There is nothing more exasperating than sitting in front of the computer and waiting until it boots up and we can interact with it. There are many reasons why a Linux computer can inexplicably prolong startup time , despite being a much lighter operating system than Windows. This problem has several very simple solutions, solutions that we show you below.
Most of the solutions that we propose in this article can be carried out by any user, regardless of their level of knowledge about Linux, and some require a small financial investment.
Replace the hard drive with an SSD
The first method that we show you to speed up the boot time of Linux, and which is also valid for any other desktop operating system, is to replace the mechanical hard disk (HDD) with a solid state disk (SSD). Mechanical hard drives, as the name describes, use a disk-shaped mechanism on which a needle is placed that is responsible for reading all the information. The operation is very similar to that of a turntable.
However, solid state drives store all information in a storage unit similar to memory cards, so both read and write speeds are far superior to mechanical drives . If our space needs are not very high and we rely on a cloud storage platform, we can buy a 256 GB SSD for just under 30 euros.
Reduce GRUB timeout
If we use Linux and Windows on the same computer, seconds after starting the computer, the first thing that appears is GRUB, a boot selector that allows us to select which operating system we want to use on the computer at all times. If we do not select any operating system, after a certain time, 10 seconds, the version of Linux that we have installed on the computer will automatically run.
If we usually press the power button on our computer and go to do things while it boots, waiting for GRUB to automatically load Linux after the set time has elapsed, we can reduce that time to 2 seconds , for example. To modify the GRUB wait time we will use the command
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
We enter the password of our account and modify the GRUB_TIMEOUT section to establish the number of seconds that we want it to take to start the selected operating system. Finally, we save the changes.
Next, we need to update the boot with the changes we’ve made to GRUB. To do so, we will use the following command in Ubuntu and Debian distributions
sudo update-grub
Check the loading time of processes
Another method that we can use to check the load time of the processes that run when we start Linux is to analyze their load time using Systemd. If we do not have high knowledge of Linux or do not know what each process corresponds to, it is better not to touch this section.
To analyze the time it takes for processes to execute, we will use the command
systemd-analyze blame
If we want to disable any of these processes, we will use the command
systemctl disable nombredelservicio
Install pending updates
Depending on the Linux distribution that we use, the number of updates available to install may be more or less frequent, as well as the updates of the installed applications, although these do not depend on the distribution itself. Each new update includes a series of improvements that focus on improving the performance and stability of the computer, so it is practically mandatory to install them on the computer.
To check if we have pending updates to install, both of the Linux distribution that we use, we open the Software Update application.
Use proprietary drivers
For some time now, the number of manufacturers that are also betting on Linux has increased considerably and currently, it is not necessary to turn to the community to be able to take full advantage of, for example, our graphics card. Non-proprietary drivers are not as well optimized as the ones designed by the manufacturer, so whenever we have the possibility, we should install them if we want to reduce both the boot time and the general operation of the distribution.
To check if any component of our equipment includes the possibility of using the manufacturer’s proprietary drivers , we will use the Software and updates application and, then, in the More drivers tab.
Check the applications that start
The applications that start when we boot an operating system is a problem that we will always find in any operating system, be it mobile or desktop. All the processes necessary to start the operating system are included by the developer of the operating system. However, as we install applications, some are automatically included in the startup of the computer, prolonging the agony of starting the computer.
To remove the applications that start automatically every time we boot Linux, we must access the configuration options and open the Applications application at startup. In the window that appears, we must select the applications that we want to remove and then click on the Remove button.
If the name of an application does not sound familiar to us, it is best not to remove it, since it may be a software component that is necessary for the computer to work correctly. If we remove them, our Linux distribution may be unstable and not start properly.
Reduce loading time with Preload
If we not only want to reduce the time it takes for the computer to start up, but we also want to reduce the time it takes for applications to start up, we can use Preload. Preload stores the binaries of the applications in the RAM in the background, so that when we need to open an application, it is already partially loaded in memory and the startup time is reduced.
To enjoy this function, the first thing we must do is install it with the command and restart the computer so that it starts working. There is absolutely nothing else to do on our part.
sudo apt-get install preload
Linux Advanced Power Management
Another of the solutions that we show you to optimize the operation of Linux in general is to use Linux Advanced Power Management, with which we can optimize the operation of the equipment so that it adapts to the type of equipment where we use it (laptop or desktop). With this application, we can also optimize the operation of the storage unit, so it never hurts to give it a try.
To install this application, we go to the terminal and add the repository where it is located
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linrunner/tlp
And we update the list included in Linux
sudo apt-get update
we install it
sudo apt-get install tlp tlp-rdw
And we put it to work
sudo tlp start
Use a light distro
If after checking the methods that we have shown you in this article, we cannot considerably reduce the startup time in Linux, and our computer does not stand out especially for being modern, the easiest solution is to use a light Linux distro.
These types of distros do not include the same applications and functions available in the most recent versions of Ubuntu or Debian, however, they include everything necessary to be able to work with this operating system without any problem.
Lubuntu
One of the most popular lightweight distributions is Lubuntu, a distro that, as we can deduce from its name, is based on Ubuntu. It includes a large number of pre-installed applications for smooth operation and uses the LXQt desktop which consumes less resources than GNOME. We can download this distro through its website by clicking the following link .
Linux Mint
Another interesting alternative that we must consider if we are looking for a light Linux distro, we find it in Linux Mint, a distro with a design similar to Windows XP and that is also based on Ubuntu, it includes basic applications to be able to work. We can download Linux Mint through the following link .