antiX 26 has officially arrived, and it continues to prove why it’s often recommended as one of the fastest, lightest Linux distributions for older PCs, low-spec laptops, and anyone who simply prefers a lean, no-nonsense desktop. Built on Debian 13.4 “Trixie,” this release stays true to antiX’s long-time approach: keep the system lightweight, avoid systemd, and give users plenty of choice without bloating the install.
A big part of antiX’s appeal is flexibility, and antiX 26 delivers it in multiple ways. It supports both 64-bit and 32-bit hardware, which is increasingly rare in modern Linux releases. It also ships in two main editions: Full and Core. The Full edition includes a broad set of everyday applications right out of the box, while Core is designed for minimal installs and users who want to build their system up from a smaller base.
antiX 26 also stands out for offering five init system options. The default init is runit, with additional choices including sysVinit, dinit, s6-rc, and s6-66. This variety is especially attractive for Linux users who enjoy tuning boot behavior, service management, and overall system responsiveness.
On the desktop side, antiX 26 continues to prioritize speed and low resource usage. IceWM is the default window manager, keeping things familiar and snappy. If you prefer a different workflow, you can switch to Fluxbox, JWM, or the tiling-focused HerbstluftWM. These options make antiX a solid pick whether you want a classic desktop layout or a keyboard-driven tiling setup.
Kernel options are another highlight. antiX 26 includes a custom 5.10.240 kernel across all versions, which can be a practical choice for stability and compatibility. For 64-bit users, there’s also a custom 6.6.119 kernel option aimed at newer hardware support and updated driver stacks.
The Full edition is packed with software intended to cover common daily tasks without forcing you to install a lot after first boot. For media playback, antiX 26 includes video players like Celluloid, MPV, and Xine, plus XMMS for audio. There’s also gtk-pipe-viewer, which lets you play YouTube videos without needing to open a full web browser—useful for performance-focused systems or anyone who prefers a lightweight viewing method.
For productivity and communication, the release includes Firefox 140.8.0 ESR, LibreOffice 25.8.4, and Claws Mail. Evince is included as the PDF reader, offering a straightforward way to open documents without extra overhead.
Audio and modern Linux desktop plumbing are also addressed in the 64-bit Full edition, which uses PipeWire and WirePlumber by default—good news for users who want a more current audio stack while still keeping the overall system light.
File management is handled through a mix of tools that cater to different preferences and hardware limitations, including zzzFM, rox-filer, and mc (Midnight Commander). This combination supports everything from traditional graphical browsing to fast terminal-based file operations.
antiX also includes a set of its own in-house utilities, such as ssh-conduit, 1-to-1-assistance-antix, and 1-to-1-voice-antix, which are designed to support remote help and assistance scenarios—particularly useful for users maintaining PCs for friends, family, or small community setups.
Overall, antiX 26 is shaped for people who want a Debian-based Linux distribution that stays lightweight, remains highly configurable, supports 32-bit systems, and avoids the systemd ecosystem. Whether you’re reviving an older computer, building a responsive everyday desktop, or looking for a flexible base with multiple init choices, this release is positioned as a practical, performance-first option.
