I'm wondering if it's possible to create a customised version of Lubuntu 12.04 that would rely on the LTS updates from the main Ubutu Unity version, and receive updates for the LXDE components and other parts with only 18 months support either through a 3rd party repository or by updating those repositories to the ones for 12.10, 13.04, etc. Would this work or would I just end up breaking everything? Can you customise an installation to updates repositories like this?
The idea is to refurbish some old boxes for people who are not particularly technically competent so they can do basic things in an excellent DE without the machines being sluggish, and easily install software using the Software Centre without causing problems.
I do understand why there is no LTS release for Lubuntu given limited resources, but it won't be feasible to hold the hands of the people I'm hoping to benefit from these machines through the upgrade process (backing up, etc.) and if I can ensure they'll receive 4 more years of security upgrades, that will probably be the lifetime of the machines anyway.
I would use XFCE, but the Xubuntu LTS only has two more years anyway, and has noticeably poorer performance on these computers.
Can anyone give me any general advice on this? Am I barking up a completely silly tree?
My other consideration was installing Debian stable with LXDE on top, and then some/most of the repositories for Lubuntu to allow some/most of the same software to run. Does anyone have any experience with that or know whether it's a more or less sensible option?
Cheers in advance!
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