R is for Ruby: rubyx is one large script written in Ruby (programming language comparable to Python). This script manages all aspects of running the system: installation, configuration, booting, managing services, adding and updating software, and even creating isos. The details of installation for all packages - Rubyx ebuilds, if you like - are small Ruby scripts as well.

U is for Unusual: Rubyx is developed from scratch and it goes about its business in its own way. From the distribution and installation, to its file hierarchy and system management, it tends to chose the road less travelled.

B is for Bare Bones: The fat content of Rubyx is very close to zero. In this it is similar to distros such as Arch or Crux, providing just enough tools to keep the system going. The rest is up to the user.

Y is for You: as in, "You do it Yourself!" There are no GUI wizards in Rubyx, and very little auto-configuration. It is up to the user to create partitions, set up the bootloader or configure /etc/fstab, to configure and start any services that might be required and so on. Those who find this appealing will probably be happy with Rubyx. Those just wanting to get a working desktop with a minimum of fuss will probably be better served elsewhere.

X is for eXpert: Rubyx is best suited to advanced users who will appreciate its simple, direct approach. The website claims that "if you have a grasp of partitioning and formatting disks and some understanding of bootloaders, you can install rubyx" and this might be true, but beginners should be warned they will face a nearly vertical learning curve. I consider myself an intermediate user and I find the curve is still a bit steep, but manageable with some patience and help. So how hard is it, really? Well, I think Rubyx is actually a lot simpler to install and keep running than Gentoo for example, it's just that it can be sometimes hard to figure out because its documentation is rather terse, especially in comparison to the magnificent Gentoo handbook, which I think all developers should be required to study as an example of what user needs.

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