A Fresh Take on a Beloved Linux Distribution
Highlights from ZDNET
In the early 2000s, Enlightenment was my go-to desktop setup. Fast forward to today, it remains an exciting and distinctive choice.
Back then, installing Enlightenment required manual effort, as no distribution included it by default. Eventually, a new Linux variant integrated Enlightenment solely as its desktop option. The developer later forked the environment, creating Moksha, which maintained Enlightenment's charm but with enhanced user-friendliness. It boasts myriad settings and a universally accessible menu activated with a left click.
Recent developments have given rise to a new variant, MX Moksha, which I found thoroughly enjoyable.
Having installed MX Moksha, here's my assessment of its performance.
A Nostalgic Feature Returns
MX Moksha sports a vibrant pink theme, highlighting the left-click desktop menu beautifully.
Much like Bodhi Linux, MX Moksha brings back a classic Linux feature: window shading. This nifty trick allows you to double-click a window's header, rolling the window into a neat bar. It's an elegant solution to declutter your desktop without minimizing apps.
Setting up Samba shares is a breeze with MX's Samba Config interface.
However, not all programs support window shading—Firefox, for instance, doesn't. If an app doesn't use the standard window decorations, it can't be shaded.
It brings a fond memory of efficient multitasking from the past.
Moksha's Familiar Feel
My affection for Bodhi Linux was strong, and I used it as my primary distro until a switch to hardware from System76 led me to embrace Pop!_OS.
MX Moksha preserves the essence of Moksha, offering the original theme's flavor with a few tweaks. Its interface features a simple layout with a panel, system tray, desktop icons, and a menu.
I couldn't resist making some adjustments and right-clicked on the panel to personalize the appearance.
Changing themes was next on my list. Though only three themes were pre-installed, the package manager holds more. Unfortunately, a direct install failed, so I used the terminal to execute the following:
sudo apt-get install bodhi-theme-pack -y
While the installation process took longer than expected, it expanded my theme options considerably.
MX Linux: Quick and Nimble
The standout feature of MX Moksha is its speed. For a lightweight distro, it rivals the performance of many others.
Running MX Moksha in a virtual environment with just 4GB RAM and 2 CPU cores proved it to be as swift as Pop!_OS, despite the latter having more resources.
If you want to rejuvenate an old computer, MX Moksha is an ideal choice.
Mastering Workspaces
Enlightenment introduced me to the concept of Workspaces, and Moksha continues to deliver the same utility. A desktop applet on your screen's right edge provides four workspace options. Dragging an app to move it between workspaces is effortless.
Switching themes adds a visual twist to the Workspace functionality.
I appreciate the intuitive workspace management approach Enlightenment and Moksha have consistently provided.
Is MX Moksha Right for You?
For anyone seeking a unique, speedy, and highly customizable desktop OS, MX Moksha is a must-try. Its playful nature is akin to Enlightenment and offers a refreshing alternative to Windows 10.
Consider installing it on a spare machine—you might be pleasantly surprised.
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