Tiny-size MX Linux 23 (Debian 12 base) Officially Released

Tiny-size MX Linux 23 (Debian 12 base) Officially Released.

MX Linux 23 has been officially released .

MX Linux is a desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on the Debian stable branch, the product of the collaboration between antiX and the earlier MEPIS Linux community.

It uses Xfce as the default desktop environment, which is a middle-weight operating system, and is designed as a combination of an elegant and efficient desktop with the following features: simple configuration, high stability, reliable performance, and small footprint.

The new version is code-named “Libretto”, and the bottom layer is Debian 12, which provides three desktop environments: Xfce 4.18, Fluxbox 1.3.7 and KDE/plasma 5.27.

Major changes include:

The default init system uses sysVinit, systemd remains optional
This release builds on beta 2 and includes all bug fixes and latest changes, as well as default wallpapers and themes
The installer now supports swapfiles as well as swap partitions
“Normal” automount will default to the swap file
MX-Updater re-uses apt as default backend
UFW is enabled by default
Other installer changes include GUI tweaks, setting of some debconf values to make updates from older grub-pc more seamless.

Download URL & Release Announcement

Other lightweight Linux distributions similar in spirit to MX Linux

Debian + lightweight desktop

Debian Stable with Xfce, LXQt, or LXDE is very close to the base of MX Linux but can be kept leaner by only installing what you need.
This approach gives you long-term stability, huge repositories, and full control over resource usage.

Ubuntu-based light flavors

Lubuntu: Uses LXQt (previously LXDE); designed specifically for low-resource systems while staying user‑friendly and Ubuntu‑compatible.
Xubuntu: Uses Xfce; a bit heavier than Lubuntu but still light and polished, good for moderately old hardware.
Linux Lite: Ubuntu LTS + Xfce, with many GUI tools aimed at Windows switchers; still reasonably light while being beginner‑friendly.
Zorin OS Lite: Ubuntu-based with Xfce; tuned to be light but with a familiar desktop layout.

Ultra‑light Debian-based options

antiX: Very light, systemd‑free Debian spin using IceWM and other minimal components; runs well on very old PCs.
Puppy Linux: Extremely small, designed to run entirely in RAM; excellent for very weak machines but less “traditional” than MX.
Slax and Slitaz: Tiny, portable systems that run from USB with very low RAM and disk requirements.

Other lightweight spins

LXLE: Lubuntu‑based respin focused on reviving old PCs with a pre‑tuned LXDE desktop.
Peppermint OS: Ubuntu‑based with a lightweight LXDE/LXQt style desktop and focus on web apps; very light on RAM.
Porteus: Slackware‑based, modular, runs from USB; offers very light desktops such as LXQt, Xfce, and Openbox.

Quick rule of thumb

If you like MX’s Debian base and tools but want lighter: antiX or Debian + LXDE/LXQt.
If you prefer Ubuntu ecosystem and ease: Lubuntu, Linux Lite, or Zorin OS Lite.
For extremely old hardware: Puppy, antiX, Slitaz, or Porteus.

Tiny-size MX Linux 23 (Debian 12 base) Officially Released