Debian based lightweight Linux operating systems

Lightweight operating systems are helpful to revive old computers, including desktops and laptops. It consumes very less CPU and RAM resources. Lightweight operating systems are often powered by window managers such as IceWM, JWM, and Fluxbox. They require significantly less RAM and CPU power than popular desktop environments like GNOME or KDE. Such systems can enhance the performance of the less powerful machines. The Debian operating system does not consume too many hardware resources. Here is the list of such Debian-based operating systems. 

AntiX Linux is a very slim operating system that consumes only 250 MB of RAM to run. It's systemd-free, instead using lighter init systems like SysVinit or Runit, and it makes minimal resource usage and fast boot times.  AntiX also comes in different "flavours" (Full, Base, Core, and Net) with varying levels of pre-installed software. The "Core" and "Net" versions are extremely minimal.

Q4OS is another lightweight Debian-based distro available with the Trinity desktop and Plasma. Trinity desktop consumes only 256 MB of memory. 

CrunchBang++ uses the Openbox window manager and makes use of significantly fewer system resources.

BunsenLabs Linux Boron is another slim operating system that uses the Openbox desktop.

Slax Linux is a slim operating system with a modular design and a lightweight desktop, which are its highlights. The core system is kept minimal, and users can add or remove software by simply adding or removing "modules".

MiniOS is an active, lightweight operating system project. XFCE and FluxBox-based desktops are available to download.

WattOS is another rocket-powered distro with the LXDE desktop.

PeppermintOS, a well-customised Debian-based distro with XFCE desktop and added features.

MX Linux is another distro with customised XFCE desktop environment. It consumes around 495 MB to 505 MB of memory.

Debian LXDE and XFCE desktops also make a small footprint on hardware resources. The previous versions of Debian Linux (e.g. Debian 10, 11) were also fast due to their legacy kernels. Those who like vanilla Debian flavour, try the native Debian installer or Live DVD to experience a feather walk.

MX Linux: an emerging Debian based distro

MX Linux default desktop

MX Linux is an emerging distro with a beautiful interface and with the stability of Debian. MX Linux sticks on with Debian Stable version. XFCE desktop with enhancements gives a cute look. Conky desktop system monitor enhances the beauty of the desktop.

MX Linux application launcher.

A lot of customizations on the desktop to tweak the system, look and feel. Left side panel adds the beauty of the desktop. The user can change the panel to the bottom or top of the desktop. Search for MX Tweak from Application Launcher and change the panel orientation.

MX Tweak tool.

The medium contains Live mode. The installer can start after getting inside Live mode. Debian lovers can try the Debian based beauty and power packed MX Linux.

Enable auto login with Debian

By default Debian has no auto login. Every time user has to login. I tried this method with Debian 9 XFCE desktop. The user can disable it by using below steps.

Open following file,

sudo mousepad /usr/share/lightdm/lightdm.conf.d/01_debian.conf

Add following lines to the bottom of the file,

[SeatDefaults]
autologin-user=username
autologin-user-timeout=0

Replace the user name in the second line.

Save and Close the file.

Reference
https://steemit.com/software/@kskarthik/how-to-enable-auto-login-in-lightdm

Install Whisker menu on Xubuntu 12.04 /XFCE 4

Whisker menu is an application launcher available with XFCE 4. Very easy to find and launch applications with the help of Whisker menu.

 

Install  Whisker menu on Xubuntu 12.04

Apply following commands,

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gottcode/gcppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install xfce4-whiskermenu-plugin

Remove your default menu and add Whisker menu from panel properties.

Panel > Add New Items > Whisker Menu