Ensure that your computer meets the following requirements before installing Adélie Linux. On Windows, you may run the msinfo32 program to determine your computer's specifications. On a Macintosh, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu, and then choose System Report or More Info.

You will need at least a Pentium or Celeron compatible CPU, with MMX extensions. This includes most AMD (K5+), Transmeta, VIA, and other x86-compatible CPUs. A processor speed of at least 500 MHz is highly recommended for running interactive desktop applications; lower speed may be usable in text-only or server modes. All Intel and AMD CPUs with 64-bit extensions are supported by the Adélie Linux system. You will need at least a G3 or later CPU. The 603 CPU is not supported by this version of Adélie Linux. A processor speed of at least 600 MHz is highly recommended for running interactive desktop applications, but all G3 and G4 CPUs are supported. AltiVec/VMX is not required to run Adélie; however, software titles are increasingly taking advantage of processors with these extensions. You will need a POWER4+, or 970/970fx, or later generation CPU. You cannot use Adélie Linux on a POWER4 or earlier CPU. The Freescale e5500/e6500 and SPE processors do not have the required AltiVec/VMX extensions, and therefore will also not be able to run the 64-bit Adélie Linux. All 64-bit ARM processors are supported by the Adélie Linux system; however, some SoCs may need a custom kernel. For more information, see the AArch64 HCL.

At least 384 MB RAM is required for the Standard installation of Adélie Linux, and at least 512 MB RAM is highly recommended if you plan to run larger applications like Firefox and Thunderbird. At least 40 MB RAM is required to install the server version of Adélie Linux. Using less than 40 MB RAM may cause lock ups or crashes during package installation. At least 3 GB of disk space is required for a full desktop installation of Adélie Linux. The base, text-only installation of Adélie Linux requires about 300 MB of disk space, not counting additional packages and your data. It is recommended that you have at least 1 GB of disk space for most server roles.