Rediscovering an Old Linux Favorite via an Unexpected New Spin

Unexpected Revival of a Classic

During the early 2000s, my go-to desktop choice was Enlightenment. Even today, it's a possibility that continues to bring joy and distinctive usability. Back then, acquiring Enlightenment required manual installation as no Linux distributions provided it by default.

Eventually, a new Linux version embraced Enlightenment as its exclusive desktop. Not long after, the primary developer branched out, creating something new called Moksha. Moksha carried forward the spirit of Enlightenment but added user-friendly features. It supports extensive customization and allows a desktop-wide access to the menu with a simple click.

The creators behind this have now introduced MX Moksha, a delightful iteration that caught me by surprise.

Old-School Features with a Modern Twist

Mimicking Bohdi Linux, MX Moksha retains a beloved feature from older Linux versions: window shading. By double-clicking a window's title bar, you can roll it up, leaving only the title bar visible—a neat way to clear desktop space without minimizing applications.

Bear in mind that not every application respects window shading. Apps like Firefox won't shade as expected because they deviate from standard window decorations.

Moksha's Timeless Appeal

I spent many enjoyable years using Bodhi Linux, powered by Moksha, until the acquisition of a desktop from System76 led me to Pop!_OS. Despite the years, MX Moksha has preserved Moksha's original charm, with a slight twist. Its default interface remains clear and organized, featuring a panel, tray, desktop icons, and menu, inviting a personal touch to tweak and modify.

Although limited to three pre-installed themes, additional options are available through the package manager—if needed, using terminal commands can expand your theme choices.

Blazing Speed of MX Linux

Once I delved into MX Moksha, I was struck by its speed. It stands out even among other lightweight Linux versions I've encountered. Running on a virtual machine with just 4GB of RAM and two CPU cores, its performance is on par with Pop!_OS.

This makes MX Moksha an excellent option for refreshing old hardware with a lively operating system.

Exploring Workspaces

Enlightenment first showed me the power of Workspaces, a concept Moksha embraces passionately. With four workspaces available through a desktop applet, moving apps between spaces is a breeze, enhancing productivity considerably.

Is MX Moksha Right for You?

If you desire a robust, quick, and customizable desktop experience, MX Moksha could be the breath of fresh air you're looking for. It's both entertaining and effective, presenting a viable alternative to traditional systems like Windows 10.