MX Linux vs Void Linux

MX Linux and Void Linux both offer unique approaches to Linux use. This page breaks down their differences, strengths, and ideal user scenarios to guide you in choosing the right distro.

Mx Linux Icon

MX Linux

The comfortable choice

  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong community support
  • Efficient performance
  • Minimal hardware requirements
  • Limited rolling release model
  • Less customization flexibility
Best for Desktop simplicity
Void Linux Icon

Void Linux

Ultimate flexibility

  • True rolling release
  • Lightweight and minimal
  • Unique package manager
  • BSD-style init system
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Smaller community
Best for Custom system builders

TL;DR: Pick MX Linux for ease of use and support. Pick Void Linux for customization and a rolling release model.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

Linux

MX Linux is known for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners.

Linux

Void Linux requires more knowledge to set up, presenting a steeper learning curve for new users.

Desktop feel

Linux

Offers a polished and cohesive desktop experience with XFCE as the default environment.

Linux

Highly customizable, allowing users to choose their preferred desktop environment with minimal defaults.

Stability

Linux

Stable release model ensures reliability with well-tested updates.

Linux

Rolling release provides up-to-date software but requires careful management to maintain stability.

Updates

Linux

Provides regular updates with a balance between new features and stability.

Linux

Features a true rolling release with continuous software updates.

Software access

Linux

Offers access to a wide range of software through its repositories and the use of third-party tools like Flatpak.

Linux

Uses XBPS for package management, which is efficient but has a smaller repository compared to some other distros.

Privacy

Linux

Focuses on user privacy with minimal data collection and strong security practices.

Linux

Void Linux's minimalistic approach inherently provides a high level of privacy and control over the system.

Community & docs

Linux

Has a large, active community with extensive documentation and forums available.

Linux

Smaller community but offers well-written documentation and a helpful IRC channel.

Gaming

Linux

Supports gaming with good compatibility for Steam and Proton.

Linux

Capable of gaming but may require more setup and configuration to get everything working smoothly.

Pros & cons summary

MX Linux

Pros

  • MX Linux offers a user-friendly interface that is ideal for beginners.
  • It has a strong community providing extensive support and documentation.
  • The distribution is optimized for efficient performance, even on older hardware.
  • MX Linux does not require high-end hardware, making it suitable for a broad range of systems.
  • The combination of stability and user-friendly tools makes it an excellent choice for everyday use.

Cons

  • MX Linux follows a semi-rolling release model, which means updates are not as frequent as true rolling distributions.
  • There is less flexibility for customization compared to some other distributions, which might deter advanced users.
  • The default package manager may not have as large a repository as some alternative distros.

Void Linux

Pros

  • Void Linux offers a true rolling release, providing the latest software updates continuously.
  • Its lightweight and minimalistic design allows for a highly customizable user experience.
  • The XBPS package manager is unique and provides efficient management of software.
  • Void uses the runit init system, which is known for its simplicity and speed.
  • It provides a robust platform for advanced users who want to build a custom system.

Cons

  • Void Linux has a steeper learning curve, which might be challenging for beginners.
  • The community is smaller, which can lead to less readily available support and documentation.
  • It requires more manual configuration and setup compared to more user-friendly distributions.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: MX Linux

It's user-friendly and similar in ease of use to Windows.

📝

Following tutorials

Pick: Either

Both distros have sufficient documentation and community support for learning.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: MX Linux

It is optimized for performance on older machines.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: MX Linux

Provides better out-of-the-box support for gaming platforms.

💼

Work/professional use

Pick: Void Linux

Its rolling release provides the latest software, beneficial for certain professional environments.

🏠

Simple daily desktop

Pick: MX Linux

Offers a stable and easy-to-use environment for daily tasks.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

What is the relationship between MX Linux and Void Linux?

There is no direct relationship; they are separate projects with different goals and communities.

Which is more beginner-friendly, MX Linux or Void Linux?

MX Linux is more beginner-friendly due to its user-friendly interface and extensive community support.

Which distro offers better performance and speed?

Void Linux may offer better performance due to its minimalistic design, but both are efficient on a variety of hardware.

Can I try these distros before installing them?

Yes, both MX Linux and Void Linux offer live environments that let you test them before installation.

How do software compatibility and package management compare?

MX Linux uses APT for package management, while Void Linux uses XBPS. Both offer extensive software libraries but differ in package availability.

How well do these distros support hardware?

MX Linux generally has better support for a wide range of hardware, while Void Linux may require more manual configuration.

What are the release cycles for MX Linux and Void Linux?

MX Linux follows a semi-rolling release model, while Void Linux is a true rolling release distribution.

Is it easy to switch between MX Linux and Void Linux?

Switching requires a fresh installation and reconfiguration, but both have documentation to assist the process.

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