MX Linux

Overview

MX Linux is a mid-range Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, developed by antiX and former MEPIS community members, with the goal of providing a stable, efficient and user-friendly desktop operating system. It uses Xfce as the default desktop environment, and provides KDE and Fluxbox versions. It is suitable for all kinds of hardware devices, from old computers to modern systems. MX Linux has been ranked at the top of many Linux user surveys for a long time due to its excellent performance and ease of use, and is deeply loved by technology enthusiasts and ordinary users.

History and Development

MX Linux can be traced back to around 2014. It was jointly created by the antiX project team and the MEPIS Linux community members who had stopped development. The "MX" in the project name comes from the first letters of MEPIS and antiX.

The project is based on Debian Stable, integrating the lightweight core and graphical tool support of antiX, and gradually developing its own characteristics. For example:

• Introducing the MX Tools toolset to simplify system management.
• Maintaining good compatibility with old hardware.
• Providing convenient functions such as Live USB, system snapshots, and graphics driver installation.

On platforms such as Distrowatch, MX Linux has risen rapidly since 2018, and has been at the top of the download and attention lists for many years.

Main features

1. Based on Debian Stable: Inherits Debian's stability and extensive software support.
2. Default Xfce desktop: Lightweight and beautiful, providing optional versions of KDE Plasma and Fluxbox.
3. MX Tools toolbox:
   • System snapshots
   • Encoder/driver installer
   • Boot repair tool
   • User management, GRUB editor, etc.
4. Powerful Live USB support:
   • Can save user data (persistence)
   • Support the creation of portable working systems
5. Community-driven development:
   • Active user forums and document support
   • Community members can participate in development and proposals

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• Excellent stability: Suitable for long-term deployment and daily office work.
• Good hardware compatibility: Old devices can also run smoothly.
• Low system resource usage: Suitable for low-memory, low-configuration computers.
• Graphical configuration friendly: Very friendly to novice users.
• Rich customizability: Users can deeply adjust system behavior according to their needs.

Limitations

• Not pursuing the latest software version: Based on Debian Stable, the software is relatively conservative.
• Traditional interface design: May not be attractive to users who like minimalist or modern UI.
• Relatively lacking enterprise-level deployment support: More oriented to individual and community users.

Summary

MX Linux is an excellent Linux distribution that takes into account stability, performance and ease of use, and is very suitable for:

• Beginners migrating from Windows to Linux;
• Old computer users who need a lightweight system;
• Intermediate and advanced users who like to customize the system.

With rich graphical tools, excellent community support and low resource usage, MX Linux has become one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions in recent years and an ideal starting point for exploring the world of Linux.