Mabox Linux

Overview

Mabox Linux is a free, open-source Linux distribution based on Manjaro Linux (an Arch Linux derivative). It uses a rolling release model and is designed around the lightweight, elegant, and highly customizable Openbox window manager (WM). Maintained by Polish developer Michał (Nataniel) Kopiec, it is hosted at maboxlinux.org, SourceForge, and GitHub. Mabox Linux emphasizes simplicity, speed, and aesthetics, making it suitable for users migrating from Windows or macOS, as well as those seeking a lightweight desktop experience. It supports the x86_64 architecture (with some ARM support, such as on the Raspberry Pi). It uses the pacman package manager and the Arch User Repository (AUR), comes pre-installed with lightweight applications like Firefox, Geany, PCManFM, and Terminator, and occupies approximately 300 MB of memory. The latest version is Mabox Linux 25.09 Istredd (released in September 2025), featuring Linux kernel 6.1 and optimized Openbox and a side panel.

History and Development

• Origins:
  • 2020: The Mabox Linux project was launched by Michał Kopiec as a respin of Manjaro, aiming to provide a pre-configured Openbox desktop and simplify the use of Arch Linux.
  • Inspired by BunsenLabs and CrunchBang, it focuses on the Openbox WM and customization tools.
• Development History:
  • August 2020: Mabox Linux 20.08 Dijkstra was released, based on Manjaro 20.08, introducing the Mabox Control Center and side panel.
  • October 2020: Mabox Linux 20.10 Eithné, adding Spanish translation and dynamic menus.
  • November 2021: Mabox Linux 21.11, optimizing the menu and side panel with more customization.
  • March 2022: Mabox Linux 2022, based on Manjaro 21.3, introducing the Jgmenu and Conky panels.
  • December 2023: Mabox Linux 23.12, optimizing the Openbox and tint2 panels with an emphasis on resource efficiency.
  • October 2024: Mabox Linux 24.09, based on Manjaro 24.09, fixing kernel issues and supporting Wayland.
  • September 2025: Mabox Linux 25.09 Istredd, based on Manjaro 25.09, features an optimized side panel and dynamic menu, and reduces memory usage to 300 MB.
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by Michał Kopiec and the community, hosted at maboxlinux.org, SourceForge, and YouTube.
  • Supports English and multiple languages (including Spanish), with documentation at blog.maboxlinux.org.
  • A Reddit user called Mabox Linux "a lightweight version of Manjaro, perfect for reviving older hardware."
• Open Source Licenses:
  • GPL v3 (core), MIT (some tools).

Main Features

Mabox Linux is built around the lightweight Openbox WM, numerous customization tools, and Manjaro's stability, making it ideal for desktop users. Here are its key features:

1. Openbox Window Manager
   • Defaults to Openbox, a lightweight WM that supports keyboard shortcuts and menu customization.
2. Side Panel and Dynamic Menu
   • Utilizes the tint2 panel and Jgmenu dynamic menu to provide system monitoring and quick access.
3. Mabox Control Center
   • A customizable control center with themes, panels, and menu management.
4. Manjaro-based Rolling Updates
   • Inherits Manjaro's rolling update system, using pacman and the AUR.
5. Performance and Hardware Support
   • Memory usage is approximately 300 MB, making it suitable for low-spec devices and supports x86_64.
6. Security and Privacy
   • Supports firewalld and AppArmor. 7. Development Support
   • Inherits Arch's AUR, supporting Python, Node.js, Git, and more.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Lightweight and Efficient:
  • Memory usage is 300MB, better than FunOS's JWM.
  • Post X claims, "Mabox Linux 25.09 is blazing fast on older PCs."
• Openbox Customization:
  • Highly configurable menus and panels, better than Archcraft's bspwm.
• Manjaro Stability:
  • Delayed updates ensure stability, better than Arch Linux's pure rolling release.
• Community-Friendly:
  • Active YouTube and forums with tutorials.
• ARM Support:
  • Community support for the Raspberry Pi, better than Qubes OS's x86 limitations.

Limitations

• Printing Support:
  • Printer configuration is not as simple as in Ubuntu.
• Community Size:
  • Smaller than Arch Linux or Manjaro, with limited documentation in Chinese.
• Rolling Update Risks:
  • May cause instability.

Summary

Mabox Linux is a free, open-source Linux distribution based on Manjaro. The latest version, 25.09 Istredd (September 2025), runs Linux kernel 6.1 and uses the Openbox WM by default. It supports x86_64 and ARM (Raspberry Pi). It's lightweight (300MB of RAM), elegant, and offers custom tools (such as the Mabox Control Center and side panel). It also provides pacman and the AUR (Automatic Utility Routing) library. Mabox Linux excels at Openbox customization and resource efficiency, but its printing support is weak.