MX Linux
MX Linux wraps Debian stable in an Xfce desktop and adds the MX Tools — a set of graphical utilities for snapshots, package installers and boot repair. sysVinit boots by default, with systemd available one click away.
MX Linux is a joint venture of the antiX and former MEPIS communities. It tracks Debian stable, adds its own repository of desktop tools, and is consistently the most downloaded distribution on DistroWatch. The AHS (Advanced Hardware Support) image enables newer kernels and graphics for recent hardware.
Key facts
- First release: 2016 (MX-16).
- Debian stable base with the MX repository on top.
- sysVinit by default; systemd can be enabled but stays unused.
- 512 MB minimum RAM, 2.1 GB ISO with Xfce.
Best for: Users who want a dependable Debian stable desktop with sensible graphical tools and modest hardware requirements.
Recent releases
| Version | Released | Kernel |
|---|---|---|
| MX-23.5 | 16 September 2024 | 6.1 |
| MX-23.4 | 10 June 2024 | 6.1 |
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FAQ
Why sysVinit instead of systemd?
MX keeps Debian's sysVinit scripts as the active init for speed and simplicity; systemd libraries remain installed but no services run through it.
What are MX Tools?
A suite of graphical utilities for snapshots (full system restore), package installation, boot options and disk management unique to MX.
What is the AHS image?
Advanced Hardware Support adds a newer kernel and drivers for recent CPUs and GPUs while staying on Debian stable.