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There's a new release of Asmi Linux.
You can download a version based on Ubuntu or Debian.
With a little bit of work, Asmi Linux can be a wonderful desktop OS.
There's a new Asmi Linux release available, and you can download one of two options based on either Ubuntu 25.10 or Debian 13.
This new version adds the ability to save and load custom desktop layouts, a redesigned interface with Client-Side Decoration (CSD) for the title bar and a new toolbar layout, as well as all of the updated software that comes together to create either the Ubuntu or Debian base.
But how does this latest version of Asmi fare?
Let's dive in.
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Although Xfce has never been my favorite desktop environment, I highly respect it for what it is: a lightweight DE that also happens to be one of the most flexible on the market. If you compare nearly all Linux distributions that ship with Xfce, you'd be hard-pressed to find two that look and act the same. That's the beauty of Xfce.
That same heightened flexibility is also why I don't generally recommend Xfce for those new to Linux. Although some Xfce-centric distributions do a great job of creating a default layout that is highly user-friendly, the desktop could easily be broken if a new-to-Linux user gets too curious about the various settings. That's not to say it's inevitable, but that it's possible.
When I read the description of Asmi Linux, it sounded intriguing. The small team behind Asmi Linux is also dedicated to creating other Linux applications, such as the Appy Software Store, which is a bit ironic, given that application isn't found in the free version of Asmi. That's right, there's a free and paid version of this Linux distribution. For $9.99, you can download the Ultimate Edition of Asmi Linux, which adds software such as LibreOffice, VLC, OBS, GIMP, Inkscape, Flameshot, Shutter, Xournal++, as well as updated ISOs that are released every two to three months.
As you can see, the Asmi Linux menu is pretty bare in the Office category. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
The Appy Store app, which sells for $19.99 and, according to its store listing, "is an all-in-one GUI software manager for Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions that provides a user-friendly interface for Apt, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage."
That's great and all, but given anyone can install GNOME Software or Synaptic, it's a hard sell. Of course, having Apt, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage support rolled in does make for what could be a wise investment for those new to Linux and don't want to have to use the command line to install one of the other GUIs.
Just to test the waters, I opened the terminal application and issued the command:
sudo apt-get install gnome-software gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
Once the app was installed, I rebooted the virtual machine and then (after logging in) I opened GNOME Software to see how well it would fare. I was not even remotely surprised to find that it worked flawlessly, and even included Flatpak support.
Also: How to install software on Linux using Snap (and why you should)
With that said, I think the development team would do well to include an app like GNOME Software for free and then advertise their own app store as an improved alternative with more features. For example, when using GNOME Software, you can only install applications. To update software (and the OS), you have to turn to a different app. With the paid Appy app, all of that is brought together, so you can manage your software from a single UI.
That being said, Asmi Linux is still a worthy contender for anyone looking to adopt the Xfce desktop environment. The team behind the distribution has created a nice take on the DE that sort of resembles Ubuntu's desktop.
Speaking of which, you can download two different editions of Asmi Linux: one based on Ubuntu and one based on Debian. Both are rock solid, but I would posit that if you're looking for the more secure of the two, go with the Debian option. If you want the more user-friendly option, go with the Ubuntu flavor. That's not to say the Ubuntu version isn't secure, because it is. However, Debian is slightly more secure than Ubuntu. At the same time, Debian is one of the most rock solid and dependable OSes on the market.
How is Asmi to use?
Out of the box, Asmi Linux is fairly light on the software front. In fact, for this distribution to be useful, you'll need to install some applications. The free version does not include the likes of LibreOffice, an email client, or many of the apps I tend to consider necessary. Fortunately, after installing GNOME Software, you can point and click your way to all of the tools you need to be creative, entertained, or productive.
GNOME Software on Asmi Linux. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Is that extra step worth it?
If you like Xfce or are even just curious about this lightweight desktop environment, I would say yes. Asmi Linux is a stable operating system, that's also fast and fun to use. The only caveat (as you've probably surmised) is that it does require a bit of up-front work to make it really useful. That up-front work will take you all of five minutes before Asmi has everything you need.
Although I don't always give Xfce its due, it's a wonderful desktop environment and Asmi Linux did a great job of reminding me how fast and flexible Xfce truly is.
Also: The best Linux distros for beginners: You can do this!
If you're looking for a distribution to serve as an introduction to Xfce and you don't mind putting in a few minutes of work to turn it into a viable desktop operating system, Asmi Linux is a great choice.
Download an ISO of either Asmi Linux 25.20 (Ubuntu) or Asmi 13 (Debian) and either create a virtual machine with it or burn it to a USB drive and install it on a spare machine.