antiX

Overview

antiX Linux is a lightweight, fast, and easy-to-install Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, designed for Intel-AMD x86 compatible systems, suitable for old and new computers. antiX features "antiX Magic", provides a systemd-free and elogind-free environment, and emphasizes lightweight and high performance. It uses lightweight window managers such as Fluxbox and IceWM to replace resource-intensive desktop environments (such as KDE, GNOME), making it run smoothly on low-configuration hardware.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • antiX was originally based on MEPIS (a Debian-based distribution) and was developed by the antiX community around 2007 with the goal of providing a lightweight alternative for old hardware.
  • It replaced the KDE desktop environment of MEPIS with Fluxbox and IceWM to reduce resource usage.
• Development History:
  • 2007-2014: antiX focuses on Live CD/USB technology and optimizes the experience of low-resource devices.
  • 2014: Cooperating with the MEPIS community, MX Linux was derived. The latter uses the Xfce desktop and is positioned as a mid-weight system, while antiX maintains its lightweight characteristics.
  • 2019 (version 19): Introducing SysVinit and Runit as optional initialization systems, getting rid of systemd.
  • 2022 (version 22): Provide 32-bit and 64-bit versions without elogind to enhance lightweight features.
  • 2023-2024 (version 23.1/23.2): Add new applications such as antiX TV, antiX Radio, Finder, SAMBA manager to improve functionality.
• Community driven:
  • Maintained by the antiX and MX Linux communities, active on the antiX forum and GitHub.
  • Regularly release secure kernel updates (such as December 19, 2024) to ensure stability.
• Open source license: Adopts the GNU General Public License (GPL), the source code is open, and customization is allowed.

Main features

1. Lightweight and high performance

   • Low resource usage:
     • 32-bit version (antiX-23.1_386-full): Only 87MB RAM is used on a 1GB RAM, single-core 1.2GHz laptop.
     • 64-bit version (antiX-23.2_x64-full): 214MB RAM is used on startup.
   • Window manager:
     • IceWM, Fluxbox or ZzzFM-IceWM/Fluxbox are used by default, and the resource usage is much lower than GNOME or KDE.
     • Support ROX or ZzzFM file manager, providing desktop icons and drag and drop functions.
     • Conky system monitoring: Real-time display of CPU and memory usage.

2. Live CD/USB support

   • Fast startup: Support Live CD and Live USB, fast startup speed, suitable for running through Ventoy.
   • Persistence function: By creating an EXT4 partition marked "antiX-Persist", data preservation is supported (press F5 to select "persist_static").
   • Repair tool: Reddit users mentioned using antiX Live USB to repair Windows damaged HDD, which is suitable for system maintenance tasks.

3. Software and tools

   • Pre-installed applications:
     • Office: LibreOffice.
     • Browser: Firefox.
     • New applications (version 23.1+): antiX TV, antiX Radio, Finder, SAMBA manager.

4. Package management:

   • Use apt-get and Debian compatible repositories to support the installation of development tools such as Python, Django, PostgreSQL, etc.
   • Provide the latest kernel and application updates to maintain security.

5. Customization and flexibility

   • Initialization system: optional SysVinit or Runit, no systemd, suitable for users who prefer traditional Linux.
   • Architecture support: 32-bit and 64-bit versions are provided, compatible with old and new hardware.
   • Window manager selection: IceWM, Fluxbox, JWM, etc., allowing users to switch to optimize performance.

6. Community and documentation

   • Forum support: The active antiX forum provides installation and development help.
   • Documentation: Detailed Live USB guide and configuration tutorial, suitable for beginners.
   • Social Media: Follow antiX's social accounts (such as X @antixlinux) to get updates.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Ultra-lightweight:
  • Runs smoothly on 1GB RAM devices, better than distributions such as Linux Mint (LMDE6 performs poorly on 1GB RAM).
• Live USB/CD functionality:
  • Fast boot and persistence support for easy testing and system rescue.
  • Suitable for your Ventoy setup.
• No systemd:
  • Use SysVinit or Runit to provide a traditional Linux experience and attract programming enthusiasts.
• Feature-rich:
  • Pre-installed LibreOffice, Firefox, etc.
  • Added antiX TV and SAMBA manager to enhance multimedia and network functions.
• Community support:
  • Active forums and regular updates (such as the kernel upgrade in December 2024) to ensure stability.

Limitations

• Simple interface:
  • IceWM and Fluxbox lack the "beauty" of modern desktop environments and may not be suitable for users who pursue visual effects.
  • Solution: Switch to JWM or a custom theme.
• Installation issues:
  • Some users report that installation fails on certain hardware (such as Acer laptops).
  • Solution: Use a Live USB to test compatibility, or run in VirtualBox.
• Minor menu bugs:
  • Clover menu occasionally misclassifies LibreOffice into the "Games" or "Internet" folders.
  • Solution: Manually adjust the menu configuration, not a major problem.
• Learning curve:
  • Lightweight window managers may not be friendly to newcomers, and basic configurations (such as IceWM settings) need to be learned.
  • Solution: Refer to the antiX forum tutorial or YouTube video.

Summary

antiX Linux is a lightweight, fast, Debian Stable-based distribution designed for low-resource devices, providing a systemd-free environment and powerful Live USB/CD capabilities. It has a low memory footprint (87MB-214MB), pre-installed development tools, and flexibility.