Elive is based on Debian GNU/Linux but uses the Enlightenment desktop. Enlightenment is stable and lightweight, Elive runs in less than 128MB of RAM, but highly configurable. If you have ever wondered about Enlightenment and whether is was worth the trouble of installing and configuring it, the Elive live CD is an excellent way of trying it out and seeing just what a stunning desktop it can be with a little effort. This makes Elive suitable for older hardware but also a good choice for anyone who wants a fast, responsive system.

Elive is not just a pretty and fast desktop, it includes plenty of software; from a full office suite to multimedia tools capable of enjoying and creating music, videos and DVDs. With all this software and a good desktop that does not require lots of resources, you may be wondering what's the catch. The only real catch is that this distro in not for Linux first-timers. It is one of those packages where the more you put in , the more you get out. So if you are a Linux tinkerer, or just prepared to take a little time to get what you want, this could be an excellent choice for you.