antiX Linux Review: The Fast, Lightweight Distro That Revives Old Computers

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The antiX distro offers a solid operating system that many other Linux communities fail to offer. It's simple yet reliable, focusing on performance, not beauty.

This last element is crucial for providing users with distraction free computing power. However, that doesn't mean antiX isn't visually appealing. The distro has a straightforward interface.

Instead of bright backgrounds and decorative themes, it provides a plain, mostly dark display so you can concentrate on the computing task at hand. Within this simple screen setup lies a powerful suite of Linux applications and computing tools.

Another great design feature is antiX's ability to keep old hardware running again. This practical and innovative approach keeps older computers running fast and running. It also provides a source of power for newer computers.

I started experimenting with antiX when looking for something different to keep some older computers clean. AntiX runs the very lightweight IceWM desktop environment by default. Two other versions are available, running fluxbox or jwm.

However, don't confuse antiX Linux with Artix Linux. They are very different products with very little in common.

Unique Computing Power and Options

The latest version of antiX (19.3), called Manolis Glezos, was released on October 17th. This operating system is fast, functional, and easy to install. It is based on Debian Buster for Intel AMD x86 compatible systems and is completely systemd free.

This latest update brings improvements to the SysV and Runit series. The system runs on both 32 bit and 64 bit architectures with sysvinit or runit. Choosing between these two built in startup components won't be a problem for new users. However, experienced Linux users will certainly appreciate the choice.

The 32 bit edition of antiX features a non PAE (Physical Address Extension) kernel that allows 32 bit systems to access 4 GB of RAM. This is one reason why antiX is an excellent choice for keeping older hardware running with a modern and powerful operating system. This series features a robust kernel, allowing it to support both old and new hardware, and includes more firmware for all three editions: full, basic, and core.

This distro runs on most computers, from the old 256MB PIII system with preconfigured swap to the latest high end machines. You'll need a minimum of 256MB of RAM, and the installer requires a minimum of 2.7GB of hard disk space.

One of the great multi purpose uses of antiX is its ability to act as a fast booting rescue CD or a "live" operating system running on a USB stick, with or without persistent file storage. You can also install it partially to your computer's hard drive in a "budget" configuration. The live session remaster tool lets you customize your own version or create a "snapshot" of the installed system for emergency reinstallation without having to start from scratch.

Lightweight, Not Lacking in Power

AntiX was originally released in 2007 as a lightweight MEPIS based distro. That "traditional" minimalist look has remained to this day. AntiX has a unique look, and in part, it's very functional. Its design maximizes low system resources, allowing it to run on older machines.

Running antiX on a newer machine with increased RAM and a modern video card doesn't improve its appearance much. In fact, I find antiX ugly compared to most other Linux desktop environments. However, it's very functional. That's what matters. So, you have to be willing to accept the consequences.

Typically, on less lightweight Linux operating systems, a full fledged desktop environment like Xfce or GNOME manages the entire desktop display function with a separate Windows Manager server within it. Instead, antiX uses a Windows Manager without a larger desktop shell.

This design is ideal for limiting the amount of resources consumed on older computers. The AntiX Linux design is packed with powerful applications that cover every imaginable computing task with a wide range of options.

Downloadable Options

As mentioned earlier, antiX runs in the Windows Manager, rather than a native desktop environment. For most purposes, the difference is negligible.

While you only have two virtual workspaces, you can move applications between them. You can run Windows full screen or minimize them to share multiple windows on the same screen.

Animations and sound effects are not part of the Windows Manager landscape.

manager. You also have a wealth of system settings to personalize how you work in antiX. The Control Center and various settings panels allow you to customize the appearance and functionality of the desktop to your liking.

One of these menu controls lets you quickly switch between built in window managers. The ability to quickly change the appearance of the "desktop," as well as the style and background image, makes antiX more than just a single screen desktop machine.

For general users, the best option is to download antiX full (about 1.2 GB). This package contains four window managers: IceWM (built in), Fluxbox, jwm, and herbstluftwm. Additional window manager variations of these four are also included.

• AntiX base (770 MB) is more limited, with only four window managers. You get IceWM (built in), Fluxbox, jwm, and herbstluftwm.
• AntiX core (470 MB) doesn't have X but does have a CLI installer without UEFI or encryption support. It should support most wireless cards.
• AntiX net (170MB) has the same missing components as shown in the core. This package is enough to get you connected (with a cable) and ready to build.

It also comes with the full latest LibreOffice suite.

Using It

One of my favorite "desktop" features is the ability to access the system menu in multiple ways. AntiX has three.

The main menu appears by clicking the traditional menu icon in the far right of the bottom panel. The second way to access the menu is by right clicking anywhere on the desktop. The third way is the context menu, which can be accessed by right clicking the title bar of an open window.