Distrowatch review grumbles

[Huckleberry Finn]

Ha Ha My review has 25 votes in 4 days.

1 of 25 is me :D

[Gordon Cooper]

Now that this topic has hit 365 posts, is it time to fix the spelling of the title?

I asked the same question about 300 messages ago. I guess it takes time for action, but happy it is fixed.

[Lupin]

Version: 19
Rating: 1
Date: 2019-10-28
Votes: 0

Lot of bugs after system updates it breaks packages

[Huckleberry Finn]

Version: 19
Rating: 2
Date: 2019-10-28
Votes: 0

PC: DuoCore2 CPU, Intel graphics.

Not ready for Prime time, at least if you do not like Xfce and decide to install Mate or KDE from their Package Management App. because you want either but not systemd. Mate won't install at all and KDE doesn't take to customizing, along with Synaptics and some MXL tools not working in KDE.

But at least Xfce 1.4 now allows the desktop icons to be on the right side of the screen and moving the Menu Panel down to the bottom is now much easier. Xfce Control Panel MXL icons are hard coded and cannot be changed. The boot screen is no longer verbose and the Splash screen has Italian (?) lettering.

Someone who has a lot of expertise with Xfce shouldn't have too much of a problem acclimating to the new Xfce, though, although other distros do it better, usually customizing their versions with Docks and panels. But new users to Linux, and MXL in particular, may be put-off with the left vertical Menu Panel and not know how to customize it and immediately give up on the distro. MXL should create an instruction video on how to work with, and customize, their Xfce and put a desktop link to YouTube. Xfce still needs the Mate theme installer.

I tested v. 19 for exactly one day and decide to re-install 18.3, whereupon both Mate and KDE, along with Xfce, worked like it should, albeit with the old idiosyncrasies. MXL Mate allowed the installation of the Advanced Mate Menu, ala Linux Mint.

Version: 19
Rating: 1
Date: 2019-10-28
Votes: 1

Needs to get fixed out of the box to boot properly.
Geek-ish, yet old fashioned desktop.
Lots of redundant software/tools.
Lots of customization options, but none of them very user friendly.
Setting a language other than English as the system language results in very partial use of the local language, and the situation can change after every update, with frequent regressions.

Version: 19
Rating: 6
Date: 2019-10-29
Votes: 0

I had some serious nvidia issues with this distro. Way too many things pre-installed as well.

I just agree with this: "But new users to Linux, and MXL in particular, may be put-off with the left vertical Menu Panel and not know how to customize it and immediately give up on the distro."

And this is even "funny" :

"Lots of customization options, but none of them very user friendly."
"Setting a language other than English as the system language results in very partial use of the local language, and the situation can change after every update, with frequent regressions."

What Language is that I really wonder :)

[Stevo]

So much willful ignorance makes my brain hurt, or it's FUD, IMO.

[sunrat]

I can't understand why anyone would install MX if they don't like Xfce. I know some respins are moderately successful with other DEs but just installing any DE on top of Xfce is really kludgy and suboptimal.

[asqwerth]

I want to be fair. I think the existence of Nvidia issues cannot be denied, although I understand not every Nvidia card/driver has installation problems.

But whether this is only a problem in MX or in general for various distros is a different question. That's one reason I avoid Nvidia. I don't need the hassle when I don't play games or do any graphics intensive work on the computer.

Some of the other objections/complaints raised seem rather more questionable:
- too much software pre-installed
- MX breaks every 2 days ( bet you foreign repos/PPA or FrankenDebian was involved)

A rating of 6, I can understand. It won't work perfectly for every single user, and personal preferences will affect one's opinion.

But a rating of 1 or 2 tacked on to some dodgy complaints, is suspicious.

[rasat]

Since Linux beginning, there is the question whenever buying or installing in a new machine, will it work or not. In general, regardless of distro, its often about screen, sound and wifi. There are other things, but if these could be tested before buying or installing, would help a lot.

[PhantomTramp]

So much willful ignorance makes my brain hurt, or it's FUD, IMO.

A wise young person once said:

" ..But if you don't want to use it.. fine with me. You do you and all that."

I use this mantra when I am working now and it really helps!

Thanks,

The Tramp

[colin_b]

Version: 19
Rating: 10
Date: 2019-10-31
Votes: 2

Yep, the con is that it runs so good you feel GUILTY that they give it away.