AntiX

AntiX is a special kind of computer operating system based on Linux. It started from a system called MEPIS, which itself comes from Debian. AntiX was made to work well on older or less powerful computers. Instead of using many features that need a lot of power, it uses simpler tools like Fluxbox and IceWM to keep things running smoothly.

One big difference between antiX and some other systems is that it does not use something called systemd to start and manage programs. Instead, it uses Runit, which helps make the system faster and more efficient.

The people who made antiX wanted to help people use their old computers for longer. By choosing careful and smart software, they made sure even older machines could run well. AntiX also got ideas from other small and fast systems like sidux, TinyMe, Puppy, Absolute, and SliTaz, which helped improve it over time.

Distribution motto

The subtitle of the antiX distribution is “Proudly anti-fascist.” The creator of this distribution is Paul Banham, also known as anticapitalista, from Thessaloniki in Greece. He sees himself as representing a left-wing political idea.

Features

AntiX is a lightweight operating system made for older computers. It includes special versions for very old machines and better support for newer ones. It comes with many useful programs and does not use certain complex systems that some other operating systems use.

Starting from version 19, AntiX lets users choose between different ways to start up the computer. From version 22, it works without extra software for both 32-bit and 64-bit computers. Newer versions, like 23.1, add fun tools such as AntiX TV and AntiX Radio. Version 23.2 includes two different kernels to help both old and new computers run smoothly. AntiX can boot up quickly from a CD or USB drive, without needing to be installed on the computer's main disk.

systemd
elogind
sysVinit
runit
live CD
live USB

Window managers

antiX has a simple desktop that uses ROX or Zzzfm to manage files, along with the GTK library and IceWM to control windows. It offers different versions, including:

• Lightweight: Rox-IceWM (default), IceWM and ZzzFM-IceWM
• Minimalist: Rox-Fluxbox, Fluxbox and ZzzFM-Fluxbox
• Very minimalist: Rox-JWM, JWM and ZzzFM-JWM

Using ROX or Zzzfm gives you desktop icons and lets you move items by dragging them. Conky can show information about your system's performance.

Flavors

Starting with release 26, antiX offers five ways to start up its system, with Runit being the default choice. Users can pick their preferred way to start up through the antiX Control Center.

antiX 26 comes in two versions for both older and newer computer types:

• Full - This version includes tools for seeing and controlling the screen, a set of programs for work and creativity, and a way to add more programs easily. It is about 2.0 Gb in size.
• Core - This version has no extra screen tools, but it lets users set things up exactly how they want using commands. It is about 660 Mb in size.

antiX23 also had two extra versions for older releases:

• Base - This included basic screen tools and ways to add more programs as needed. It was about 1 GB in size.
• net - This had no extra screen tools and let users set things up exactly how they wanted using commands. It was about 220 MB in size.

Since November 2016, MX Linux has been a separate system listed on DistroWatch. It uses a popular screen setup and is based directly on Debian Stable.

Releases

The releases of antiX are named after important people and groups who supported left-wing ideas and change.

Historical versions

Supported versions