antiX MX

antiX MX is an open source distribution of Linux based on the Debian GNU/Linux operating system and built around the lightweight Xfce desktop environment. It designed from the ground up to be used on 32-bit (x86 Intel/AMD) compatible machines.

Availability, supported architectures and boot options

The project is distributed as ISO images that can be easily burned to blank CD discs using any CD/DVD burning software or deployed on a USB thumb drive using the UNetbootin software. It supports 32-bit and 32-bit non-PAE architectures.

The boot menu provides users with the ability to run a memory test, boot an existing operating system, install the OS directly, or use different persistent modes for the live session (root, static and home). The persistent mode works only if the ISO images are written on USB sticks of 2GB or bigger, allowing users to save their live sessions (applications settings and small files).

Attractive desktop environment, great collection of applications

The live session is built around the lightweight Xfce desktop environment, but highly customized for speed. It’s comprised of a single taskbar, located on the left side of the screen, from where users can launch their favorite apps or access the main menu and the functions implemented in the system tray area.

Default applications include the QupZilla web browser, Claws Mail email client, Transmission torrent downloader, XChat IRC client, Clementine music player, VLC Media Player, Xfburn CD/DVD burning tool, Minitube YouTube player, LibreOffice office suite, Orange Calendar and Globaltime apps, PDF-Shuffler, qpdfview PDF viewer, and Mirage image viewer.

It also includes many other small, yet useful utilities like the luckyBackup backup and sync program, Catfish file search app, an archive and clipboard manager, a simple text editor, a calculator, a bulk rename tool, and many others.

Bottom line

Overall, it is a pretty fast Debian-based Linux operating system that supports old hardware and low-end machines. Its strong points are the beautiful, responsive graphical environment and a comprehensive collection of applications.

What is new in this release:

• latest live system changes and fixes from the antiX project
• the latest updates from debian (stretch)
• 4.9.0-4 kernels (alphas featured 4.9.0-3)
• the 32 bit iso has a PAE kernel. The non-pae has been removed.
• updated packages, including libreoffice 5.4.1
• new and updated mx-apps
• mx-tweak replaces mx-defaultlook and provides one-stop spot for simple compositor (Xfce or Compton), panel, and other "tweak" type changes
• mx-conky provides a method for doing simple edits to conky files (color changes, etc...)
• mx-network-assistanct replaces mx-broadcom-manager as a general purpose network troubleshooting tool.
• mx-tools now has a larger interface
• changes to the update mananger (apt-notifier), including new themes available in preferences
• misc. changes to most of the other mx-apps
• the applications menu now has a mx-tools submenu to help organize the menu a little bit.
• gthumb replaces shotwell and mirage (both still available in mx-packageinstaller)
• featherpad, a qt-based text editor with tabbed interface and code markup, replaces leafpad.
• new art work and icons (current wallpaper is not final, just being used for beta 1 release)
• several pre-packaged conky configurations (see conky-manager to change and select)

What is new in version 16.1 / 17 Beta 2:

• latest live system changes and fixes from the antiX project
• the latest updates from debian (stretch)
• 4.9.0-4 kernels (alphas featured 4.9.0-3)
• the 32 bit iso has a PAE kernel. The non-pae has been removed.
• updated packages, including libreoffice 5.4.1
• new and updated mx-apps
• mx-tweak replaces mx-defaultlook and provides one-stop spot for simple compositor (Xfce or Compton), panel, and other "tweak" type changes
• mx-conky provides a method for doing simple edits to conky files (color changes, etc...)
• mx-network-assistanct replaces mx-broadcom-manager as a general purpose network troubleshooting tool.
• mx-tools now has a larger interface
• changes to the update mananger (apt-notifier), including new themes available in preferences
• misc. changes to most of the other mx-apps
• the applications menu now has a mx-tools submenu to help organize the menu a little bit.
• gthumb replaces shotwell and mirage (both still available in mx-packageinstaller)
• featherpad, a qt-based text editor with tabbed interface and code markup, replaces leafpad.
• new art work and icons (current wallpaper is not final, just being used for beta 1 release)
• several pre-packaged conky configurations (see conky-manager to change and select)

What is new in version 16.1:

• Installer improvements:
• The installer now supports home folder encryption. This is an experimental feature.
• An issue with partition boot flags that affected certain makes of pc (Dell) has been corrected.
• Autoinstall now works for UEFI systems.
• We now have new official Adobe Flash included on the iso, thanks to recently received permission from Adobe. MX-Flash is not on the iso and is now deprecated. Install/uninstall option via the regular package managers, including MX-Packageinstaller on the "Popular Apps" tab. Note our Adobe Flash package will work with BOTH Firefox AND Chromium (includes original classic NPAPI and the PPAPI plugins ie: pepperflash)
• Tweaks to default user interface, including a new default theme and new MX-Linux wallpapers.
• MX-Defaultlook and MX Panel Orientation have been merged, with MX-panel-orientation being deprecated. MX-Defaultlook now includes options for "top or bottom" placement of the horizontal bar, as well as improved panel backup and restore capabilities.
• New MX-Packageinstaller, with improved handling of "popular apps", plus access to the MX-test repo, debian-backports, and the normal "stable" repos, from the new "Full Catalog" tab (no messing around with your apt sources is required!). Treat the "full catalog" as a supplement to synaptic. MX-debian-backports-installer and MX-install-from-test-repo are deprecated and no longer on the iso. (current MX-16 users have seen this update already)
• Updated Manual in html and pdf formats. Full translations into Italian and Russian.
• apt-notifier has many bug fixes, right-click menu improvements, and a choice of icon themes under preferences (classic vs. mx16).
• Updated translations across most apps and in the Wiki (thanks translators!)
• New MX-Linux sourceforge site for iso hosting.
• Libreoffice 5.2.6 (64 bit) or 5.2.5 (32 bit)
• Updates to Jessie 8.8 base.
• Automatic enabling of most Broadcom drivers
• MX-Tools set for help with common or unusual tasks:
• Live-usb-maker (antiX)
• Live kernal installer (antiX)
• Remaster tool
• Snapshot (make an iso out of an installed system)
• Boot repair
• Menu editor
• User manager
• Broadcom manager
• Codecs installer
• Default look
• Select sound
• System sounds
• Welcome
• Apt notifier (automatically check for updates)
• Check Apt GPG
• Package installer
• Repo manager
• Switch user
• USB unmounter
• antiX live-USB system:
• Many new Live boot options
• Run in Live mode in 10 languages
• Easy Live-remaster to make a custom LiveUSB or your own version to distribute as an ISO
• Three forms of Live persistence (i.e., what files are kept on the LiveUSB)
• Easy "frugal" installation option
• Simple creation of custom snapshots (as easy as: add/remove packages, change settings, take a snapshot)
• Automatic check of LiveUSB file systems for integrity
• Live kernel installer
• Live usb maker
• One-click Extras with Package Installer:
• Children: Preschool, Primary, etc.
• Graphics: ImageMagik, Inkscape, etc.
• Network: Skype, Dropbox, etc.
• Office: GnuCash, Adobe Reader, Calibre, etc.
• System: KDE, LXDE, MATE, etc.
• Audio: Audacity, DeaDBeeF, Pithos, etc.
• Video: DVDStyler, MPlayer, OpenShot, etc
• Flash: Adobe Flash (official package)
• Misc: KeepassX, Oracle Virtualbox, Google Earth, Wine (with setup)

What is new in version 16:

• Xfce4.12 is the desktop environment.
• Latest Firefox 50 for browsing and Thunderbird 45.5.0 for email.
• VLC 2.2.4 caters for videos and Clementine 1.3.1 for playing and managing your music.
• Full LibreOffice 5.2.2 suite
• Shotwell 0.24.1 digital photo organizer
• Pepper Flash Player - browser plugin
• Chinese and Japanese fonts included on the iso
• gimp 2.8.18
• grub-customizer 5.0.6
• gscan2pdf 1.5.1-1 GUI to produce PDFs or DjVus from scanned documents
• mx-clocky attractive desktop-agnostic analog clock
• mx-debian-backports-installer
• openjdk-8
• samba shares
• smtube - watch youtube videos without using a browser - ideal for low-powered laptops.
• Security: Passwords and Keys 3.14.0

What is new in version 15.01 / 16 Beta 1:

• Available in 32 and 64 bit.
• The 32 bit version ships with 2 stable 3.16 Debian kernels (pae and non-pae), while
• the 64 bit comes with the more recent Debian backports 4.7 kernel to cater for newer hardware.
• All kernels have been patched against the Dirty COW exploit.
• Both iso files weigh in at around 1.2GB in size.
• What's new:
• Aesthetic changes include a newer theme, new wallpapers and icons as well as
• improvements to look of the installer.
• Applications:
• Xfce4.12 is the desktop environment.
• Latest Firefox 49 for browsing and Thunderbird 45.4.0 for email.
• VLC 2.2.4 caters for videos and Clementine 1.3.1 for playing and managing your music.
• Full LibreOffice 5.2.2 suite
• Shotwell 0.24.1 digital photo organizer
• Pepper Flash Player - browser plugin with help from bunsen-pepperflash
• Chinese and Japanese fonts included on the iso
• gimp 2.8.18
• grub-customizer 5.0.6
• gscan2pdf 1.5.1-1 GUI to produce PDFs or DjVus from scanned documents
• mx-clocky attractive desktop-agnostic analog clock
• mx-debian-backports-installer
• openjdk-8
• samba shares
• smtube - watch youtube videos without using a browser - ideal for low-powered laptops.
• Security: Passwords and Keys 3.14.0

What is new in version 15.01:

• Core:
• Xfce 4.12
• Automatic enabling of Broadcom drivers b43 and b44
• UEFI installer (64bit, experimental)
• Details: type in terminal inxi -F
• Advanced LiveUSB:
• Run in Live mode in 10 languages
• Easy Live-remaster to make a custom LiveUSB
• Three forms of Live persistence
• Easy "frugal" install option
• Automatic check of all LiveUSB file systems for integrity
• Properties:
• Browser: Firefox 43.0
• Video Player: VLC 2.2.1-2
• Music Manager/Player: Clementine 1.2.3
• Email client: Thunderbird 38.4
• LibreOffice 4.3.3.2
• Expanded Settings Manager
• One-click Extras with MX Package Installer:
• Children: Preschool, Primary, etc.
• Graphics: Gimp, ImageMagik, Inkscape, etc.
• Network: Skype, Dropbox, etc.
• Office: GnuCash, Adobe Reader, Calibre, latest LibreOffice 5 etc.
• System: KDE, LXDE, MATE, etc.
• Audio: Audacity, DeaDBeeF, Pithos, etc.
• Video: DVDStyler, MPlayer, OpenShot, etc
• Kernel: Fallback Debian 3.16, latest Liquorix 4.3
• Development: deb packaging tools, git tools, QT5 Development Environment
• Games: PlayOnLinux, Steam, Supertux, Supertuxkart, etc
• Language: Localisation of applications such as firefox, thunderbird, libreoffice
• Miscellaneous: VirtualBox, GoogleEarth, Wine, java,
• MX Original Apps:
• Apt Notifier
• Boot Repair
• Broadcom Manager
• Check Apt GPG
• Codecs Installer
• Find Shares
• Flash Manager
• Package Installer
• Switch User
• User Manager
• Persistence/Remaster
• Create Live USB
• Sound Card
• User Experience:
• Stable
• Easy and flexible installation
• Excellent hardware recognition
• Configuration automatic for most users
• One-click change of panel orientation
• One-click enabling of Event sounds
• Important applications updated regularly by Community
• MX Tools dashboard for easy access to MX apps
• Localization for MX apps in many languages
• Great help through video set
• Full Users Manual onboard and online
• Excellent support on a friendly forum

What is new in version 14.4 / 15.0 Beta 2:

• We are pleased to announce the first public beta of MX-15 (codename 'Fusion') based on the reliable and stable Debian Jessie (8.2) with extra enhancements from our packaging team. Just like MX-14, this release defaults to sysVinit (though systemd is available once installed for those that prefer to use it).
• Desktop environment: Xfce 4.12
• Browser: Firefox 42.0
• Video Player: VLC 2.2.1-2
• Music Manager/Player: Clementine 1.2.3
• Email client: Thunderbird 38.3
• Office suite: LibreOffice 4.3.3.2
• GIMP
• MX-Tools - a set of handy tools to simplify many user tasks such as installing codecs, managing user account, installing amongst others.
• UEFI support (64bit, experimental)

What is new in version 14.4:

• Upgraded bugfix versions (pae and non-pae) of MX-14 are now available. This version has fixed some bugs found in MX-14.3 and Debian upstream.
• MX-14.4 is based on Debian Wheezy uses sysVinit so MX-14.4 offers a rock-solid systemd-free experience for those who would prefer to stick with sysVinit. MX is designed to be fast, stable and light on resources. MX-14 series will be supported until the end of life of Debian Wheezy.
• Bugfix and upgrade release including quite a few new enhancements.
• What applications are used:
• Clementine for music
• vlc for video
• full libreoffice suite
• iceweasel for web browsing
• claws-mail for email
• mirage for looking at your images
• minitube to watch youtube videos
• qpdfview for viewing pdf files
• synaptic package manager
• MX-Tools - a set of handy tools to simplify many user tasks.
• many more ..
• All fitting on a cd!
• Features/changes since MX-14.3:
• xfce4-12 - hot off the shelf!
• xfce4-power-manager-plugin added
• xfce4-dict added
• Thunar1.6.6 - we also added a couple of useful custom actions
• Still using the 3.14-0.bpo.2 kernel
• MX-Tools
• iceweasel upgraded to version 31.5.3esr-1~deb7u1
• claws-mail updated to version 3.11.1
• upgraded xscreensaver that removes the annoying 'reminder' pop-up
• further improvements to localisation.
• Beautification:
• faenza-cupertino-mini-icons
• Zukitwo theme
• Support:
• Updated the User Manual. A great deal of work was put into this. Many thanks to those involved.

What is new in version 14:

• Linux kernel 3.12 pae 32 bit
• Xfce 4.10
• Qupzilla browser
• Libreoffice - full featured office suite
• VLC - multimedia player and streamer
• Clementine - modern music player and library organizer
• Synaptic - package manager
• MX-Flash - Adobe Flash (tm) plugin manager
• MX-User - user manager
• MX-Codecs - restricted codecs installer
• MX-Apt-notifier - tray applet to notify of system and application updates
• MX-Checkaptgpg - check and add missing GPG keys needed by apt
• XChat - IRC client
• Network Manager
• xfburn - cd/dvd burning
• Lightdm - desktop manager
• Leafpad - text editor
• File-roller - archive manager
• Snapshot - tool to make a live.iso of your installed system
• Luckybackup - backup tool using rsync
• Live persistence and remastering
• Samba
• Transmission - torrent client
• Xscreensaver
• Metapackage-installer - simple way to install popular applications.
• Firmware
• Printer drivers
• Bleachbit - cleanup utility
• Catfish file search tool
• Games - chromium-bsu, gottet, lbreakout2, simsu
• claws-mail email client and some plugins
• disk-manager - graphical filesystem configurator
• galculator
• gdebi - tool to install deb files
• gnome-ppp - modem internet connection tool
• grub-customizer - graphical Grub2/BURG configuration application
• grub2
• minitube - watch youtube videos outside the browser
• mirage - image viewer
• orage - calendar
• pacpl - multi-purpose audio converter/ripper/tagger script
• pdfshuffler - merge, split and re-arrange pages from PDF documents
• qpdfview - tabbed document viewer
• simple-scan - Simple Scanning Utility
• Thunar - File Manager for Xfce
• Unetbootin - install linux iso to a partition or USB drive
• hybrid iso