MX-fluxbox released as fully integrated overlay

[Jerry3904]

MX Linux has made Desktop Environments and Window Managers available through the Package Installer since the beginning of time (well, since 2014). But those are basic vanilla install packages, essentially unaltered for MX Linux use. That pattern changed with the release on December 12 2019 of MX-fluxbox, a version of fluxbox developed specifically as a fully integrated overlay for MX Linux (versions 17 and later).

Installation involves two steps. The base installation is enabled through the MXPackage Installer > Popular Applications tab, Window Managers entry. Once that installation finishes, the user clicks an entry in the Menu “MX-flux” to initiate the second step: moving a few small files and folders to the user’s Home directory once permission has been given. The user then logs out, selects fluxbox from the session menu in the upper right corner of the login screen, and logs back in.

desktop_default_medium.png

Fluxbox is small, fast and a pleasure to behold. When the user logs in, the desktop is up in the blink of an eye. The default is nearly bare: a stunning wallpaper by antechdesigns, a toolbar on top, and a link to the detailed FAQs (F1) in the upper left corner (to remove Menu > Out of sight). There is no menu visible, but a right-click anywhere on the desktop will bring it up. Conkies and system monitors can be added as well as killed from the menu, and style and background can be quickly changed. Dedicated function keys provide quick access to critical needs such as MX Tools, Thunar and an "All apps" menu—all described in the FAQs.

Another nice feature that the user can do with the menu whatever he or she wants, since it is just a flat file (menu-mx) with very simple syntax. Add, remove, change, rearrange—all at your command. You can even do fun stuff such as have a single click to your local weather, Wikipedia or your favorite get-me-up-in-the-morning music or video.

But by far the best way to find out what it is and how it works is to log in and start poking around—and enjoy yourself!

[Jerry3904]

And don't anyone even think of asking a question already covered in the FAQs!

[Jerry3904]

chrispop99 has pointed out on Facebook that the browser was set to Opera (which I use) and not Firefox (which is the default). Dumb mistake.

Here is the passage out of the FAQs on how to change Firefox to Opera (just reverse the names):

Press F3 to get to ~/.fluxbox/, and click on the file menu-mx to edit. The syntax is: [category] (name) {command} – be sure to use brackets, parentheses and braces correctly.
Example 1: change “Browser” to open Opera instead of Firefox
• Find the line with the word Browser (use Ctrl+F if necessary)
[exec] (Browser) {firefox}
• Double-click the word “firefox” in the command part so it is highlighted, then type “opera” and save, producing this result:
[exec] (Browser) {opera}

[chrispop99]

Just an idle thought; should there be a sub-forum for Fluxbox enquiries?

Chris

[richb]

Just an idle thought; should there be a sub-forum for Fluxbox enquiries?

Chris

I do not think so.

[Jerry3904]

Nice mention and explanation of significance in today's DistroWatch News:

MX Linux has turned into a very polished distribution over the last few years, mainly due to its user-friendliness and effective integration of the desktop with its configuration tools. But it has never meant to be used as a lightweight desktop - until now. Thanks to a freshly developed and fully integrated Fluxbox overlay for MX Linux, the distribution can be installed and used even on less powerful computers...

[richb]

Nice!