you click to install, you’ll be prompted for your password, and then it seems like nothing happens. If you minimize the AppCenter GUI, you’ll see a terminal window behind it, asking if you want to continue. Type y to continue the installation, and when prompted, press Enter to complete the process.

You can install as many apps as you need. If, however, you need proprietary apps (such as Spotify and Slack), you’ll need to install Flatpak, which can be done with:

sudo apt-get install flatpak -y

Once installed, you’ll then need to add the Flathub repository with:

flatpak remote-add –if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Once that’s done, you should be able to install apps from Flathub via the command line, such as:

flatpak install spotify

The desktop menu

Click the menu button to see an app overview that shows everything installed. One odd behavior in the app overview is that even after you open an app, you have to tap Cancel to close the overview.

However, there’s a better option. If you right-click anywhere on the desktop, the desktop menu appears, where you can navigate a more traditional menu. 

The Sparky Minimal GUI release for 32-bit architecture is a great way to bring those systems back to life. (Also handy if you have an older 64-bit machine.)

I applaud the Sparky Linux developers for bringing back 32-bit support. It may be a dying architecture, but with so many of those ancient systems still in play, having another option available is only a good thing.

Also: My proven way to speed up Linux when RAM upgrades aren’t worth it (and it’s free to do)

If you’re interested in downloading and using the 32-bit version of Sparky Linux, go to the official download page, click the Stable option, and download the Minimal GUI i686-pae version.