Getting Started with MX Linux: Basic Installation and Setup Guide

Posted on by Lukas Grumlik

Welcome to the world of MX Linux, a sleek and user-friendly distribution that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned Linux users. This guide will walk you through the basic installation and setup process of MX Linux, covering two scenarios: installing with the GRUB boot loader and installing with the rEFInd boot loader. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to MX Linux
  2. System Requirements
  3. Preparing for Installation
  4. Downloading MX Linux
  5. Creating a Bootable USB
  6. Installing MX Linux with GRUB Boot Loader
  7. Booting from USB
  8. Running the Installer
  9. Configuring GRUB
  10. Installing MX Linux with rEFInd Boot Loader
  11. Booting from USB
  12. Running the Installer
  13. Installing rEFInd
  14. Post-Installation Setup
  15. Updating the System
  16. Installing Additional Software
  17. Customizing Your Desktop
  18. Conclusion

Introduction to MX Linux

MX Linux is a cooperative venture between the antiX and former MEPIS communities, designed to combine an elegant and efficient desktop with high stability and solid performance. It’s particularly praised for its simple configuration, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced Linux users.

System Requirements

Before we begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster
  • RAM: 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommended
  • Disk Space: 5 GB for a minimal installation, 20 GB for a full installation
  • Bootable USB Drive: 4 GB or larger

Preparing for Installation

Downloading MX Linux

  1. Visit the MX Linux download page.
  2. Choose the appropriate ISO file for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
  3. Download the ISO file to your computer.

Creating a Bootable USB

To create a bootable USB drive, you can use tools like Rufus (Windows), Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux), or the dd command (Linux).

Using Rufus (Windows)

  1. Download and install Rufus.
  2. Insert your USB drive.
  3. Open Rufus and select your USB drive.
  4. Click “SELECT” and choose the MX Linux ISO file.
  5. Click “START” and wait for the process to complete.

Using Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux)

  1. Download and install Etcher.
  2. Open Etcher and select the MX Linux ISO file.
  3. Choose your USB drive.
  4. Click “Flash!” and wait for the process to complete.

Installing MX Linux with GRUB Boot Loader

Booting from USB

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.
  2. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup).
  3. Set the USB drive as the first boot option.
  4. Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will boot from the USB drive.

Running the Installer

  1. Once booted, you’ll see the MX Linux live environment. Select “MX Linux” and press Enter.
  2. When the desktop loads, double-click the “Install MX Linux” icon.

Configuring GRUB

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to partition your disk and choose your installation options.
  2. When prompted to install the GRUB boot loader, select “Yes” and choose the appropriate device (usually /dev/sda).
  3. Complete the installation process and reboot your system.

Installing MX Linux with rEFInd Boot Loader

If you are like me and your installation always stop on Grub boot loader then use this option.

Lukas Grumlik

Booting from USB

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.
  2. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup).
  3. Set the USB drive as the first boot option.
  4. Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will boot from the USB drive.

Running the Installer

  1. Once booted, you’ll see the MX Linux live environment. Select “MX Linux” and press Enter.
  2. When the desktop loads, double-click the “Install MX Linux” icon.

Installing rEFInd

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to partition your disk and choose your installation options.
  2. When prompted to install the GRUB boot loader, select “No” to skip this step.
  3. Complete the installation process but do not reboot yet.

Installing rEFInd Boot Loader

  1. From the live environment, open a terminal.
  2. Install rEFInd with the following commands:
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install refind
   sudo refind-install
  1. Reboot your system. rEFInd should now detect your MX Linux installation and present it as a boot option.

Post-Installation Setup

Updating the System

  1. Open a terminal.
  2. Run the following commands to update your system:
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

Installing Additional Software

  1. Open the MX Package Installer from the menu.
  2. Browse and install additional software as needed.

Customizing Your Desktop

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select “Desktop Settings”.
  2. Customize your wallpaper, icons, and overall desktop appearance to your liking.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and set up MX Linux on your system. Whether you chose the traditional GRUB boot loader or the sleek rEFInd boot loader, you’re now ready to explore the full potential of MX Linux. Enjoy your new Linux experience!

For more detailed information and troubleshooting, visit the MX Linux forums and the MX Linux Wiki.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy computing!

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Lukas’s Journey to MX Linux: A Windows User’s Perspective

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A Reminder Why I Moved from Windows to MX Linux

Ever been frustrated by sluggish Windows updates? I sure have. Yesterday, a simple task to create a wallpaper turned into a 2.5-hour ordeal on my dual-booted Windows system. It was a stark reminder of why I switched to MX Linux. With speedy updates, stellar performance, and no bloatware, MX Linux has been a game-changer. If you’re thinking about making the switch, check out my full experience and get recommendations for other user-friendly Linux distros!

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