EC OSLeave resources for your programs, not for the system itself.
EC OS (Ethereal Core OS) is a Debian desktop distribution designed for low-spec machines. The desktop is a subtractive customization based on KDE Plasma, removing unused services and animations from the default configuration. On a machine with an i5-4300U, 2GB RAM, and a 2-core CPU, daily use still leaves headroom.
EC OS v1.0 has been released, with standard support until 2027 LTS. View upgrade and support options. Learn More
Core Features
Every layer is chosen with "just enough" in mind, never adding features for the sake of it. Built on the Debian stable branch, with a subtractive KDE Plasma customization, usable with 2GB RAM, no telemetry, no reporting, and full-disk encryption enabled by default.
- Debian stable base, APT follows upstream mechanisms
- Subtractive KDE Plasma customization, indexing and animations disabled
- Usable with 2GB RAM, idle usage around 1.1G
- No telemetry, no reporting, ready to use offline after installation
System Architecture
From kernel to desktop, every layer uses replaceable, traceable solutions.
- Base: Debian stable branch, security patches follow upstream cadence
- Desktop: KDE Plasma customization, unified visuals and shortcuts
- Kernel: ecos-6.1.0-debian, retaining common drivers
- Compat: Built-in Wine compatibility layer, can run some exe files
- Package: DEB package management, compatible with the vast majority of deb packages
- Shell: Bash / Zsh standard environment
Performance
Test environment: Intel i5-4300U host machine, 2GB RAM + 2-core CPU, daily usage scenarios.
Tools & Compatibility
Common tools come with the system, and package formats are kept as compatible as possible to reduce migration costs.
- DEB package compatibility, most deb packages install directly
- Wine compatibility layer, can run some Windows exe files
- KDE toolset: Dolphin, Konsole, Kate, and more
- APT package management, rich software sources, mature dependencies
- System monitoring for CPU / memory / disk / network
- Graphical configuration tools for desktop / network / power in one place
Compatibility
Most DEB packages install fine, exe programs run through Wine, and GPU drivers can be chosen as needed.
| Category | Item | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Package | DEB package | Native |
| Package | Windows EXE | Compatibility layer |
| Package | macOS DMG | Not supported |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma | Native |
| File system | ext4 / btrfs / FAT32 | Native |
| File system | NTFS / exFAT | Compatibility layer |
| GPU | Intel / AMD open-source drivers | Native |
| GPU | NVIDIA proprietary | Compatibility layer |
Design
"Leave resources for your programs, not for the system itself."
— EC OS Design Principle
