MX Linux
mxlinux.org
What it is
MX Linux is a free family of Linux operating systems built from Debian Stable repositories for desktop use focused on efficiency, stability, and performance. The project is a cooperative venture between the antiX and MX Linux communities. Its official editions use Xfce, KDE, or Fluxbox, and graphical MX tools cover tasks such as boot options and repository management. MX Package Installer provides access to popular applications from Debian Stable, MX Test Repo, Debian Backports, and Flatpak; listed compatibility also includes Snap on supported setups and AppImage. MX Updater checks packages, offers upgrade modes, and can schedule unattended upgrades. Live USB and snapshot tools support portable operation and remastering. The Xfce edition comes in standard and Advanced Hardware Support versions; KDE includes Dolphin and KDE Connect. MX automatically receives Debian Stable security updates, and its ISO Signature Verifier checks signed checksums. It can be installed on desktop and laptop computers or run live from removable USB media. Support resources include videos, documentation, a user manual, and a forum.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- MX Linux is a family of operating systems built from Debian Stable repositories for elegant, efficient desktops with high stability and solid performance.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Intended users
- The project describes MX as a midweight desktop operating system designed for stability, performance and efficient desktops.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Support
- Support resources include videos, documentation and the MX Linux Forum.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- Community
- MX Linux is a cooperative venture between the antiX and MX Linux communities.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- Community support
- The project describes support through videos, documentation and a forum.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Desktop choices
- The official editions include Xfce, KDE and Fluxbox.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Desktop editions
- The official editions are Xfce, KDE and Fluxbox.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Firewall
- Starting with MX Linux 23, the firewall is enabled and set to deny incoming connections; the FAQ notes this may interfere with printer discovery and some applications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Fluxbox features
- The Fluxbox edition has a restricted default package set, custom configuration apps, dock and icon tools, and a tint2 panel.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- Hardware support
- The Xfce edition supports hardware from older laptops to modern desktops and is available in standard and Advanced Hardware Support versions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- ISO verification
- MX provides a GUI ISO Signature Verifier for checking signed checksums and ISO integrity.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- KDE features
- The KDE edition includes Dolphin, KDE Connect, MX Tools and customizable activities, themes and icons.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- Live and remastering
- Live USB and snapshot tools provide portability and remastering capabilities.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- Live USB and snapshots
- Live USB and snapshot tools provide portability and remastering capabilities.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- MX Tools
- MX’s graphical tools provide ways to perform a wide variety of system tasks.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Package compatibility
- The FAQ warns that installing Ubuntu PPAs on MX will likely cause problems because Ubuntu is not Debian.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Package compatibility limit
- The FAQ cautions that installing Ubuntu PPAs will likely cause problems because Ubuntu is not Debian.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Package installation
- MX Package Installer provides access to popular applications, Debian Stable, MX Test Repo, Debian Backports and Flatpaks.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Package sources
- The MX Package Installer offers popular applications and packages from MX Test Repo, Debian Backports and Flatpaks.Read 4 Oct 2026 · mail.mxlinux.org
- Release cycle
- Major version changes follow new Debian Stable releases, with point releases delivered through standard update channels in between.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- Security updates
- The FAQ says MX is based on Debian Stable and automatically receives its security updates.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
- User manual
- The user manual is available from the menu or by pressing Alt+F1 in MX Linux.Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
Plans and prices
MX Linux Free Free Linux distribution · Xfce, KDE and Fluxbox editions Read 5 Oct 2026 · mxlinux.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Three official desktop editions
- Live USB and snapshot tools support remastering
- MX Updater supports scheduled unattended upgrades
- ISO Signature Verifier checks signed checksums
Limits
- Official MX-25 releases are 64-bit only
- Ubuntu PPAs will likely cause problems
- Firewall may interfere with printer discovery
Who it suits
MX Linux suits desktop users looking for a Debian Stable-based system, with choices among Xfce, KDE, and Fluxbox. Its live USB and snapshot tools may also suit users who want portable operation or remastering capabilities.
Verdict
MX Linux offers three desktop editions, package-management tools, and live-system capabilities at no cost. Check hardware and package compatibility needs first, particularly the Ubuntu PPA warning and the firewall’s possible effects on discovery and applications.
Where Specifiction places it
- Operating Systems#11 of 428.1
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