Mabox Linux 25.12 has just been released, marking a notable upgrade for the distribution. The most significant change in this release is the transition from the deprecated GTK2 toolkit to the more modern GTK3, which enhances the overall user experience. This update comes with a suite of modernized applications, including pcmanfm, lxtask, lxrandr, lxinput, viewninoir, and lxappearance-obconf, all tailored to align with the new GTK3 environment.
The panel interface has received several enhancements as well. The volume icon is now conveniently located near the system tray, and its functionality has been improved: left-clicking toggles mute, while scrolling adjusts the volume. Users can also access detailed audio controls through pavucontrol via a right-click on the volume icon, which was previously linked to the Music & Sound menu that has since been relocated.
In terms of usability, the panel's configuration options have expanded, allowing users to customize taskbar behavior directly through a new panel menu activated by right-clicking or via the keyboard shortcut W-A-p (super/Windows key + alt + p). The update notifier has also undergone a complete redesign, now clearly distinguishing between updates from official repositories and AUR packages, making system management more straightforward.
Additionally, Mabox 25.12 introduces a dynamic Places menu that can be opened quickly using the W-(.) shortcut, providing instant access to file manager bookmarks, whether local or network-based. The release includes a demonstration of the new autotheming feature, which can be accessed by clicking a wallpaper icon in the panel menu. This feature applies random wallpapers and associated themes, although it is disabled by default upon installation.
While some popular tools have been removed from the main ISO to streamline the user experience and embrace GTK3, they remain available through AUR or other sources if users prefer them.
For those interested in exploring Mabox Linux 25.12, it can be downloaded from SourceForge or directly from the Mabox repository. Users can choose between the Linux 612 LTS kernel or an older stable version at Linux61.
Overall, Mabox Linux 25.12 represents a significant modernization of the distro, enhancing user experience while bidding farewell to GTK2 and certain legacy applications. The updates and new features make it an appealing choice for both new and existing users looking for a streamlined and contemporary Linux environment
The panel interface has received several enhancements as well. The volume icon is now conveniently located near the system tray, and its functionality has been improved: left-clicking toggles mute, while scrolling adjusts the volume. Users can also access detailed audio controls through pavucontrol via a right-click on the volume icon, which was previously linked to the Music & Sound menu that has since been relocated.
In terms of usability, the panel's configuration options have expanded, allowing users to customize taskbar behavior directly through a new panel menu activated by right-clicking or via the keyboard shortcut W-A-p (super/Windows key + alt + p). The update notifier has also undergone a complete redesign, now clearly distinguishing between updates from official repositories and AUR packages, making system management more straightforward.
Additionally, Mabox 25.12 introduces a dynamic Places menu that can be opened quickly using the W-(.) shortcut, providing instant access to file manager bookmarks, whether local or network-based. The release includes a demonstration of the new autotheming feature, which can be accessed by clicking a wallpaper icon in the panel menu. This feature applies random wallpapers and associated themes, although it is disabled by default upon installation.
While some popular tools have been removed from the main ISO to streamline the user experience and embrace GTK3, they remain available through AUR or other sources if users prefer them.
For those interested in exploring Mabox Linux 25.12, it can be downloaded from SourceForge or directly from the Mabox repository. Users can choose between the Linux 612 LTS kernel or an older stable version at Linux61.
Overall, Mabox Linux 25.12 represents a significant modernization of the distro, enhancing user experience while bidding farewell to GTK2 and certain legacy applications. The updates and new features make it an appealing choice for both new and existing users looking for a streamlined and contemporary Linux environment
Mabox Linux 25.12 released
Mabox Linux 25.12 has been released, bringing significant updates and improvements to the distro. One major change involves replacing the old GTK2 toolkit with GTK3, which has been modernized across the board, including new tools such as pcmanfm and lxappearance-obconf. The release also includes updated panel features, a revamped update notifier, and improved configuration options for taskbar behavior. Additionally, Mabox Linux 25.12 introduces autotheming, which can be accessed by clicking on a wallpaper icon in the panel menu, although it is turned off by default after installation.
