Is there still a stripped down distribution, based on debian, which keeps
the kernel and security packages updated while remaining a version behind,
or while stripping the bells and whistles?

A few weeks back I tried upgrading an old Pentium-3 800 machine that I use
as a server from debian 9 to 10 "Buster."  I had to downgrade it back due
to issues with it grinding the system to a halt, and that is without even
installing an x-server.  :)

I was hoping there might still be some debian-based "lighter weight"
distros out there.  The ones I remember from a few years back have ceased
being maintained.

Thanks!

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 * SLMR 2.1a * A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man. -J.Springfield