Antix Linux is a free and open source operating system that focuses on a light weight desktop experience and ease of use, one of it’s main goals is to promote a “system-md” free approach to Linux.
Based on Debian, it provides both a rich repository of software, and a sense of reliability.
Based on Debian, it provides both a rich repository of software, and a sense of reliability.
Debian origins
The fact it’s based on Debian is a huge plus, a lot of the software I use is in .deb form, and I fully understand how to work with repositories to add and remove software, it was a pleasant surprise to find that Synaptic was shipped by default with Antix.
Light weight
When it boots into GUI, it’s using less than 100 MB, that’s an impressive feat for a modern operating system.
- Windows XP for example uses up to 300MBs to load, even with tweaks it’s not as light as Antix.
- Ubuntu is heavier than that, most modern interfaces (Gnome, KDE and Unity) are resource extensive.
- Even lightweight flavors of Ubuntu (Xubuntu and Lubuntu) can’t reach that level of lightness.
- Low minimum system requirements, needs about 256MB of RAM and a Pentium 3 processor to work.
That makes it perfect for older computers, and Netbooks.
Why Antix on my Netbook
I found that my Netbook had a performance issue, even when choosing a lighter interface i.e: XFCE. And trying to browse the web with an updated version of Firefox was impossible.
Ubuntu 14.04 is nearing End of Life, I’ve used it on and off since it’s release in 2014, but it’s time to say goodbye.
Ubuntu 14.04 is nearing End of Life, I’ve used it on and off since it’s release in 2014, but it’s time to say goodbye.
Seeking a lightweight alternative that was both easy to use and somewhat familiar led me to using Antix.
Antix Linux Pros
- Looks good, has a bottom bar and a menu similar to the start menu, not alien.
- Debian based, most of my software worked without issues.
- Light weight, I had more RAM and CPU power at my disposal, the only thing lighter was puppy Linux, but that isn’t really usable.
- Download size was small, less than 700MB (for the base version), can be put easily on a CD, something Ubuntu can’t achieve anymore.
- Low hardware requirements, would work on most computers old and new.
Antix Linux cons
- It can be confusing at first, the window manager used is clumsy and like nothing I ever used. (You can toggle between them by pressing F1 on the login screen).
- I couldn’t set up my wifi at first, and had to download WICD to be able to access the internet, and before that a good old fashioned cable connection.
- Customization isn’t easy,, won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
- The file manager opens items after one click, I couldn’t change that nor get used to it, so I’m using Thunar as a file manager for now.
- I had an issue with an NTFS partition on my disk.
- Unable to lock the desktop with a password.
- An issue with focuswrite type writer sounds.
- An issue with bucklespring keyboard sounds.
An update
Updating the system changed the default file manager to Spaceman FM, which is more customizable and can access NTFS partitions with one command, a much welcomed update!
I was able to add items to startup by editing the config file found under: Control Center Session User desktop session.
Same goes for adding the terminal shortcut, it was under Control Center Desktop
And from there I added the lxterminal to the key combination: Ctrl + Alt + t.
Final words
With a mix of lightweight performance and a sense of aesthetics, this unique distro made it’s way to my Netbook as the first non-Ubuntu distro I ever use.
For more feel free to visit the project’s website at https://antixlinux.com/