What is antiX? Who it is for
antiX is built on Debian. It uses IceWM or Fluxbox as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
antiX at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: IceWM or Fluxbox
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: the antiX installer
Who antiX suits
antiX suits people with very old or low-memory computers, since it runs without systemd.
Strengths
- Low memory and processor use, which helps older or modest computers feel quick.
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
- Small and quick to start, which makes it handy for repair, recovery and portable use.
Things to consider
- The lighter design means fewer built-in features and a plainer look than the big desktops.
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- It is designed for portable or temporary use, so it suits a live USB drive better than a permanent daily system.
- As a rough guide, about 512 MB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try antiX from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the antiX bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare antiX
- antiX vs Lubuntu
- antiX vs Xubuntu
- antiX vs Linux Lite
- antiX vs MX Linux
- antiX vs Puppy Linux
- antiX vs Bodhi Linux
Installing software on antiX
antiX uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is antiX good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but antiX is aimed more at people with very old or low-memory computers, since it runs without systemd. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does antiX use?
antiX uses IceWM or Fluxbox. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does antiX need?
As a rough guide, about 512 MB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is antiX based on another distribution?
antiX is built on Debian.
How often is antiX updated?
antiX follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try antiX without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.