Non-Tech Definititon of Respin Wanted [Solved]

[MXNewFan]

It sounds like a great accomplishment to build one. In trying to find an answer it sounds like some sort of fork. If that's correct, is it a fork of Linux or a Distro? And, what is the advantage of running one over the official MX release?

Also, while I'm picking brains, is MXLinux Libretto release affiliated or part of Libre Office? (It's very nice by the way; only missing the beautiful Wildflower wallpaper photo.)

[CharlesV]

So, let me answer the second question first. No, MX Linux Libretto has nothing to do with LibreOffice.

Now the first question - building a respin is not really a fork. It is more 'skinning' MX linux to have the apps, desktop, DE / WM you want and then building up as you want to be. (ie add / remove apps, themes, windows managers, etc etc.)

If you havent already, have a look at the respin area - there may be something there that you like.

Also, you can customize MX Linux in a VM or on a desktop, get it JUST the way you want it and then create Snapshot, and then create a LiveUSb from that and have an installable MX that is what you built. (I have found this is far easier / better for my uses than creating an entire new respin - and it kind of is anyway.)

You might check out this topic
viewtopic.php?p=737626&hilit=create+respin#p737626

And there may be more instructions that I have not seen too.

But, check out how snapshot works.. it is very simple for most users and works really well. (I would create your 'creation' in a VM and work it up as you like and test in a different VM. A GREAT method to see how it all works.)

[MXNewFan]

Thank you! Much happiness over your answer to my 2nd question (feared it might be a reverse engineered msoffice- windows collusion, lol)
Briefly looked at the respin area after seeing an article in the news but got lost. Now that you've explained, I'll be going back to re-read and will check out your topic link.
Your explanation was really helpful and thinking it'd be fun to try. Sadly, I've yet to even experiment with a VM aside from something I did when I thought I might program an Android app, LOL. Back then it was kind of painful and believe I was in Window 7 at the time, nuff said.
Thanks again!

[CharlesV]

Your very welcome and seriously have a look at creating a Snapshot of your system, if nothing more then as a backup.

But once you have created one, you should create a VM ( VirtualBox - depending upon your computer and resources it is really VERY easy to do. ). Load the new iso you created there and then install it. You will have a 'duplicated' of your installed MX.

Then, twist, tweak, bend, break what ever inside that VM.. if you mess it up, just reload it and start again. You can do A LOT in that VM, how it all looks, is working etc, and then create an ISO using MX Snapshot from there, and THAT can be your 'respin'. It is seriously a non-techie method of creating a really nice load and anyway you want it (or can bend it :_) )