MX Linux Forum

It seems like most mice that I've used have a middle button that can be activated by pressing down on the scroll wheel. Sometimes the button can be programmed to provide another function. The Mouse and Touchpad utility doesn't address the existence of this middle-click. One of my other mice has a couple of buttons on the sides of the mouse as well. Is there a reason why only the most basic functions are configured in MX or is there another driver that can be accessed to provide extended functions?

Post your QSI.

I believe it is actually XFCE that is the culprit. As you move through some different DM's, they all handle the mouse differently.

I have never remapped any, using the mouse drivers as *the* solution.. but if you cannot find any then you might have luck with a guide like these:

https://www.baeldung.com/linux/mouse-ad ... tton-setup

https://thelinuxcode.com/input-remapper-linux/

And input-remapper is in the MX repo too.

FWIW, the middle button of my Logitech M325 was automatically set to 'paste' by MX.

I just tried what you said and my middle mouse button is also a "paste" button.

The side "back and forward" buttons on my cheapo bluetooth mouse work as such in MX-KDE and browsers.

There are a few potential mouse buttons, depending on what device you use. I am happy with the 2+scroll and using keyboard shortcuts but appreciate a range of applications and needs exist, not least for those wanting some accessibility.

In which application do you miss the mid -click?

There is the possibility in some places like windowbuttons in bar settings or firefox autoscroll by middleklick (about:config - general,autoscroll - true). Both working here under XFCE.

"The Mouse and Touchpad utility doesn't address ... " that would be nice, or the possibility to define via shortcuts.

Servus

It seems like a good model for the mouse configuration would be the way that Windows works. Of course, the operations that are available depend upon the mouse being use - whether the mouse only has the four basic functions, or more exotic actions like one of my mice that has operations of the four basic functions, plus buttons on the sides, plus the ability to push the scroll wheel to the left and right to activate two more operations. All of these could have operations assigned to them in MX but that would probably be a lot of work by one of the developers to implement all of the changes and additions that would have to be made.

On the other hand, if we want MX to eat Window's lunch and take over the world, the more "creature comforts" that can reasonably be included, the better.

Falcon wrote: Sun May 04, 2025 2:43 pm On the other hand, if we want MX to eat Window's lunch and take over the world

Who's "we"? The MX community was already understandably chagrined when DistroWatch placed them above Linux Mint in their list of popular distros. No one reasonable wants to see the MX userbase explode and flood the forum with new users asking how to install games or why MyFaveNicheWM isn't the default.

I thought that the object of making Linux more user friendly was to attract more users who want an alternative to Windows, but aren't necessarily computer savvy. Fifteen years ago a friend of mine told me that he was trying to use Linux and from all of the difficulties he was having, I told my self that I'd never go near Linux. Then I found MX and it has been my Go To since 2019.

Falcon wrote: Sun May 04, 2025 10:21 pm I thought that the object of making Linux more user friendly was to attract more users who want an alternative to Windows, but aren't necessarily computer savvy.

The purpose of MX Linux is to maintain a fork of a dead distribution that people wanted to keep around. No one here is going to stump for capturing marketshare or performing attention-seeking stunts. Just a small team of volunteers working on a humble, veteran distro they actually care for and like.

Perhaps you're thinking of a major corporation like Redhat or Canonical that has a vested interest in promoting a product. Or maybe you're thinking of a distro like Mint or Zorin or elementaryOS, which also have something to sell you. MX Linux has remained quiet about generating revenue until now and I respect that tremendously. Let the folks who have prioritized creating a revenue stream be the ones to "attract more users". They may be able to afford the extra infrastructure to support new converts.

MX uses a default init system that newbies don't understand and often can't figure out how to use. That's not a choice that makes MX user-friendly. It is, in fact, an increasingly difficult option to retain interchangeable inits in the distro. It's a choice that makes MX ideal for many of the people who choose to run it. If folks find it easy to use? That's great, I'm glad. But MX does not strive to be all things to all people and it's important to be aware that the space in the Linux ecosystem that MX fills is not one that promotes leaving Windows, or anything else, in order to boost adoption. I think it's terrific that MX appeals to new users and old-timers like me all the same, but there are easier options for migrating off of Windows and it's a strength of the MX community that proselytizing hasn't become a priority for us. The work stands on its own merits, and the appeal it's gained thus far has been plenty.

see also:
https://forum.mxlinux.org/viewtopic.php?t=81096

to this day I get spurious/unwanted paste
I don't think it is anything to do with MX
and all to do with the selected desktop (in my case KDE)

Jeez, DukeComposed, I didn't realize that I was kicking a hornets nest when I stated that MX wanted to take over the world (which was a facetious statement, by the way). I didn't realize that it was a group that wanted to keep it to themselves. I'll make sure that I don't recommend it to anyone else from now on.

I'm a computer USER, not a computer GURU and I had no more difficulty moving from Windows 7 to MX any more than I would have had moving to Windows 10.

Falcon wrote: Mon May 05, 2025 7:41 am I'll make sure that I don't recommend it to anyone else from now on.

Far be it from me to tell you not to suggest something you like to someone you think would appreciate it, too. Keep in mind that MX Linux's work speaks for itself; it doesn't seek out the spotlight, it doesn't crave the cachet of popularity, and previous cheerleading efforts have caused more trouble than anything else. "More people would use MX if it did this differently" is not a great argument to make because higher user count and collecting migrants from Windows aren't objectives for the project. MX Linux just isn't meant for everyone. The only point I'm trying to make here is that MX Linux is meant for people that would like MX Linux.