More than seven months after its previous 23.1 release, the Debian-based antiX 23.2, codenamed “Arditi del Popolo,” is here!
For current antiX 23.1 users, there’s good news: there’s no need for a reinstallation. And, of course, as always, antiX provides a complete systemd-free and elogind-free experience.
In line with antiX tradition, version 23.2 offers different flavors for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Users can choose between sysVinit or runit versions, all ensuring a streamlined experience. The available flavors are:
- antiX-full (1.8GB): This version includes four window managersโIceWM (default), fluxbox, jwm, and herbstluftwmโalongside the full LibreOffice suite. The x64 version comes with two kernels, Legacy 5.10 and Modern 6.1.
- antiX-base (1.2GB): Similar to the full version, this flavor also comes with four window managers but skips the extra applications like LibreOffice.
- antiX-core (520MB): This version has no graphical user interface (GUI) but supports most wireless networks, providing an excellent starting point for users who want a lightweight, customizable setup.
- antiX-net (220MB): This bare-bones version has just enough to get you connected (via wired internet) and ready to build from scratch.
For those opting for the core or net editions, note that connecting to the internet may require manual commands, such as typing ifup eth0 or ifup eth1 as the root user.
antiX 23.2: Key Features and Improvements
antiX 23.2 is based on Debian 12 (Bookworm) but is notably devoid of systemd, elogind, and their dependencies. Instead, antiX employs eudev instead of udev, keeping it systemd-free while ensuring smooth hardware compatibility.
Among the key components, the antiX-full x64 edition is equipped with two custom kernels: 5.10 (Legacy) and 6.1 (Modern), allowing users to select their preferred version.
However, after installation, the default kernel will be Modern 6.1, regardless of which kernel was booted during the live session.
The antiX-full edition comes with familiar productivity tools such as LibreOffice 24.8.2 and Firefox ESR 128.3. Meanwhile, antiX-base provides Seamonkey 2.53.19 for web browsing, ensuring lightweight operation.
Both editions come with useful multimedia software, such as XMMS for audio, Celluloid and MPV for video playback, and various other applications to cater to different user needs.
The release continues to include popular and helpful applications such as Geany, Leafpad, Claws Mail, and CUPS for printing. Notably, new in-house tools and applications have been added, enhancing the antiX experience:
- antiX TV and antiX Radio: Streaming tools for TV and radio lovers.
- Finder: A simple script to search for everythingโfrom files to apps and web content.
- antiX SAMBA manager: A script for managing Samba shares, available directly from the antiX Control Centre.
- antiX equaliser toggle: A handy tool to activate or deactivate the PipeWire equalizer.
The antiX Control Centre app remains the core for managing system settings, offering an easy way to perform nearly any task. Included tools like Boot Repair, Package Installer, and Network Assistant add to the overall functionality.
Lastly, in addition to the new features, many existing in-house scripts and applications have been further improved, providing a smoother user experience.
For detailed information about all changes in antiX 23.2, refer to the release announcement.
