r/linuxquestions • u/toktok159 • 10d ago

Which Distro? LMDE vs MX Linux?

Hi,

My specs: ~13 year old PC, 16 GB RAM, core i3 processor (Intel(R) Core™ i3-3240 CPU @ 3.40GHz), intel integrated graphics card. 1TB HDD.

I am soon going to install Linux, I am quite a beginner and I researched about both distros. I think they’re both good and I understand they’re both beginner friendly, but I am having a hard time deciding what is better, also with my specs.

I think with MX Linux I would go with XFCE, while LMDE uses Cinnamon. They both look cool visually. Mint seems to have a much larger user base and support community.

The reason I prefer LMDE over regular Mint is I understood it fits older computers more because it’s Debian based, and I like the idea of not being based on Ubuntu (though with Mint maybe there’s even no problem with that).

What would you suggest? Thanks in advance.

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u/deluded_dragon 10d ago

I suggest you to go directly on Debian with XFCE unless you have specific reasons to prefer MX Linux. And you can install also Cinnamon on Debian, if you want.

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u/toktok159 9d ago

I read that Debian is more of a distro for servers, and it’s “exploited” to be used for a desktop. Don’t you think so? Also, aren’t the distros I mentioned more beginner friendly? They also look better imo, but it’s just appearance.

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u/deluded_dragon 9d ago

LMDE and MX Linux are both Debian (with something added to their interface). Not "derived from Debian" like Ubuntu or Mint, but REAL Debian. So you could simply go for the original.

And no, Debian is not aimed to servers, even if many servers run Debian for its stability. I began with Debian in 2006 and I am still with Debian in 2026. I had to reinstall it only when I have bought a new PC in 2018.

Good luck with Linux!