Month: October 2018

DebEX Gnome 64 bit – non-efi – with Gnome 3.30 (latest), Refracta snapshot, Calamares and kernel 4.19.0-exton – Build 181030

30
Oct
2018

About DebEX
All three systems/distributions are a based on Debian Buster/Sid (upcoming Debian 10). Budgie Desktop 10.4 is used as Desktop environment in DebEX Barebone/Budgie. Gnome 3.30 is used in DebEX Gnome. KDE Plasma Desktop 5:47 is used in DebEX KDE. The system language is English (in all three versions of DebEX).

NEWS 181030 about DebEX Gnome – a Refracta non-efi Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live DVD. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (buster) and unstable (sid) repositories. Gnome 3.30 (latest) is used as Desktop environment. Gnome in combination with Docky is perfect (I think). Watch this screenshot. I have removed the Mate Desktop, since Gnome now can be used on all kind of computers. Also when running DebEX in VirtualBox and VMware. No need for Nvidia’s proprietary graphics drivers when running this new version of DebEX. You can of course install such drivers if you want to. Furthermore I have replaced Google Chrome with Iceweasel 52.6. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies using Iceweasel (Firefox) in Linux. I have also replaced Refracta Installer with Calamares Installer, which makes it possible to install DebEX Gnome in any language. You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers. All installed packages have been updated to the latest version as of 181030. DebEX Gnome uses kernel 4.19.0-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s latest kernel 4.19. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Debian or Ubuntu system.

The LightDM login window in DebEX Gnome

MOVIE about Calamares Installer
Watch a movie about the Calamares installation process in VirtualBox.

What’s new in kernel 4.19?

SCREENSHOTS
1. Samba running
2. Calamares has started in VirtualBox
3. Calamares has finished
4. Showing all installed applications
5. Synaptic running

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AndEX (Android-x86) Oreo 8.1 – Build 181028 – now with the Netflix app working!

28
Oct
2018

NEWS 181028 about AndEX Oreo 8.1 with Netflix
This build of AndEX Oreo replaces Build 180918. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-netflix-windows-launchers-1180mb-181028.iso can be installed to hard drive using the installation program or manually. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 181028 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and the video performance is generally very very good. Also when running the Netflix app!

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 181028
Google Play Store now works as intended. As an alternative you can use Aptoide App Manager, which also is pre-installed. Three nice special window launchers are pre-installed: Microsoft Launcher, Win 10 Launcher and OO Launcher. (OO Launcher is an enhanced Android™ O Oreo™ style launcher, with many useful enhanced launcher features). The Netflix app is pre-installed in Build 181028 – read below how to start/use it. I’ve discovered a new way to manually install AndEX Oreo to hard drive. Very simple! Read more below. You can now open up a terminal and become root with the command su root (which you couldn’t in previous versions of AndEX Oreo). Build 181028 uses kernel 4.18.14 with more support for various hardware. Most important: The install function works in this new version of AndEX Oreo. You can also install AndEX Oreo to a virtual hard drive while using VirtualBox and/or VMware. You can also run AndEX Oreo very well live in both VMware and VirtualBox. You can now install AndEX Oreo 8.1 in VMware using the install function (which you couldn’t in my previous AndEX Oreo builds). When booting from hard drive in VMware you’ll have to use the nomodeset boot alternative though.

Using Netflix
Before you can start the Netflix app you’ll have to go to Settings >> Android-x86 options and Enable native bridge to support apps with arm native libraries. Then start Netflix. Note: When running AndEX Oreo live (i.e. from a DVD or USB stick or live in VirtualBox or VMware) it can happen that you get an error message when you try to start Netflix. Just try again (up to about five times) and/or wait a few minutes. Or restart AndEX a couple of times. After that everything will be alright. When running AndEX Oreo from hard drive Netflix starts immediately when you want (with perfect video and sound quality). Note also: Whatever you do don’t try to upgrade Netflix. No other version than the one pre-installed will work.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with OOLauncher – all apps
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running live in VirtualBox
Screenshot 4 – Doing a manual installation to hard drive
Screenshot 5 – Becoming root
Screenshot 6 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running from hard drive in VMware
Screenshot 7 – Netflix running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 8 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 9 – The boot animation
Screenshot 10 – Showing all installed apps in Build 181028

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Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 with GAPPS, Aptoide, Microsoft Launcher, Clash of Clans and Spotify – Build 181026

26
Oct
2018

NEWS 181026 about AndEX Oreo 8.1
This build of AndEX Oreo replaces Build 180918. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launcher-1180mb-181026.iso can be installed to hard drive using the installation program or manually. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 181026 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and the video performance is generally very very good.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 181026
Google Play Store now works as intended. As an alternative you can use Aptoide App Manager, which also is pre-installed. Two nice special window launchers are pre-installed: Microsoft Launcher and OO Launcher. (OO Launcher is an enhanced Android™ O Oreo™ style launcher, with many useful enhanced launcher features). I’ve discovered a new way to manually install AndEX Oreo to hard drive. Very simple! Read more below. You can now open up a terminal and become root with the command su root (which you couldn’t in previous versions of AndEX Oreo). Build 181026 uses kernel 4.18.14 with more support for various hardware. Most important: The install function works in this new version of AndEX Oreo. You can also install AndEX Oreo to a virtual hard drive while using VirtualBox and/or VMware. You can also run AndEX Oreo very well live in both VMware and VirtualBox. You can now install AndEX Oreo 8.1 in VMware using the install function (which you couldn’t in my previous AndEX Oreo builds). When booting from hard drive in VMware you’ll have to use the nomodeset boot alternative though.

Screenshot – AndEX Build 181026 – the Desktop with Win 10 Launcher for Android 8.1 Oreo – with several extra apps (games) – Koi Video Live Wallpaper, Air Fighters, Popcorn Time, Wild Hunt, Racing In Car 2, Drift Clash and Fishing Club 3D – not pre-installed. If you like the Win 10 Launcher just install it via Google Play Store.

MORE NEWS 181026: AndEX – Oreo 8.1 with kernel 4.18.14-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 have GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Play Games and YouTube. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify, ES File Explorer, Firefox, Root Explorer, Control Screen Orientation and Clash of Clans.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with OOLauncher – all apps
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running live in VirtualBox
Screenshot 4 – Doing a manual installation to hard drive
Screenshot 5 – Becoming root
Screenshot 6 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running from hard drive in VMware

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RaspEX based on Ubuntu 18.10 with LXDE, kernel 4.14.76-v8+ (64 bit), Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth – Build 181022

22
Oct
2018

NEWS 181022
I’ve made an extra version of RaspEX LXDE. RaspEX Build 181022 uses a 64 bit kernel – 4.14.76-v8+. You can very easy switch back to the original 32 bit kernel (4.14.74-v7+) if you don’t find the 64 bit kernel useful. Since the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and B+ only have 1GB RAM it’s perhaps useless to run a 64 bit kernel, but who knows…

View all installed packages in RaspEX – Build 181022

First things to do after installing RaspEX Build 181022
1. You won’t be automatically logged in to LXDE because the system is “full” (100 %). Log in to LXDE from Slim’s login page as root with password root.
2. Start up a terminal and run the command sh resize_rootfs.sh. Before that you can’t do anything because the system is full as this screenshot shows. After that all the space on the SD card will be used. Everything will be alright then.
3. Run the command dphys-swapfile setup
A SWAP file of 2 GB will be created. Then run the command dphys-swapfile swapon. Very useful if you want to run many programs at the same time.

When you have done step 1 – 3 you can use RaspEX Build 181022 in the same way as Build 181015. If you (for some reason) don’t like the 64 bit kernel (4.14.76-v8+) you can very easy change back to the original 32 bit kernel. Just edit /boot/config.txt to look like this (in relevant parts) and reboot your Raspberry Pi.

#####################################################
### 64 bit exton 181022
#device_tree=dtbs/4.14.76-v8+/broadcom/bcm2710-rpi-3-b-plus.dtb
#overlay_prefix=dtbs/4.14.76-v8+/overlays/
#kernel=kernel8.img
### end exton

### 32 bit exton 181022
kernel=kernel7.img
# end exton
#####################################################

Another good thing is that Ubuntu 18.10 now has been released in a stable version. All packages in RaspEX Build 181022 are (of course) in latest version as of 181022.

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About my Ubuntu Build (ExTiX) from 161203 for Intel Compute Sticks with LXQt 0.10.0 and kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom

20
Oct
2018

News 181020
Today I was about to make a new version of my ExTiX Build from 161203. I quickly learned that it isn’t necessary. It turns out that full support for the Intel Compute Stick is included in all kernels from version 4.11 until today’s releases (4.18). Kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom (which was used in my build from 161203) was patched – see my INFO site. Without patches it wouldn’t have worked. Today any Linux system can run on the stick. At least all Ubuntu versions from which I have experience. This means (of course) that all ExTiX flavors can run on the stick. The only thing to think about is that the Grub boot line has to be somewhat special – see my INFO site. Those of you who have installed ExTiX Build 161203 can just upgrade the system from 16.10 to 18.04.1 LTS and then install a new kernel. For example “my” Ubuntu kernel 4.18.12-exton, which you can download. First open /etc/apt/sources.list with Leafpad and replace all instances of yakkety with bionic. Then run the command sudo apt update. After that you can upgrade the whole system using Synaptic. I have done it myself today so I know it works.

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RaspEX based on Ubuntu 18.10 with LXDE, kernel 4.14.74, Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth – Build 181015

15
Oct
2018

NEWS 181015 about RaspEX with LXDE based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 18.10
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 4.14.30-v7+ with kernel 4.14.74-v7+. RaspEX Build 181015 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2. It is based on Debian 9 Stretch, (upcoming) Ubuntu 18.10 Cosmic Cuttlefish and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (181015) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager. Both Firefox ESR and Chromium are pre-installed. I have also installed Samba and RealVNC so you can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 2 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). Furthermore some extra Network Tools, Midori Private Browser, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube and Raspotify – Raspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi that just works. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 181015.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model 3 B+: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B? The tiny computer is supposed to be faster and better in every way, including upgraded processor speed, wireless internet, and Ethernet connections.

Softpedia review
RaspEX version 181010 with BunsenLabs was reviewed by Softpedia 181010.

Compatibility :: October 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspEX BunsenLabs, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 and RaspArch. I have until now (181015) upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspArch and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

How to use Raspotify
Raspotify (Raspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi
that just works) is pre-installed and immediately ready for connections. You’ll need a
Spotify Premium account in order to connect to for example your mobile phone running Spotify.
1. Screenshot of my mobile phone showing Devices available when RaspEX is running
2. Screenshot of my mobile phone showing the possibility to connect to Raspotify
3. Screenshot of my mobile phone when Raspotify is connected and running

THE IMPORTANCE of RaspEX LXDE now being based on Ubuntu 18.10 (UNSTABLE/DEVELOPMENT)
I don’t think it is too important since RaspEX doesn’t use complicated Desktop Environments like KDE, Gnome or Unity. Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I haven’t discovered any bugs to report. Besides Ubuntu 18.10 will be released 181018 in a stable version. The FinalFreeze was already 181011 though.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop 181015
Screenshot 2 – raspex’s Desktop 181015
Screenshot 3 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy
Screenshot 5 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC-viewer
Screenshot 6 – RaspEX using Pavucontrol (for sound control)
Screenshot 7 – RaspEX running SMPlayer
Screenshot 8 – RaspEX running the Bluetooth Manager
Screenshot 9 – RaspEX running Raspotify
Screenshot 10 – Resizing system and creating SWAP space

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RaspEX Build 181010 especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ with the very fast BunsenLabs Helium Desktop

10
Oct
2018

NEWS 181010 about RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2
I’ve made a new extra version of RaspEX with BunsenLabs Helium Desktop. BunsenLabs Linux is a distribution offering a light-weight and easily customizable Openbox desktop. The project is a community continuation of CrunchBang Linux. The current release is Helium, derived from Debian 9 (Stretch). My new RaspEX BunsenLabs Build is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2. It is based on Debian 9 Stretch, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). BunsenLabs Openbox Desktop is even faster than LXDE, which is used as Desktop environment in RaspEX Build 180328. In this new version (181010) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager and replaced Firefox with the Chromium Web Browser and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube.

Study all installed packages in RaspEX BunsenLabs Build 181010.

Compatibility :: October 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspEX BunsenLabs, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 and RaspArch. I have until now (181010) upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspArch and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Stretch) and Snappy Ubuntu Core. RaspEX is faster (“fast as lightning”), more useful and more fun to use. (In my opinion). One member at this site thought that running RaspEX (for Raspberry Pi 2 Model B) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. If you use the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ it will be even faster! Especially if you run RaspEX Build 181010 with BunsenLabs and Openbox.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop 181010
Screenshot 2 – raspex’s Desktop 181010
Screenshot 3 – RaspEX running YouTube
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX choosing wallpaper

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Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!

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ExTiX 18.10 – based on Ubuntu 18.10 “Cosmic Cuttlefish” – with LXQt 0.13.0, Refracta Tools, Calamares Installer and kernel 4.18.12-exton – a non-efi Build 181006

06
Oct
2018

I have made a new extra version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 18.10 LXQt Live DVD. It is for non-efi computers and VirtualBox/VMware. I.e. you can use the Calamares Installer also in for example VirtualBox and VMware. Which means that you can install ExTiX in any language.

ABOUT
ExTiX 18.10 LXQt DVD 64 bit is based on Debian and upcoming Ubuntu 18.10 Cosmic Cuttlefish (to be released 181018). The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed LXQt 0.13.0. LXQt is the Qt port and the upcoming version of LXDE, the Lightweight Desktop Environment. It is the product of the merge between the LXDE-Qt and the Razor-qt projects: A lightweight, modular, blazing-fast and user-friendly desktop environment. NOTE: This ExTiX LXQt Build is for installation to non UEFI-enabled computers and VirtualBox/VMware.

The system language is ENGLISH.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.18.12-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.18.12. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it another Ubuntu/Debian system.

What’s new in kernel 4.18?

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL about ExTiX and especially the new version from 181006?
1. The ExTiX ISO’s are ISO-hybrids, which means that they can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can even run ExTiX from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence!
2. Another big improvement is that both ExTiX versions can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 4 (Load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run ExTiX that way. Running from RAM means that the system will run faster than from DVD or USB stick. Everything will be superfast I would say!
3. All packages have been upgraded to the latest version by 181006.
4. You can install that you can install Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver (without problems) if you like.
5. You can install ExTiX to hard drive using Calamares Installer on older non-efi computers (and VirtualBox/VMware). Which means that you can install ExTiX in your preferred language.
6. While running ExTiX LXQt 18.10 live or from hard drive you can use Refracta snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. A ten year child can do it!

THE IMPORTANCE of ExTiX LXQt now being based on Ubuntu 18.10 (UNSTABLE/DEVELOPMENT)
I don’t think it is too important since ExTiX LXQt doesn’t use complicated Desktop Environments like KDE, Gnome or Unity. Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I haven’t discovered any bugs to report.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot of ExTiX 18.10 root Desktop – LXQt 0.13.0
Screenshot of ExTiX 18.10 live Desktop – LXQt 0.13.0
Calamares running in VMware in ExTiX 18.10
Refracta tools running while logged in as user live
Connections to Windows computers via PCManFM-qt using Samba
ExTiX running in VMware
ExTiX running in VirtualBox

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Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and

about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!

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DebEX Barebone Build 181001 – a non-efi version with Budgie Desktop, Calamares Installer, Refracta Tools and kernel 4.18.11-exton

01
Oct
2018

NEWS 181001 about DebEX Budgie – a Refracta Build
A new version of DebEX Barebone with Budgie Desktop 10.4 and kernel 4.18.11-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.18.11) is ready. You can download “my” kernel and use it in another Debian (or Ubuntu) system if you want. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of October 1, 2018. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian Buster/Sid (upcoming Debian 10). Most important: The ISO has decreased from 1330 MB to 929 MB, which makes it easier to run the system live from RAM. That ability allows DebEX Budgie to be very fast, since reading and writing data from/to RAM is much faster than on a hard disk drive. This version of DebEX is a non-efi build for older computers. You can use the Calamares 3.2.2-1 Installer Framework to install DebEX Budgie to your computer in any language. You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers.

MOVIE about Calamares Installer
Watch a movie about the Calamares installation process in VirtualBox. Log in to Budgie as user with password live or as root with password root (when running DebEX live).

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in all three versions of DebEX) to create your own installable Debian Live DVD once you have installed DebEX to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 50 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshot.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot of the Budgie Desktop when running Netflix
The Budgie Desktop for the normal user user
The Budgie Desktop for root

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Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!
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