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MX Linux

Fluxbox-RaspberryPi Respin “Ragout” (Beta)

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Introduction

This Community Respin (=MXFBPi) provides a stable, fast and fun OS for use with Raspberry Pi 3 and later devices. It unites the user-centered goodness of MX Linux with the educational flexibility of Raspberry Pi OS (=RPi), implementing the light-weight and elegant desktop environment of MX’s unique implementation of Fluxbox and including elements from GNOME, Xfce and LXDE.

The first beta has now been released for testing. Give it a spin–and enjoy!

Installation

Raspberry Pi “Imager”
  • Download the image to a computer that has a microSD slot or a USB-microSD adapter attached. Confirm integrity if wished using the md5sum posted there.
  • Extract it using the standard method of your OS; the file should now end in *.img
  • Slide a microSD card (at least 16GB recommended) into the computer or the adapter.
  • Install “Imager” from the MX repos, or from this page https://www.raspberrypi.org/software/.
  • Launch it, click on the OS button then scroll to the bottom to select a “custom image.”
  • Navigate to the image you downloaded and select it.
  • Click on the SD Card button to select the microSD card.

The Imager will format the card and install the OS on it; it will also verify the installation unless you cancel that (slow) operation.

Use

Default desktop
  • Insert the microSD card into your Pi device and turn it on.
  • The device will start to boot up. You will see a black screen for a short time, and then the login screen.
  • The default user is named “Pi” and the password that must be entered is “raspberry.” These can be changed in the RPi Configuration Center.
  • For a quick orientation, play the short “Intro” video (web access required) whose icon is located in the center of the screen.
  • Play around with the topics covered in the Intro video to familiarize yourself with the OS.
  • For further information about MXFBPi, click the “?” icon at the top of the dock to open a Help document with many useful links (documents, videos, etc.).
  • To get started with RPi projects, click the middle raspberry icon on the dock to open the Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide.

Major default apps

MX Tools

Software

  • Maintenance: upgrades signaled by green/red pulse icon (MX Updater) in systray
  • Installation/Removal: Add/Remove Software (MX Tools)
  • Advanced: Synaptic, with 2 Rasparian and 1 MX repository enabled

Technical aspects

  • Tested compatible with Pi 3, 4 and 400
  • GPIO ports remain available to program through Scratch and Python
  • Camera port works
  • Also bootable from USB stick or USB-connected SSD

Known issues

  • Screenshot > Active Window: window never reappears after shot is taken
  • Boot options: Plymouth not working

Support

  • Onboard documentation: RPi Beginner’s Guide, MX Fluxbox FAQs, MX Linux Users Manual
  • MX Wiki: articles on topics such as the traditional panel (tint2), rofi and the MX Tools.
  • Videos: Fluxbox (Jerry3904) and MX (Dolphin Oracle) channels
  • Forums: MX Linux for desktop, Raspberry Pi for technical

22 thoughts on “Fluxbox-RaspberryPi Respin “Ragout” (Beta)”

  3. tested today, there is no sound output from HDMI from Firefox esr, VLC player, or Chromium (have not tried from analog output, but even if it work, who care about analog output sound from Pi 4 !?). In latest Pas-pi Os (32 bit) also no sound from Firefox esr, but from Chromium …is OK…!!!. Why you not do compatible image of real MX Linux (x64) for Pi 4?. MX Linux, is excellent OS and I like it much than others (Mint, Ubuntu ….) and I use it more than 3 years already.

    Reply

  4. yes, the default is analog audio, but you can use Analog or HDMI, (not both of them together), so your idea can’t solve the issue.
    Actually I understand this Pi OS image is in BETA version…., maybe there are more thinghs to do on it from MX Linux team, I respect their work, for me at the moment MX Linux is the exelent Linux OS (for any PC machine-Desktop or Laptop), and I hope they will keep this in the future.

    Reply

  5. P.S.
    About Fluxbox, … I have tested in real MX Linux, but not impressed. I’m not sure but I think “Fluxbox” is not something that can impress most of the Linux users. (Sorry it’s my opinion only).

    Reply

  6. Fantastic work!

    So far I recommend adding a virtual keyboard + other accessibility settings to the greeter. Especially with softer hardware that’s usb-limited, it’s quite useful.

    Reply

  7. I have been using Linux since before debian had a whole number version, and I have a pi. I will test this, but I am probably going to scrap fluxbox and use jwm. I can also fix some of your problems.

    Reply

  9. It’s 32 bit version. Officially raspberry still not have final (not beta) 64 bit OS version. But on SSD, 64 bit (beta) works fine.

    Reply

  11. I really like this software, and would like to use, but I have an issue that I would like to see if there is a workaround. One of my primary uses for the Raspberry Pi is to control my CNC with an Arduino controller running GRBL software using software on the Raspberry Pi called OpenBuilds Control. I have found that the software only works with distributions that are based on the Raspberry Pi OS. I am currently running it successfully on Twister OS and it runs fine on vanilla Raspberry Pi OS. Since Fluxbox-Raspberry Pi is based on the Raspi-OS, I was really hoping that it would support OpenBuilds Contol. https://github.com/OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CONTROL/wiki

    Thanks for any insight

    Reply

  12. I just installed in my Raspberry 3B and I am very impressed because when a tried to watch
    You Tube videos with Raspbian and with Ubuntu Mate it didnt works well, but with Mx Linux Fluxbox works excellent.
    Thanks a lot

    Reply

  14. Hi. I really like the look, feel and features. Just waiting for better dual monitor support. Right night it seems to only support mirroring…unless I have missed something as there don’t seem to be any display options.

    Reply

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