NEWS 250116 about DebEX Gnome – a Refractaefi Build
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 – upcoming Debian 13) and unstable (Sid)repositories. GNOME47 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 version as of 250116. DebEX Gnome uses kernel 6.12.9-amd64-exton. NOTE1: Refracta Installer is not really “replaced” by Calamares. You can/should use Refracta Installer in VirtualBox/VMware. NOTE2: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DebEX Gnome in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…
NEWS 250114 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build I have made a new extra version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live System – efi. It’s a pure Debian Sid/TrixieSystem. DebEX KDE Plasma Sid/Trixie uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 6.2.5 – latest version, released 241231 – as Desktop Environment. Kernel 6.12.9-amd64-exton is used. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 250114.
Trixie is the code name for the upcoming next stable release of Debian – version 13!
THE REAL McCoy
DebEX is a pure Debian system. I.e. no traces of Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc. New releases of Ubuntu are always based on Debian Sid. So is DebEX.
ABOUT MeX Linux 250110 I’ve uploaded a new version of MeX, in which I’ve included KodiOmega 21.1 – latest version, released 240910. Kodi is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub that can be installed on Linux, OSX, Windows, iOS, tvOS and Android. It is designed around a “10-foot user interface” for use with televisions and remote controls.
NOTE about Kodi
I have installed Kodi 21.1 using Flatpak. Kodi from the Ubuntu repositories does not work in Ubuntu 24.04. Kodi 21.1 runs very well in MeX. On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 30 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds for 2025. I’ve tried Doomzday today. Works very well. Otherwise MeX version 250110 works in the same way as previous versions.
NEWS/CHANGES 250110 Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 250110 is based only on DebianSid and Ubuntu24.04 LTSNoble Numbat. I have replaced the original kernel (6.8) with “my” special kernel 6.12.8-amd64-mex. All installed packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 250110. This version of MeX uses the Ubuntu Desktop Minimal. I.e. GNOME 46Kathmandu. Also Kodi 21.1 Omega and LXQt 1.4. Use the DE you prefer.
Used KERNEL
Kernel 6.12.8-amd64-mex
NOTE: I’ve kept the original Ubuntu kernel 6.8 (so that you can switch to that one if you like).
ExTiX 24.12 LXQt – Build 241223
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 24.12 LXQt Live System. (The previous LXQt version was 23.9 from 231123). ExTiX 24.12 is based on Ubuntu 24.10 (Oracular Oriole). Ubuntu 24.10 will only be supported until July 2025. I really wanted ExTiX 24.12 to be based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which is supported until June 2029, but to be able to upgrade LXQt from version 1.4 to 2.0 I had to upgrade the whole system!
REFRACTA SNAPSHOT
The best thing with ExTiX 24.12 is that while running the system live (from DVD/USB) or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. So easy that a ten year child can do it! One other very good thing with this version of ExTiX is that it is quite light. The ISO file is of only 2500 MB, which means that you can run the system super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick. Use Boot alternative 3 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM. Another big new thing in this version of ExTiX is that I have installed Calamares Installer. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Calamares aims to be easy, usable & beautiful while remaining independent of any particular Linux distribution. Nevertheless I’ve kept Refracta Installer. Use the installer you prefer.
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL about ExTiX and especially the new version from 241223?
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 3 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need least 4 GB RAM to run ExTiX that way. Running from RAM means that the system will run faster than from a DVD or a USB stick. Everything will be super fast I would say! Especially since the ISO file is of only 2500 MB!
3. All packages have been upgraded to the latest version by 241223. Keep your installed ExTiX/Ubuntu 24.10 system up to date by running two commands: sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade.
4. I’ve replaced kernel 6.6.1-amd64-exton with kernel 6.12.6-amd64-exton. (Kernel 6.12.6 is the latest available kernel from Kernel.org as of 241223).
5. I have replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity (live installer) with Refracta Installer. It works very well. I.e. a new user (your user) will be created during the installation process and you’ll get a chance to change root’s password. Just start the installer from the menu under System.
6. I’ve added Calamares Installer. You can use Calamares even in VirtualBox/VMware without problems.
7. The best thing with ExTiX 24.12 is that while running the system live (from DVD/USB) or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu system.
8. When running ExTiX 24.12 in VirtualBox you can do so in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed.
Exton|Defender SRS (Super Rescue System) is a Linux system available as a Live System based on Fedora 41, 64bit. Fedora 41 was released on October 29, 2024. Exton|Defender is for administrating or repairing your system and data after a crash. Exton|Defender aims to provide an easy way to carry out admin tasks on your computer, such as creating and editing the hard disk partitions. It comes with a lot of Linux software such as system tools and basic tools (editors, Midnight Commander, network tools). Exton|Defender can, however, also be used as a normal Linux Desktop System. It requires no hard drive installation, but can easily be installed to hard drive if you want. Desktop environments: Special versions of Gnome 47 and Cinnamon 6.2 developed by Fedora.
Installing Exton|Defender fc41 to a USB stick and achieve persistence You can install Exton|Defender Build 241210 to a USB stick with persistence! I.e. all your system changes will be saved directly on the USB stick. Even big system upgrades! That will make it unnecessary to install Exton|Defender to hard drive (which can be a bit tricky). Just run the System from a big enough USB stick and be happy!
CALAMARES INSTALLER Calamares is very simple to use. Just start it from the menu and follow the instructions. If you are installing Exton|Defender on a UEFI computer you should read my general install instructions in advance. If you want to make your own Fedora distro (with Refracta Snapshot) you should install Exton|Defender on a partition of about 30 GB and use a SWAP space of about 2 GB. Do not create special home or boot partitions. When Calamares is running it will look like this.
Using Refracta Snapshot As I said above you can create your own Fedora 41 System once you have installed Exton|Defender to hard drive. That can (of course) also be done in VirtualBox. Do it like this: 1. Be sure to run “my” kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton. Refracta Snapshot won’t work with Fedora’s original kernel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Actually you can run Fedora’s original kernel 6.11.10-300.fc41 and still use Refracta Snapshot. Just don’t uninstall/remove “my” kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton before running Refracta Snapshot. And don’t remove the links /vmlinuz and /initrd.img to my kernel. Your new ISO will then be created without problems. When running your new ISO live (i.e. from a USB stick/DVD or in VirtualBox/VMware) my kernel will be used. If you install your new Fedora/Exton|Defender System to hard drive Fedora’s kernel 6.11.10-300.fc41 can be used as an alternative. 2. Change everything to your liking. I.e. install/remove software, change wallpapers etc… 3. Open up Refracta Snapshot 4. Follow the instructions – watch this screenshot… 5. Sit back and relax. Your new ISO will be ready in a few minutes. You’ll find it in /home/snapshot. You can also use Refracta Snapshot while running Exton|Defender from a USB stick – see above!
SCREENSHOTS Screenshot 1 – Exton|Defender running in full screen in VirtualBox Screenshot 2 – Running Calamares Screenshot 3 – Gnome 47 DE is used in VMware Screenshot 4 – After an installation using Anaconda Installer in VMware
ABOUT Exton|Defender Build 241208 Exton|Defender, based on Fedora Rawhide (upcoming Fedora 42), 64 bit, is an extra version built mainly because I finally found a way to install Calamares Installer in Fedora and make it work. This build is not really a “Defender SRS” system. You can, however, install all the rescue tools you may need also when running this version live. (I.e. from a USB stick or a DVD). The ISO file is off only 1400 MB, which means that you should be able to run the system in RAM also on older computers. Fedora 41 was released in a stable version on October 29, 2024. So Exton|Defender fc42 (being based on upcoming Fedora 42) should be very “unstable”. I have, however, not noticed anything special.
THE IMPORTANCE OF Exton|Defender Build 241208 being based on UPCOMING fc 42 Programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. And I haven’t noticed any “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. Version 241208 of Exton|Defender is for people who like to use “cutting-edge” software and the latest kernels etc. You will always have the latest Linux/Fedora software installed if you regularly run the command sudo dnf upgrade.
Build 240718 with the Budgie 10.9.1 Desktop Environmentis a simple remaster of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, code-named Noble Numbat. It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system. NOTE: Ubuntu 24.04 will be supported until August 2029. NEWS ABOUT LFA Build 240718
1. All packages the ordinary Linux user can wish for are pre-installed. Study the full packages list…
2. Kernel 6.9.8-amd64-exton is used. You can of course switch to Ubuntu’s original kernel if you prefer that.
3. The Desktop environment is Budgie 10.9.1. (Budgie is a desktop environment, formerly a project within Solus, becoming independent under the newly formed Buddies of Budgie organization in January 2022. It uses GTK for widgets, and is written in C and Vala. As of Budgie 10, the only available session is on Xorg).
4. The main Web Browser is Firefox. So you can watch Netflix!
5. I have included Refracta tools (Refracta Snapshot) to make it possible for you to create your own installable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Live System once you have installed LFA to hard drive.
6. You can run LFA super fast in RAM. Use boot alternative 2 Load to RAM – see below.
7. I have removed snapd altogether.
ABOUT MeX Linux 240707 I’ve uploaded a new version of MeX, in which I’ve included Kodi Omega 21.0 – latest version, released 240406.Kodi is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub that can be installed on Linux, OSX, Windows, iOS, tvOS and Android. It is designed around a “10-foot user interface” for use with televisions and remote controls. NOTE about Kodi: I have installed Kodi 21.0 using Flatpak. Kodi from the Ubuntu repositories does not work in Ubuntu 24.04.Kodi 21.0 runs very well in MeX. On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 30 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds July 2024. I’ve tried Doomzday today. Works very well. Otherwise MeX version 240707 works in the same way as previous versions.
NEWS/CHANGES 240707 Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 240707 is based only on DebianSid and Ubuntu24.04 LTSNoble Numbat. I have replaced the original kernel (6.8) with “my” special kernel 6.9.8-amd64-exton. All installed packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 240707. This version of MeX uses the Ubuntu Desktop Minimal. I.e. Gnome 46Kathmandu and Kodi 21.0. You can run Kodi “windowed” while logged in to Gnome. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.
MORE MeX NEWS 240707
1. The MeX ISO is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive.
2. Another big improvement is that MeX now can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can eject the disc (DVD)/USB stick. You’ll need at least 4 GB RAM to run MeX that way. The ISO file is of only 2750 MB so MeX will run super fast from RAM!
3. I have replaced Google Chrome with Firefox. Google Chrome is no longer needed to be able to run Netflix in Linux.
4. The best thing with this new MeX build – Create your own installable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Live System with Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed)! The whole “remaster process” is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.
5. I have installed Calamares Installer as in many of my other Linux builds. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Very easy to use. You can use Calamares to install MeX on both UEFI computers and non UEFI computers (for example VirtualBox and VMware).
6. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed so you can run MeX in full screen in VirtualBox. That can be done also in VMware Workstation Player. Btw: Sound works better in VMware (compared to VirtualBox). The system works very well in Qemu in Linux too. Using Qemu is the best way to run any Linux system virtually.
COMPATIBILITY Differences: Ubuntu 24.04 and MeX Linux is different only in principle to the terms of program content. A general truth: If an original system can run on a particular computer an “Exton remaster” of the same original system can run on the same computer. I never change a Linux system for the worse in terms of auto configuration and hardware detection, etc. It happens that I replace the original kernel (which I have done in this case), but always to a “better” one with even more native support for various hardware etc.
Who can benefit from MeX?
All who like Debian/Ubuntu and want a system that is easy to use and maintain. And of course those who want to create their own Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system in a very simple way with Refracta Snapshot. Regarding MeX also those who want to run a Linux system super fast from RAM and/or like to run Linux from a USB flash drive. And those who want a new kernel – 6.9.8 – and the latest Kodi version – 21.0.
New sources 240614 This new version of ExLight is based on Debian Sid / Trixie (unstable/testing). Build 240614 is a total rebuild of ExLight. The ISO file size is of only 2140 MB, which means that you’ll need about 3GB RAM to run ExLight even faster from RAM. I.e. load to RAM – screenshot. You can remove the DVD or USB stick when ExLight has booted.
KERNEL ExLight Build 240614 uses kernel 6.9.3-amd64-exton built from Debian kernel sources with Debian patches.
Installed packages Study all installed packages in ExLight Build 240614.
LOGIN PROBLEMS IN BUILD 240614
To be able to login to the Enlightenment 0.25.4 Desktop you’ll have to use a “fairly new” computer. According to my experience the computer can’t be older than about eight (8) years. After a live boot (from a USB stick or a DVD) you are supposed to be logged in automatically as the ordinary user user to the Enlightenment Desktop. If not you will end up in console mode logged in as user. For testing purposes you can do the following if you have a wired Internet connection. Run the following commands:
1. sudo apt update
2. sudo apt install lxde
3. nano .xinitrc
4. Change .xinitrc to exec startlxde
5. startx
You will now enter the LXDE Desktop. So the problem is really Enlightenment. I.e. not which Display Manager to use. I’ve tried with LXDM, SLiM and finally LightDM . I’m grateful if somebody find a solution to the problem Enlightenment/login and notify me. I’ve found only one Internet post about the problem (with no solution unfortunately). CONCLUSION: Use a “fairly new” computer if you want to run Enlightenment 0.25.4 in ExLight. I wrote this as a comment at my SourceForge site 221129: I tried ExLight Build 220726 on a really old computer – Acer Aspire 5102WLMi from 2006. Running ExLight on that computer I got the same problems as the ones you have described. I.e. I could only log in from console mode. I could never reach the Enlightenment Desktop. I have therefore decided to upload a new version of ExLight with a new kernel (possibly the newest) and upgraded packages. That will probably happen today. If the new version won’t run on my old Aspire I have to say that ExLight only runs on fairly new computers. ExLight Build 240614 and 231005 has the same problem. I.e. using my old Acer I can’t reach the Enlightenment 0.25.4 Desktop whatever I do. I can run LXDE (and possibly other Desktop Environments) without problem though. Watch this screenshot.
WHAT’S NEW IN ExLight BUILD 240614? NOTE: Version 240614 replaces version 231005.
1. ExLight is now based on Debian Sid / Trixie (unstable/testing).
2. I have upgraded the Desktop environment Enlightenment (“Beauty at your fingertips”) to version 0.25.4, which is the stable version of Enlightenment. There is a newer version (0.26.0-4) of Enlightenment, but it doesn’t work (yet). I have therefore “blocked” upgrades of Enlightenment with sudo apt-mark hold enlightenment. You can “unblock” Enlightenment with the command sudo apt-mark unhold enlightenment. Could possibly work to upgrade Enlightenment after a month or so.
3. I have replaced kernel 6.5.3-amd64-exton with kernel 6.9.3-amd64-exton. ExLight’s ISO file is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can then even run ExLight from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence!
5. Another big improvement is that ExLight can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You will need at least 3 GB RAM to run ExLight that way.
6. This version of ExLight uses the Calamares Installer. Very simple to use! A new user (your user) will be created during the installation process. You can also install ExLight in your preferred language. You can as an alternative use Refracta Installer.
7. MOST IMPORTANT: I’ve added Refracta Snapshot, which make it possible for you to create your own live installable Debian Sid/Trixie system. I mean change everything to your liking, fire up Refracta Snapshot and wait 10 – 20 min until your new ISO is ready!
LOGIN and passwords
When you start up from the DVD or USB stick you will end up in Enlightenment logged in as the ordinary user user if your computer is “fairly new” – see above. You can log out from root’s Desktop screen and log in as root if you want. The password for the ordinary user user is live. The password for root (superuser) is root. NOTE: After a hard drive installation using Calamares the root password will be gone. To fix it log in as user with password live and run the command sudo passwd root.
VirtualBox and VMware You can’t run ExLight Build 240614 in VirtualBox or VMware for some unknown reason. The system works very well in Qemu in Linux though. Using Qemu is the best way to run any Linux system virtually.
WIRELESS connections In Build 240614 NetworkManager, WPA supplicant and ConnMan are installed. Use the one you prefer. NOTE1: Study /etc/resolv.conf-WORKING and change it (if necessary) to suit your needs – screenshot. Keep a copy of resolv.conf-WORKING before you change the filename. Watch a screenshot showing how to use NetworkManager. NOTE2: For WiFi connections you should use NetworkManager logged in as root. NOTE3: On some computers it can be necessary to unblock WiFi before you can connect. Do it with the command rfkill unblock wifi
Spotify You can easily install Spotify in ExLight (even while running the system live). Just run the command sudo apt update followed by sudo apt install spotify-client.
Important about Refracta You can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in ExLight) to create your own installable Debian Sid/Trixie Live System once you have installed ExLight to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. When you start Refracta Snapshot it will look like this. You don’t even have to install ExLight to hard drive before you can use the Refracta Snapshot. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian system while running ExLight from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) only will take 10 – 50 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshot. Or change that by editing /etc/refractasnapshot.conf. NOTE: You may have to run Refracta Snapshot in three steps (1 – 3) before your new ISO is ready.
THE REAL McCoy ExLight is a pure Debian system. I.e. no traces of Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc. New releases of Ubuntu are always based on Debian Sid. So is ExLight.
KNOWN ISSUES
After a hard drive installation using Calamares Installer (Not Refracta Installer) you’ll have three “problems”.
1. /etc/apt/sources.list will be different. Replace it with the file sources.list-use-after-install
2. The root password will be gone. Fix it by logging in as the ordinary user user and run the command sudo passwd root.
3. In order to see all icons in the menu you may have to change icons – watch this screenshot.
4. You can’t login to the Enlightenment 0.25.4 Desktop unless you use a “fairly new” computer – see above.
DOWNLOAD ExLight Build 240614 Linux Live System can be downloaded from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.
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/TrixieSystem. 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.
NEWS 250116 about DebEX Gnome – a Refracta efi Build
