I installed direct from repo addresses in my system. I uses SEO Michael website for the links.
Ive always used Linux - openelec and never bothered with Android. People will differ from my choice but its what I like and I feel its as fast and responsive as I want it to be. I cant comment on Android - set my box up and launched Openelec right away and stayed in it.
TBH I have just upgraded from a box running believe it or not Gotham 13.2 which was years old but still ran smooth and nice - the only problem was that I install Exodus and Specto and some other new addons.
Mind you this has a lot more settings that I am still learning about - droidbox is a nice choice mate.