Can someone explain systemd in layman terms? [Solved]

Err…No.

But both these sites would be a good reference point.

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Systemd

I use some of the available systemd commands, ie computer to boot up time seen below.

mack@desktop ~]$ systemd-analyze time
Startup finished in 7.284s (firmware) + 1.716s (loader) + 5.894s (kernel) + 1.655s (userspace) = 16.551s 
graphical.target reached after 1.213s in userspace  

In reference to MX Linux shim usage, quote from their manual.

MX Linux uses sytemd-shim, which emulates the systemd functions that are required to run the helpers without actually using the init service. This means that SvsVint remains the default init yet MX Linux can use Debian packages that have systemd dependencies such as CUPS and Network Manager. This approach also allows the user to retain the ability to his/her preferred init at boot by clicking on"Advanced options" and selecting the systemd one. We can not provide support for users who choose to run MX Linux using systemd.

:sunglasses:

Edit 26/02/19 1936hrs typo