Month: April 2024

DebEX KDE Live System with KDE Plasma 5.27.10, Refracta Snapshot, Calamares and kernel 6.9.0-rc5-amd64-exton :: Build 240429

NEWS 240429 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD – efi. It’s a pure Debian Sid/Trixie System. There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved in DebEX. DebEX KDE Plasma Sid uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 5.27.10 – latest version, released 231205 – as Desktop environment. Kernel 6.9.0-rc5-amd64-exton is used. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 240429.

VirtualBox Guest Additions and VMware Tools are pre-installed, which mean that you can run DebEX KDE in full screen – see the screenshot below.

SCREENSHOTS

1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Running in full screen in VirtualBox

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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DebEX Gnome Live System with Gnome DE 46, Refracta Snapshot, Calamares and kernel 6.9.0-rc5-amd64-exton :: Build 240426

About DebEX Gnome Build 240426
I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live System. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (Trixie) and unstable (Sid) repositoriesGnome 46 is used as Desktop Environment. I have removed the Mate Desktop, since Gnome now can be used on all kind of computers. Also when running DebEX Gnome 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 Firefox ESR. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies using Firefox ESR 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 versions as of 240426.

Kernel
DebEX Gnome uses kernel 6.9.0-rc5-amd64-exton.

Note1
: Refracta Installer is not really “replaced” by Calamares. You should use Refracta Installer in VirtualBox/VMware. If you do you don’t have to chroot to be able to install Grub.
Note2VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DebEX Gnome in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot… 

SCREENSHOTS
1. Calamares Installer is running
2. Chroot in VirtualBox (to install Grub)
3. Refracta Snapshot is running
4. The Desktop for root
5. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
6. Netflix is running in Firefox
7. Showing a WiFi connection

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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DebEX Barebone 32 bit – Build 240423 – based on Debian sid/trixie (upcoming Debian 13) with LXQt 1.4 and Refracta Snapshot

NEWS 240423 about DebEX LXQt 32 bit Build 240423
I’ve made a new DebEX system for older computers. It uses LXQt 1.4  as Desktop environment. 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. Only a minimum of packages are installed. The ISO file is of only 1610 MB! Refracta Snapshot is pre-installed also in this version of DebEX, which means that you can make your own Debian 32 bit (Intel x86 32-bit architecture) live installable system in a very simple way. I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO.

What is it for?
This version of DebEX is mainly made for older computers. I could run and install DebEX LXQt 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!

Study all installed packages in Build 240423…

NOTES
NOTE1:
This version of DebEX is based on Debian sid/trixieTrixie (Debian 13) will replace Bookworm (Debian 12).
NOTE2
VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DebEX LXQt in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE3: You can’t watch Netflix in this version of DebEX: That’s because Google no longer support Widevine on 32 bit systems.
NOTE4:  I’ve arranged so that you can run DebEX LXQt also on UEFI computers. I.e. you can boot the System both in UEFI and Legacy mode.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Running in full screen in VirtualBox
2.  Refracta Snapshot is running
3.  The new ISO is ready
4.  The Desktop for the ordinary user user

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 RC3 – 32 BIT – WITH LXDE DE AND KERNEL 6.6.15-EXTON :: BUILD 240417

NEWS 240417 ABOUT DSL-e
I’ve made a remaster of Damn Small Linux 2024 rc3– 32 bit. My first remaster of DSL 2024 is from 240207. 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 rc3 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 rc3 is of 1100MB. 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.
8. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed so you can always run DSL-e in full screen in VirtualBox!
9. Samba is installed so that you can reach your Windows computers in your home network
10. I’ve arranged so that you can run DSL-e also on UEFI computers. I.e. you can boot DSL-e both in UEFI and Legacy mode.
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!
NOTE2VirtualBox 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.
NOTE4: To use Samba you shall run this command:
sudo mount -t cifs //IP-number(for your Windows computer)/SHARED-FOLDER /mnt/samba -o user=username(in Windows)
Example: sudo mount -t cifs //192.168.0.38/LINUX /mnt/samba -o user=arne
Watch this screenshot…

Study all installed packages in DSL-e…

LOGIN to DSL-e
Log in from Slim to LXDE as user exton with password linux. You can’t log in as root from Slim. The password for root is root. Watch this screenshot…
If you want to run DSL-e as root you shall close X by pressing Ctrl Alt F2 simultaneously. Log in as root with password root and run the command startx.

INSTALL DSL-e to hard drive
It is really simple. Just click on the INSTALLER icon on the desktop and follow the instructions. Watch this screenshot…

KNOWN ISSUE
After logging in to LXDE you may have to restart X on some computers. That is if you can’t open any apps. Restart X by pressing  Ctrl Alt F2 simultaneously. Then log in as user exton with password linux. Finally run the command startx to enter X/LXDE again. Now everything should work. The error is probably due to the way my remaster is made.

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)!
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Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 240414 with Refracta Snapshot (so you can create your own Raspberrypi Debian 12 Pixel system)

NEWS 240414 about Raspberry Pi Debian 12 Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
 Study all included packages in Build 240414 – latest by 240414. I’ve added NetworkManager and also Wicd, which makes it easier to configure wireless connections. Choose the one which works for you.

Most important changes in Build 240414
This build replaces version 161223 , 170425, 180316, 180928, 190705, 191102, 201108, 220505 and 230319. I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Bullseye  to Bookworm – Debian 12. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 6.1.0-6-686-pae to 6.8.1-pae-exton. I’ve also included kernel 6.1.0-6-686, which shall be used on older computers. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. Firefox have been installed so you’ll have a browser when logged in as root. You can’t run Chromium as root.  In Build 240414 I have removed Chromium. I saw no advantage in keeping it. You can run the system in full screen in VirtualBox. That’s because VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot. I’ve also installed Samba so that you can reach your Windows computers in your home network.

NOTE 1

This Debian PIXEL 32bit build is for UEFI and non-efi computers. So you can boot Debian PIXEL in both UEFI and Legacy mode.

NOTE 2
On certain Desktop computers you may have to start Debian PIXEL in “failsafe” graphics mode. I.e. nomodeset.

NEWS 180928 – a YouTube video about Debian Pixel
I’ve discovered a YouTube video about my Debian Pixel Build 170425. The video is called Debian Pixel..Exton forks it for you..
This video is of course also valid for Build 240414. By watching the video you can learn a lot about Debian Pixel’s features.

OLD NEWS FROM 161223

On December 22, 2016 I read that the Raspberry Pi Foundation had announced the release of a new PIXEL image that can be booted on a PC or Mac. Study this site. I saw immediately that there was no installer included, which I thought was a little disappointing. Come to think of Refracta Tools, which work very well in Debian and Ubuntu. I quickly made a “remix” of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. My remix thus include Refracta Tools. This means that you can easily install the system to hard drive and you can just as easily make your own remix of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. I’ve added a few packages. Most important Synaptic, which I find essential.

About the PIXEL Desktop
Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) had its biggest update ever in September, 2016, thanks to a dazzling new desktop environment called PIXEL. Raspbian with PIXEL (which stands for “Pi Improved Xwindow Environment, Lightweight”) is a huge software update to the desktop environment. It introduces a crisp new interface, and is brimming with new programs and features.

VirtualBox and VMware
My build/image works very well in VirtualBox and VMware. I.e. you can run the system directly from the ISO file and also install it to a virtual hard drive. You can of course also make your own Raspbian/Debian system with the the PIXEL Desktop using Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed). NOTE: As regards Build 240414 you can run the system in full screen in VirtualBox. That’s because VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

KERNEL
Kernel 6.8.1-pae-exton is used in Build 240414. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. If you want to run the system (which is 32bit) on older computers you shall use kernel 6.1.0-6-686, which also is included.

Login and passwords
Log in to the PIXEL Desktop as the ordinary user user or as root. The passwords are raspberry respectively root. When logged in as user you can use Sudo to become root. (Command: sudo su). When running Debian Pixel live (from a DVD or a USB stick) you’ll end up (after the boot process) logged in automatically as the user user in X (PIXEL Desktop).

Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure
For smoother Raspberry PI performance a virtual PC such as azure windows virtual desktop which can be the best option due to its high end functionality and 24*7 top-notch support from a reliable desktop as a service provider.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that this build can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When running Debian Pixel on an UEFI computer you shall go to “Advanced – load to RAM”.  When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You’ll need at least 4 GB RAM to run the system that way. I.e. super fast!

Spotify
You may want to run Spotify. In this version of Debian Pixel you can’t install Spotify with the command sudo apt install spotify-client. Too many unfulfilled dependencies. You can, however, run Spotify Web Player. Use Firefox for that. Watch a screenshot when Spotify Web Player is running.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own installable Raspberry Pi Debian 12 PIXEL system once you have installed my build to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. Start Refracta from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta snapshot. You don’t even have to install my build to hard drive before you can use the Refracta Snapshot. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian PIXEL system while running my build from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO file) will only take 20 – 60 min! Please edit the configuration file /etc/refractasnapshot.conf first. Change line 45 and 46. I.e. decide where you want the ISO file to be build. The whole thing is very simple. NOTE: You can also do everything in VirtualBox or VMware. Use FileZilla (pre-installed) to transfer your new ISO file to your server. Or use Samba to transfer the ISO file to one of your Windows computers in your home Network – screenshot. In VirtualBox you can also drop the new ISO directly on your host Desktop. NOTE: You may have to do run Refracta Snapshot in three steps (1, 2 , 3).

Install to Debian PIXEL hard drive
Just start Refracta Installer from the Menu >> System tools >> Refracta Installer and follow the instructions. Very simple. After a hard drive installation Grub’s boot menu will look like this.



Install Debian PIXEL to a USB stick

You can use Rufus in Windows. Persistence can’t be enabled though. The best way to achieve persistence on a USB stick is to burn Debian PIXEL to a DVD, start up the system from the DVD and then use Refracta Installer for the installation. Choose to install Grub in MBR on /dev/sdb. (Normally your USB stick, but check it carefully!) I.e. you will get a chance to choose between /dev/sda and /dev/sdb. This method will give you perfect persistence.

Watch the slideshow below showing the Refracta installation process in Debian PIXEL.

Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure
For smoother Raspberry PI performance a virtual PC such as azure windows virtual desktop which can be the best option due to its high end functionality and 24*7 top-notch support from a reliable desktop as a service provider.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – User Desktop 240414
Screenshot 2 – Debian PIXEL running in VirtualBox in full screen
Screenshot 3 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 4 – The installation is ready
Screenshot 5 – Spotify Web Player running

DOWNLOAD
my Debian Raspberry Pi PIXEL Build 240414 for free from SourceForge.net Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

md5sum for debian-12-pixel-32bit-pae-exton-build-1900mb-240414.iso
Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Foundation

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 RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
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