MX Linux vs OpenBSD

MX Linux and OpenBSD compared on the facts that matter: release model, desktop, package management, init system, memory floor and installation size.

Side by side

MX LinuxOpenBSD
FamilyDebian familybsd
Release modelVersioned releasesVersioned releases
DesktopXfce (AHS option)—
Package managerAPT (dpkg) + MX Installerpkg_add (TGZ)
Init systemsysVinit (systemd optional)rc.d
Immutable rootYesNo
Wayland by defaultNoNo
Minimum RAM512 MB—
ISO size2.1 GB794 MB
Latest kernel6.1—
Releases archived018
Latest release202520 October 2026

What differs

Init system

MX Linux boots with sysVinit (systemd optional); OpenBSD uses rc.d.

Package manager

MX Linux ships APT (dpkg) + MX Installer; OpenBSD ships pkg_add (TGZ).

Shared traits

Both systems share more than they differ: the table above lines up the current facts side by side.

Verdict

Both are solid choices for their goals — the practical differences are in the table and the points above. Full range tables for each are on their distro pages.

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FAQ

Which one is easier for beginners?

Check the installer row and minimum RAM: a graphical installer with a low memory floor is the friendlier first step.

Where do the numbers come from?

From the current release snapshots of each distribution archived by the linux2u.ru team.