Artificial intelligence (AI) is a current technology buzzword. It was inevitable that AI would find its way into a Linux distro. Among the first signs were Warp, a terminal that transfers tasks to its AI and uses AI instead of man pages [1], and Fedora's ongoing debate on how to incorporate AI [2]. But perhaps the most significant indication is that in December 2024, MakuluLinux, a distribution that is basically a showcase for AI [3,] was listed on DistroWatch. For those who are curious about AI, or would like to incorporate AI into their computing, MakuluLinux is one of the easiest tools available, with extensive video documentation and examples of emerging possibilities.

MakuluLinux takes its name from the isiXhosa and isiZulu word for "big" or "boss," which is often used ironically for a government official or any white man [4]. Its basic distribution is LinDoz, a name chosen to indicate "a seamless blend of familiarity and innovation" [5]. The forthcoming LinDoz 2025 release will be the first to be based on the Debian testing repository and, like the already released versions, features a heavily modified Cinnamon desktop with a Conky dock. LinDoz is the only version currently available for download, although the web page also mentions Shift, which offers a choice of desktops. Shift is apparently necessary because of the difficulty of integrating different desktops with the AI, but it is not clear if Shift is available or an unreleased project. Also listed on the site is the Pro Upgrade, available for a one-time $33 donation. The Pro Upgrade includes 16 layouts, as well as additional wallpapers, widgets, themes, and special effects. In addition, the Pro Upgrade includes touch gesture support and the ability to create spins of MakuluLinux.

Max, MakuluLinux's AI component, is accessible by text, voice, or widget. The AI itself is called Electra and features a female cyborg avatar (Figure 1). As a high-end multimodel AI with a context token limit, Electra is capable of interacting with multiple inputs on multiple subjects in 40 languages, with a response time of 3-10 seconds, depending on how MakuluLinux is installed and the hardware on which it runs. It mimics emotions, humor, anger, and interest, and is described on the web page as "almost like a female version of Dave Chapelle" [6]. Part of Electra is stored on the server and part on the local system. Some AI functions are available on the free version of MakuluLinux, but enabling all AI functions requires the Pro Upgrade.

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