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Title: MXLinux is the most downloaded Linux desktop distribution, and now I know why
Source: [None]
URL Source: https://www.techrepublic.com/articl ... stribution-and-now-i-know-why/
Published: Apr 8, 2021
Author: Horse
Post Date: 2021-04-08 14:24:27 by Horse
Keywords: None
Views: 660
Comments: 20

Have you heard of it? If you're an ardent supporter of Linux on the desktop, you probably have. Otherwise, chances are pretty slim you've ever heard tell of this particular Linux distribution--there's a reason for that. MXLinux isn't Ubuntu, Mint or even Fedora (in a pinch). MXLinux doesn't have the brand recognition the other popular takes on the Linux distributions. More about Open Source

Linux: The 7 best distributions for new users (free PDF) Top commands Linux admins need to know (TechRepublic Premium) The Linux desktop is boring again--that's a good thing Open source shouldn't mean anti-commercial says Drupal creator Dries Buytaert

It doesn't have the cachet of widespread familiarity. Then why is it the most downloaded Linux distribution on Distrowatch?

A bit of a sidebar: I realize that Distrowatch isn't the bellwether of Linux popularity. For those of us who've been around the Linux block for a few decades, it's an important indicator. When I see that MXLinux has the No. 1 download spot (over Manjaro, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS and Ubuntu), I take notice.

I downloaded the latest iteration of MXLinux and spun up a virtual machine to see what gives. I must say, I was not surprised by what greeted me.

SEE: Linux service control commands (TechRepublic Premium) MXLinux features a clean desktop ADVERTISING

If I had to describe MXLinux in a single word, that word would be "clean." The default Xfce desktop is quite appealing (Figure A); with a perfect mixture of simplicity, ease of use and appeal to more seasoned users.

Have you heard of it? If you're an ardent supporter of Linux on the desktop, you probably have. Otherwise, chances are pretty slim you've ever heard tell of this particular Linux distribution--there's a reason for that. MXLinux isn't Ubuntu, Mint or even Fedora (in a pinch). MXLinux doesn't have the brand recognition the other popular takes on the Linux distributions. More about Open Source

Linux: The 7 best distributions for new users (free PDF) Top commands Linux admins need to know (TechRepublic Premium) The Linux desktop is boring again--that's a good thing Open source shouldn't mean anti-commercial says Drupal creator Dries Buytaert

It doesn't have the cachet of widespread familiarity. Then why is it the most downloaded Linux distribution on Distrowatch?

A bit of a sidebar: I realize that Distrowatch isn't the bellwether of Linux popularity. For those of us who've been around the Linux block for a few decades, it's an important indicator. When I see that MXLinux has the No. 1 download spot (over Manjaro, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS and Ubuntu), I take notice.

I downloaded the latest iteration of MXLinux and spun up a virtual machine to see what gives. I must say, I was not surprised by what greeted me.

If I had to describe MXLinux in a single word, that word would be "clean." The default Xfce desktop is quite appealing (Figure A); with a perfect mixture of simplicity, ease of use and appeal to more seasoned users.

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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 10.

#1. To: Horse (#0)

Somebody in a music forum was justelling me to use Linux. Do you? What's the learning curve like? Good to know it's there in cas I ever need it.

NeoconsNailed  posted on  2021-04-08   14:27:34 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: NeoconsNailed (#1)

The graphic interface is as easy to use as any other graphic interface. There's no learning curve with it. You have desktop icons just like windows does, a tool bar which shows what's open, and a menu dropdown for finding any program installed, grouped by general purpose, like "Internet" and "Graphics" and "Games", etc.

And these days most windows programs can be run in Linux. There's really no reason to be isolated on Windows.

Pinguinite  posted on  2021-04-08   14:33:53 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: Pinguinite (#2)

Thanks -- am still lovin' Windows, havin' no problems AND downloadin' no updates.

NeoconsNailed  posted on  2021-04-08   15:14:55 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: NeoconsNailed (#5)

I refused Windows 10 so I can't update Windows 7. I had to quit 2 websites I love because my old setup can't meet their new specs.

Horse  posted on  2021-04-08   16:39:09 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#9. To: Horse (#7)

Why not just go on using 7 till it finally isn't possible -- IF that day ever comes? I srsly doubt (knock head) that people are out there gunning for it.

NeoconsNailed  posted on  2021-04-08   16:53:29 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#10. To: NeoconsNailed (#9)

Because it no longer works at two sites I visit.

Horse  posted on  2021-04-09   3:56:57 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


Replies to Comment # 10.

#11. To: Horse (#10)

Do you care to tell us what sites they are?

NeoconsNailed  posted on  2021-04-09 05:40:18 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


#13. To: Horse (#10)

Is your internet download speed fast enough to properly render and display the sites' content?

speedtest.net

Lod  posted on  2021-04-09 08:21:53 ET  Reply   Untrace   Trace   Private Reply  


End Trace Mode for Comment # 10.

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