Month: February 2024

RaspEX Rpi5 64 bit based on upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble Numbat” with LXQt 1.4, kernel 6.5.0-1005-raspi and Firefox with DRM support :: Build 240221

21
Feb
2024

NEWS 240221 about RaspEX with LXQt based on upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat.
RaspEX Build 240221 is a Linux ARM (64 bit) system for Raspberry Pi 5 with 4GB/8GB and Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB/4GB/8GB RAM.  It is based on Debian and upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Firefox Browser with DRM (Digital Rights Management) support is pre-installed. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 240221.

REPLACEMENT
This RaspEX Build replaces RaspEX Build 220228, which was a 32 bit System using LXDE (instead of LXQt).

ABOUT Snaps
I have removed all snaps and snapd (The snap daemon) altogether from RaspEX following the advice’s here. The main reason for that was that the RaspEX image became too big with snaps installed.

RASPBERRY Pi 5 and 4
RaspEX Kodi is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 5 released October 23, 2023 (4GB and 8GB), but can also be used on a Raspberry Pi 4.
NOTE: A Raspberry Pi 5 is about twice as fast as the Raspberry Pi 4.

More about RaspEX
RaspEX is a full Linux Desktop system with LXQt (which is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt) with many other useful programs pre-installed. Firefox is used as Web Browser and Synaptic as Package Manager. You can use Synaptic to install any extra packages you may need. For example LibreOffice. RaspEX uses Ubuntu’s software repositories so you can install thousands of extra packages if you want.

Kernel
Kernel 6.5.0-1005-raspi for Raspberry Pi 5 and 4.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – raspex’s Desktop 240221
Screenshot 2 – running raspi-config
Screenshot 3 – running Netflix in Firefox
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX running Spotify Web Player

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
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RaspEX Kodi 64 bit – especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 5 – with the LXQt Desktop and Kodi 20.3 “Nexus” :: Build 240215

15
Feb
2024

NEWS 240215 about RaspEX Kodi 64-bit
I’ve made a new version of RaspEX Kodi 64-bit. This version is based on Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) and Debian Bookworm (Debian 12.5 stable). The LXDE Desktop is replaced with LXQt , which has a more “modern look” than LXDE. Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. In RaspEX Kodi Build 240215 I’ve upgraded Kodi to version 20.3 Nexus. You can now much easier install extra repositories. Read about the best Kodi repos 2024.

EXTRA NEWS 240218 ABOUT DRM in RaspEX Kodi Build 240215
I’ve discovered how to get DRM (Digital Rights Management) support in Firefox so you can enjoy Netflix and Spotify! Just run the command sudo apt install libwidevinecdm0. Then open Firefox and go to https://netflix.com. You will then be asked to enable DRM. That’s it!

RASPBERRY Pi 5 and 4
RaspEX Kodi is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 5 released October 23, 2023 (4GB and 8GB RAM), but can also be used on a Raspberry Pi 4.
NOTE: A Raspberry Pi 5 is about twice as fast as the Raspberry Pi 4.

PERFORMANCE
RaspEX Kodi is now very fast and responsive, especially if you run RaspEX on the new Raspberry Pi 5. And the video performance is brilliant. Almost as good as if you use a new “big” computer.

INSTALLED PACKAGES in Build 240215
Study all installed packages in Build 240215…

REPLACEMENT
This RaspEX Kodi Build (240215) replaces all previous versions of RaspEX Kodi.

USED KERNELS
Kernel 6.1.77-exton-v8-16k+ for Rpi5
Kernel 6.1.0-rpi8-rpi-v8 for Rpi4
The system will automatically determine which Raspberry Pi you are using and load the correct kernel.
NOTE: Build 240215 can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 or 4.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXQt Desktop running as user pi
2. YouTube running a 8k video
3. RaspEX Kodi 20.3 system info
4. Kodi running showing some add-ons

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
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ExTiX Deepin 24.2 Live based on Deepin 23 BETA 3 (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.7.4-amd64-extix :: Build 240209

09
Feb
2024

NEWS 240209 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 23 BETA 3
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (240209). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 23 BETA 2 is from 240110. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 23 BETA 3 (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on February 2, 2024. Please read the Release Notes. As you can see the developers urge people to try Deepin BETA 3 in a non-production environment! I must say, though, that I haven’t discovered any “bugs”. And the installed programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. On the contrary ExTiX Deepin 24.2 with the Deepin DE 23 BETA 3 works pretty well I would say. I have nevertheless kept ExTiX 22.12 with Deepin 20.8 on the server. Deepin 20.8/20.9 is the stable version released 221208. ExTiX 24.2 uses kernel 6.7.4-amd64-extix. ExTiX 24.2 works in the same way as all other ExTiX versions. I.e. you can install it to hard drive while running the system live. Use Refracta Installer for that. You can also create your own live installable Deepin 23 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 24.2 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 24.2.

Changes in Build 240209
1. A new kernel – 6.7.4-amd64-extix (latest as of 240209) – is used.
2. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as of 240209. More than 1400 upgrades and about 250 new packages.
3. I have installed Google Chrome 120.0.6099.199-1 as a replacement for Deepin’s Browser, which suddenly can be in Chinese(!?).
4. Some cosmetic changes. I.e. new wallpapers.

UNIQUE
I may add that there is no other LIVE version of Deepin 23/20.8.

Please read (and watch) a full enthusiastic review of ExTiX 22.12 with Deepin 20.8…

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX 24.2 running in full screen in VirtualBox (VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed)
3. ExTiX 24.2 running Refracta Installer
4. ExTiX 24.2 LightDM Login Screen
5. ExTiX 24.2 Live Boot Screen

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

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DSL-e based on DSL (Damn Small Linux) 2024 – 32 bit – with LXDE DE and kernel 6.6.15-exton :: Build 240207

07
Feb
2024

NEWS 240207 ABOUT DSL-e
I’ve made a remaster of Damn Small Linux 2024 – 32 bit. DSL 2024 is based on Debian 12 (bookworm) and antiX. The New DSL 2024 has been reborn as a compact Linux distribution tailored for low-spec x86 computers. It packs a lot of applications into a small package. All the applications are chosen for their functionality, small size, and low dependencies. DSL 2024 also has many text-based applications that make it handy to use in a term window or TTY.

The original DSL was of 50MB many years ago. DSL 2024 is of 700MB. The reason for that: A 50MB distribution, was a lot of fun and one of the things I am most proud of as a personal accomplishment. However, as a concept, it was in the right place at the right time, and the computer industry has changed a lot since then. While it would be possible to make a bootable Xwindows 50MB distribution today, it would be missing many drivers and have only a handful of very rudimentary applications. People would find such a distribution a fun toy or something to build upon, but it would not be usable for the average computer user out of the gate.

My remaster of DSL 2024 is of 1110MB. The reason for that is that I’ve added some real useful packages:
1. Firefox (a good Web Browser is a must I think)
2. Changed Desktop DE from Fluxbox to LXDE, which is more useful
3. GParted
4. PulseAudio and Pavucontrol (for sound to work)
5. Synaptic (a really useful package manager)
6. VLC (a Multimedia Player)
7. Changed kernel from 5.10.188-antix to 6.6.15-exton.
NOTE1: I could run and install DSL-e without problems on my oldest computer. An Acer Aspire 5102WLMi from the year 2006. So now you too can bring back life to your (very) old computer!
NOTE2: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DSL-e in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE3: You can’t watch Netflix using Firefox in DSL-e: That’s because Google no longer support Widevine on 32 bit systems.

Study all installed packages in DSL-e…  

SCREENSHOTS
1. Running in VirtualBox in full screen
2. Running in VMware
3. Running in Qemu in Linux (the best way to run any Linux system virtually)
4. The Slim Login Screen
5. The boot picture (splash) after a hard drive installation using Grub
6. The Installer running and installing Grub
7. VLC running

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

Follow me on Facebook…

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exGENT (Gentoo) 64bit Live DVD/USB with LXQt 1.4, Calamares Installer and kernel 6.1.67-gentoo-x86_64 – Build 240201 – can be installed to hard drive in 3 min!

03
Feb
2024

NEWS 240201 about exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit with OpenRC

REPLACEMENT
This version (240201) replaces version 240121/230109 with OpenRC.
NOTE 1: In version 240201 I have uninstalled many packages which are unnecessary in an LXQt environment. Some KDE libraries are left though. They are needed by the Calamares Installer.  I have also added the Spotify app, which you can use if you have a Spotify premium account.
NOTE 2: Unfortunately you’ll have to use a fairly new computer with at least 4GB RAM to be able to run exGENT Build 240201. Otherwise the boot process will stop showing an error message. “Out of space” or something similar.

MORE ABOUT exGENT BUILD 240201
This exGENT version uses the LXQt DE. LXQt is a lightweight Qt desktop environment. It will not get in your way. It will not hang or slow down your system. It is focused on being a classic desktop with a modern look and feel.  MOST IMPORTANT:
You can now install exGENT to hard drive in two ways. You can still use the install scrips in /root/install. That is the best way to install exGENT on non UEFI computers for example VirtualBox and VMware. The second way is to use Calamares Installer. Using Calamares you can install exGENT in any language.

exGENT Build 240201 is a non Systemd system
exGENT uses OpenRC 0.53 init system instead of Systemd. Comparison of different init systems: Read this article.

Quick install to Hard Drive
exGENT Linux can be installed to hard drive in 3 – 20 min. (Depending on computer type). This means that all of you who might hesitate to perform a normal Gentoo installation – which can take up to a couple of days – now have the chance to get this great Linux system (Gentoo) installed on your computers very easy. Read my instruction about how the installation works.

INSTALL A NEW KERNEL
After a hard drive installation of exGENT you may want to install a newer kernel than 6.7.1/6.1.67. That can very easy be done with the command sudo emerge ‐‐ask gentoo-kernel-bin. As of 240201 you will get kernel 6.7.2. Since it is a binary “all-round” kernel the installation takes only a couple of minutes. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE: Before running the install command you’ll have to update the repositories with the command emaint sync.

Who is exGENT/Gentoo for?
Experienced Linux users or those who really want to learn Linux. (Perhaps also for people who are bored with mainstream distributions like Ubuntu).

SCREENSHOTS
1. exGENT Build 240201 – gentoo’s Desktop
2. exGENT Build 240201 – root’s Desktop
3. Running Calamares in VirtualBox
4. exGENT using VLC
5. Using the install scripts in VirtualBox

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

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