LXer: MXLinux is the most downloaded Linux desktop distribution, and now I know why

LXer · 04-08-2021, 12:28 PM

Published at LXer:

MXLinux. Have you heard of it? If you're an ardent supporter of Linux on the desktop, you probably have.

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fatmac · 04-08-2021, 01:12 PM

Whilst I don't use it much myself, I have been recommending it for many months/years(?); a far better fit for most newcomers than the *buntus & their clones.

remmilou · 04-08-2021, 03:16 PM

I've been "playing" with it since MX18. I must say that it is more than user friendly. It's ridiculous easy to install and encrypt.
It uses the real Debian (Buster) repositories, but extended with MX repositories. The added MX feature I like best (and use often) is the snapshotting (to installable ISO). Brilliant!
I still use it on an old laptop (KDE Plasma version).
I have one major concern: the upgrade path. MX18 --> MX19 required a reinstall. Upgrade was explicitly mentioned as impossible. So what about next upgrade...?
I played with MX19 with sid (unstable) repositories. It's possible, but it breaks a lot and requires a lot of correction. Some of the MX utilities end up broken. Was fun to try though...
I agree with fatmac that it's much better than all the *buntus and their derivates.
So, thumbs up for MX

fatmac · 04-09-2021, 03:34 AM

Normally, it is just the usual upgrade procedure, but I believe there were major software differences between those two versions, & as you found out, it was easier to re install the O/S, which is easy enough, & you can re use your old /home directories, just enable that option when re installing.

JWJones · 04-09-2021, 10:40 AM

Another positive review today by Dedoimedo:

https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/mx-19-3.html

igadoter · 04-09-2021, 11:02 AM

I broke MX Linux in two hours just using it.

JWJones · 04-09-2021, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igadoter

I broke MX Linux in two hours just using it.

Nice! How did you achieve it? I'm guessing apt somehow. I have it running on a laptop, but it's needs are few. I will probably switch it to FreeBSD soon, however.

igadoter · 04-09-2021, 12:23 PM

Flatpak. Guys claim it works. But it didn't. IMO too many functions out of box - and not good enough tested. Not good enough because there are too many of them.

JWJones · 04-09-2021, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igadoter

Flatpak. Guys claim it works. But it didn't. IMO too many functions out of box - and not good enough tested. Not good enough because there are too many of them.

Ah, good to know. I don't use them, as I have been skeptical, myself.

fatmac · 04-10-2021, 04:52 AM

If software that you want isn't in their repositories, you can ask for it, & quite often it will be added.

Using 'foreign' package installers is always a route to disaster.