Review: Antix 7.5
Submitted by srlinuxx on Thu, 10/02/2008 - 02:27.
It’s time once again for a Linux distro review. This month, Antix 7.5 was included on the LXF DVD. It’s another light distro, so I will use the same metrics I used in the Lightweight Linux Throwdown. Antix is based upon Mepis which is, in turn, based upon Debian.
The default Window Manager for Antix is Fluxbox. (Although IceWM is available from the menu) There’s a neat system monitor running in the top left corner. It looks pretty nice and the default terminal style uses fake transparency (it clones the desktop background). The system colour scheme and fonts are easy to read and use. It has a slight military feel to it - the workspaces are named Alpha, Bravo, Gamma and Delta. The default browser in Antix is IceWeasel 3.0 - which is basically Firefox 3.0 with different artwork. I guess Mepis uses this from Debian and Antix has left it unchanged. I think, probably, anyone using Antix is enough of a Linux pro that they know that IceWeasel is the same as Firefox and won’t get flustered. I’m not really into the IceWeasel theme, but that can easily be changed.
Net Connection
It just worked when I booted. That’s how it should be.
Programs
Antix developer is efficient and clear minded ? Mepis DSL ?
Antix is Mepis with DSL apps(older Debian apps).
It is very nimble in codes and can avoid missing bindings(bugs) with apps from DSL repositories.
DSL was and still is a stripped down Debian livecd based on Knoppix.
Mepis has gone back to Debian roots without much Ubuntu Python fixes in Gnome. So, staying away from Gnome, got rid of the Mono trap set up in python. Avoided GCC traps in version4.3.34.32, etc.
In Linux development work, we learned to avoid many open source fixes and stick with larger organizations and their maintainers. Efficiency is often gotten with simpler apps without much binding complexities in GCC compiler versions.
So, Antix is developed with a clear mind, true and proven. DSL apps are stand alone programs. Mepis can install newer peripherals efficiently. IceWeasel can replace Firefox, using less dram capacity for web history? But some DSL apps may be complimented by Google gadgets or added Firefox extensions?