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Omaxian OS: A Devuan-Based Linux Distribution Without Systemd

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Omaxian OS is a Linux distribution built on Devuan 6 "Excalibur", designed to deliver a modern desktop experience without relying on systemd. It combines the flexibility of the Debian ecosystem with the customized Omaxian desktop environment, offering an alternative approach to everyday Linux computing.

The project focuses on simplicity, desktop integration, customization, and user control. By combining the XLibre X server, PipeWire audio system, i3 window manager, and Quickshell desktop components, Omaxian OS creates a distinctive Linux environment for users who prefer traditional X11-based desktop technology.

Omaxian OS is particularly interesting for Linux enthusiasts who want a systemd-free distribution with a modern graphical interface and a carefully selected collection of applications.

Based on Devuan 6 Excalibur

One of the most important characteristics of Omaxian OS is its foundation on Devuan 6 Excalibur.

Devuan is a Debian-based Linux distribution that provides an alternative to systemd. Instead of using systemd as its default init system, Devuan supports traditional init systems such as SysVinit.

Omaxian OS follows this philosophy by using SysVinit, eudev, and elogind. Its build process is designed to prevent systemd from being introduced into the resulting operating system image.

This makes Omaxian OS an interesting option for users who prefer greater freedom in choosing their system initialization architecture.

The Omaxian Desktop Environment

The desktop experience is one of the main highlights of Omaxian OS.

Omaxian uses a customized desktop shell based on Omarchy, bringing its visual design and workflow to Debian-based systems running X11 or XLibre.

The desktop combines several technologies, including:

  • Quickshell: Provides the desktop shell and graphical interface components.

  • i3: A lightweight tiling window manager.

  • XLibre: Provides the X server environment.

  • PipeWire: Handles audio and multimedia infrastructure.

The result is a desktop environment that combines modern visual elements with a traditional X11-based architecture.

Users who prefer a different desktop experience can also choose XFCE as an alternative session.



No Systemd Philosophy

One of the defining features of Omaxian OS is its commitment to operating without systemd.

Systemd is widely used by modern Linux distributions, but some users prefer alternative initialization systems for reasons related to system architecture, simplicity, or personal preference.

Omaxian OS adopts a different approach by using SysVinit alongside eudev and elogind.

This design gives the distribution a distinctive identity within the Linux ecosystem.

For users who specifically want a modern desktop without systemd, Omaxian OS offers an interesting combination of traditional Linux infrastructure and contemporary desktop tools.

XLibre and PipeWire Integration

Omaxian OS uses XLibre as its display server, providing an alternative X11-based graphical environment.

This approach is particularly relevant for users who prefer traditional X11 workflows instead of Wayland-based desktop environments.

The distribution also includes PipeWire for audio management.

PipeWire is a modern multimedia framework designed to handle audio and video streams across Linux applications.

Together, XLibre and PipeWire help establish the technical foundation of the Omaxian desktop experience.

The system also includes a recent Linux kernel from the Devuan Excalibur backports repository.

Preinstalled Applications

Omaxian OS includes a collection of applications designed to cover common desktop activities.

Some of the applications available by default include:

  • Brave: A privacy-focused web browser.

  • LibreWolf: A privacy-oriented Firefox-based browser.

  • KeePassXC: A password manager.

  • VLC and mpv: Multimedia players.

  • qBittorrent: A BitTorrent client.

  • FileZilla: An FTP and file transfer application.

  • Remmina: A remote desktop client.

  • Timeshift: A system backup and snapshot utility.

  • GParted: A graphical disk partitioning tool.

  • Flameshot: A screenshot utility.

  • btop: A system resource monitor.

  • yt-dlp: A command-line media downloader.

The distribution also includes Strata as its file manager, together with additional applications such as Meeting Recorder, Monologue, Signed, and Disktree.

This software selection makes Omaxian OS useful for browsing, multimedia playback, file management, system administration, and everyday productivity.

Optional Software Installation

Another interesting feature of Omaxian OS is its optional application selection during installation.

Instead of requiring every user to install the same software collection, the installer allows users to choose additional application groups.

Available options include:

Web and Communication

  • Chromium

  • Thunderbird

  • Telegram

Graphics and Creative Applications

  • GIMP

  • Inkscape

  • Krita

Containers and Development

  • Podman

  • Buildah

  • Distrobox

Virtualization

  • QEMU/KVM

  • virt-manager

  • GNOME Boxes

This approach allows users to customize their installation according to their individual requirements.

Omaxian also provides additional Flatpak and AppImage applications, including Discord, Zoom, Obsidian, ONLYOFFICE, LocalSend, RustDesk, Shotcut, and OpenRA.

Live Environment and Calamares Installer

Omaxian OS provides a live environment that allows users to test the operating system before installing it.

The live ISO includes a graphical boot menu and supports both BIOS and UEFI systems.

Installation is handled by Calamares, a graphical Linux installer designed to make operating system installation more accessible.

During installation, users can configure options such as:

  • Disk encryption

  • Logical Volume Manager (LVM)

  • Btrfs filesystem

This provides flexibility for users who want additional control over disk organization and data protection.

The live environment is also useful for checking hardware compatibility before making permanent changes to an existing system.

Base and Full ISO Editions

Omaxian OS provides two installation images for the same release.

Base ISO

The Base edition contains the desktop environment and core applications. Additional software groups are downloaded during installation or configured during the first boot if the installation initially takes place without an internet connection.

This edition is suitable for users with a reliable internet connection.

Full ISO

The Full edition includes the offline package collection for optional applications, along with preinstalled Flatpaks and bundled AppImages.

It also includes additional content and an optional voice dictation package called VoxType.

The Full edition is particularly useful for users who want to install the operating system without relying on an internet connection.

Hardware Requirements

Omaxian OS targets 64-bit x86 computers and supports both BIOS and UEFI boot modes.

The minimum requirements listed on the official website are:

  • Processor architecture: AMD64 / x86_64

  • RAM: 2 GB

  • Storage: 20 GB

  • Boot mode: BIOS or UEFI

Users should consider additional memory and storage when installing optional applications or running resource-intensive workloads.

Who Should Use Omaxian OS?

Omaxian OS may appeal to several categories of Linux users.

Systemd-Free Linux Enthusiasts

Users who prefer Linux distributions without systemd may appreciate its Devuan foundation and SysVinit architecture.

X11 Desktop Users

People who prefer traditional X11 workflows may find the combination of XLibre and i3 particularly interesting.

Linux Customization Enthusiasts

The Omaxian desktop shell provides a distinctive visual experience with customized desktop components and integrated tools.

Developers and Technical Users

The inclusion of container management and virtualization tools makes the distribution interesting for development and testing environments.

Devuan Users

Existing Devuan users who want a more integrated desktop experience may find Omaxian OS worth exploring.

Conclusion

Omaxian OS is an interesting Linux distribution that combines the stability and flexibility of Devuan with a customized desktop experience inspired by Omarchy.

Its systemd-free architecture, XLibre display server, PipeWire integration, i3 window manager, and Quickshell-based desktop make it different from many mainstream Linux distributions.

The inclusion of useful applications, optional software groups, and a graphical Calamares installer also makes the system suitable for users who want a ready-to-install Linux desktop.

Although it is a relatively new project, Omaxian OS offers an appealing alternative for Linux enthusiasts who value system flexibility, traditional X11 technology, and a modern desktop experience without systemd.

For users looking for a distinctive Devuan-based operating system, Omaxian OS is definitely a project worth exploring.

Official Website: https://omaxian.org/os

Omaxian Shell: https://omaxian.org/shell

GitHub Repository: https://github.com/aozora/omaxian-os

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