Cryptocurrency is an enormous discussion point in the tech world right now, and mining the coin can be extremely popular, depending on the tools you use. High-end hardware for crypto mining is a no-brainer, but why does the software matter so much? To make the most out of your computer, you need software to complement it, and it doesn’t typically come as standard. Microsoft Windows is capable of mining crypto but it’s not the most effective OS, which is why we’ve turned out attention to the Linux Distribution system – a much more versatile OS.
Why Use Linux?
Linux is an extremely secure operating system, which lends itself perfectly to crypto. Further, Linux is open source, meaning developers constantly test and improve the code. There are many Linux distribution and some of them are lightweight, which will increase your mining threshold. With the OS being so lightweight, you can get more from Lenovo Linux Notebooks than with Windows.
PiMP OS
PiMP OS, although sounding like the seedy underbelly, stands for Portable Instant Mining Platform. Created using the Debian system, which is one of the most incredible distributions on Linux. Once you’ve installed the system, it’s already packed with the tools necessary to get started, which means the install size is slightly higher. A lifetime license for PiMP OS will set you back $35, which is a bargain if you’re using it long-term.
HiveOS
HiveOS is marketed as the go-to system for managing and mining crypto, which isn’t an over-exaggeration either. The UI is sleek and modern, which makes it an appealing choice for a large demographic. As well as being stylish, the platform is straightforward and can be integrated with any smartphone.
Installing the HiveOS is simple and has support for the majority of GPUs and CPUs available today, including the entire GeForce 10, 16, and 20 models. With the power of HiveOS, you will be mining coins in no time, and you won’t break the bank because it costs as little as £3/month.
SimpleMining
SimpleMining does exactly what it says on the tin – it offers a simple system that’s easy to use. You can create the OS image on a standard USB and all you need to do is “plug and play”; there are in-depth instructions on their website. Despite having a low storage size of 500 MB, the tools are incredible including multi-rig support, automatic updates, and power scheduling. Unfortunately, there is no free option for SimpleMining, but you can trial the system for 30 days before committing.
RaveOS
RaveOS is relatively similar to HiveOS and is their primary competitor, with a shared aim to make crypto mining hit the mainstream market. The installation size for RaveOS is 1GB, which means your mining farm will be churning out coins in no time. As with HiveOS, there is a convenient mobile app to let you continue farming on the go. If you want to use this OS on a trial basis, you can get access free, with maximum support for three devices.
Lubunto
Lubunto is a lighter version of the popular Ubuntu OS. This system isn’t dedicated to crypto mining but it will get the job done. The best part about this OS is that it’s great for beginners who haven’t used Linux before because the desktop is laid out similarly to Windows. There are no costs involved with using Lubunto and it can be used on as many devices as you like. However, you lose out on dedicated crypto mining functions that other options on this list have.
Tails
Tails is a powerful Linux distribution that’s been heavily praised for its security features, with Edward Snowden making several references to the platform. Tails operates on the Tor network, which means every action taken on the OS stays anonymous. Taking liberties with the Tor system means that borders are unlocked and those in countries where crypto is banned can still get in on the action. Fitting in with the nature of Tails, you can access a native wallet to get farming in no time.
SMOS
If you don’t want to spend time configuring your system, SMOS is the perfect choice for you. Installing SMOS is simple enough for any user to figure out because there are only a couple of steps to take. However, if you can’t work it out, you can find a detailed guide on the official site. This simple OS can be used for free on single rig systems, which is ideal for starting, and you only need to pay $1/month for having more.
MMPOS
The Minegate Mining Platform OS (MMPOS) is a mining tool that operates on the Ubuntu distro and is tried and tested for stability. This OS will support the majority of CPUs and GPUs on the market, which means you won’t need to update your current desktop. For advanced users, you can use MMPOS distributed across multiple rigs regardless of the GPU. For example, you can pair an Nvidia system with an AMD device without any issue.
Cryptocurrency is a significant talking point these days, and mining helps to keep the decentralized coins operational. Windows can be used to mine cryptocurrency if the right software is installed. However, the Linux distributions discussed will elevate performance and increase mining efforts. Linux distros are lightweight, which means there’s more RAM and processing power for farming coins. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, there’s a Linux distribution out there for you.
