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.
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 240607 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 23 RC (released 240515)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (240607). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 23 BETA 3 is from 240209. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 23 RC (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on May 15, 2024. Please read the Release Notes. As you can see the developers urge people to try Deepin RC 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 24.6 with the Deepin DE 23 RC works pretty well I would say. ExTiX 24.6 uses kernel 6.9.3-amd64-exton. ExTiX 24.6 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 or Deepin Installer for that. You can also create your own live installable Deepin 23 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 24.6 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!
NEW FUNCTIONS etc. in ExTiX 24.6 Deepin 1. VirtualBox Guest Additions are NOT pre-installed. No real need for them since you can run ExTiX in full screen in VirtualBox by just changing the screen resolution. Watch these screenshots:
A) extix-24.6-vbox-display1.jpg
B) extix-24.6-vbox-display2.jpg 2. You can run ExTiX from RAM. Use boot alternative 2 (load to RAM) or Advanced. A wonderful way to run Linux if you have enough RAM. Everything will be super fast. When ExTiX has booted up you can remove the DVD or USB stick. 3. You can use Deepin Installer as an alternative to Refracta Installer. Use Deepin Installer preferable on UEFI computers if you want/need to install or reinstall Grub. 4. I have installed Google Chrome 125.0.6422.141-1 as a replacement for Deepin’s Browser, which suddenly can be in Chinese(!?). 5. I’ve added Synaptic Package Manager. A must I think. Watch a screenshot when Synaptic is running. 6. You can watch Netflix while running Google Chrome. 7. You can install ExTiX Deepin also in VirtualBox/VMware using Refracta Installer or Deepin Installer. Use Deepin Installer preferably on UEFI computers if you need to install or reinstall Grub. Before doing that you should read my instruction How-to dual-boot, triple-boot or multi-boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy… NOTE1: If you already have at least one Linux system installed on your computer and use Grub as boot loader you don’t have to reinstall Grub. Just add start lines for ExTiX in /boot/grub.grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom.
NOTE2: ExTiX 24.6 Deepin runs much better live from a USB stick or from hard drive after a hard drive installation. I mean compared to running ExTiX Deepin virtually in VirtualBox or VMware. 8. In version 240607 I’ve also included Refracta Installer. Use it in VirtualBox if you want to have an EXACT copy of ExTiX Deepin installed. You don’t have to “chroot” to install Grub. Just choose to “Copy Grub files” when asked to. Watch this movie..
Upgrade Deepin 23 RC to the stable 23 version of Deepin
Future upgrades are very easy to perform. Just run the command sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade.
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.
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)repositories. Gnome46 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. Note2: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DebEX Gnome in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…
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!
NOTES
NOTE1: This version of DebEX is based on Debian sid/trixie. Trixie (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.
Exton|Defender SRS is a Linux system available as a Live DVD based on Fedora Rawhide, 64bit. (Rawhide is the development version of Fedora). 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 46 and Cinnamon 6.0 developed by Fedora.
NEWS 240331 ABOUT Exton|Defender BASED ON upcoming Fedora 41
I have discovered a way to run Exton|Defender fc41 from RAM also when starting Exton|Defender in UEFI mode. The previous Exton|Defender fc40 version could only run from RAM if it started up in Legacy mode. So my advice is to run this version SUPER FAST from RAM! The best way to run a Linux Live System! When Exton|Defender has booted up you can remove/eject the USB stick or the DVD. NOTE ALSO: In version 240331 I’ve managed to change Refracta Installer and Refracta Snapshot to GUI (Graphical User Interface) apps! They are therefore even easier to handle now! IMPORTANT NOTE: On some computers Exton|Defender still can’t run from RAM in UEFI mode. Only in Legacy mode. I don’t know why. Sort of a mystery. System Tools included NTFS-3g, GParted, PartImage, Shred, Sfdisk (util-linux-ng), Rsync, Ddrescue, FSArchiver,TestDisk and Midnight Commander. Other programs (among many others): NetworkManager, Firefox, Parole Media Player, Samba, Java and Java Runtime Environment (JRE),Emacs, Safecopy, kernel headers and many compilation tools. Exton|Defender uses kernel 6.8.2-amd64-exton when running LIVE. Study all installed packages…
THE IMPORTANCE OF Exton|Defender being based on upcoming Fedora 41 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. This version 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 ‐‐refresh or just sudo dnf upgrade.
SCREENSHOTS Screenshot 1 – Exton|Defender – running in full screen in VirtualBox Screenshot 2 – Chroot and installing Grub Screenshot 3 – Gnome 46 DE is used Screenshot 4 – Refracta Snapshot has started
NEWS 240110 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 23 BETA2
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (240110). The previous ExTiX Deepin 23 version is from 230924. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 23 BETA2 (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on September 18, 2023. Please read the Release Notes. As you can see the developers urge people to try Deepin BETA2 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 24.1 with the Deepin DE 23 BETA2 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 24.1 uses kernel 6.6.10-amd64-extix. ExTiX 24.1 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 24.1 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!
Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 24.1. Used KERNEL
My special kernel 6.6.10-amd64-extix corresponding Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 6.6.10.
Upgrade Deepin 23 to the stable 23 version of Deepin
Future upgrades are very easy to perform. Just run the command sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade.
NEWS 231223 ABOUT Exton|OS with KDE Plasma Desktop, Android Studio and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is KDE Plasma 5.27.10. Plasma is made to stay out of the way as it helps you get things done. But under its light and intuitive surface, it’s a powerhouse. So you’re free to choose ways of usage right as you need them and when you need them. Program content in build 231223: Most important are Refracta Snapshot and Android Studio 2023-1.1.26 with an excellent Android Emulator. You can run several Android systems directly in Exton|OS. Also with GAPPS (Google Play Services and Google Play Store) pre-installed. Watch a screenshot when Android 11 is running with Google Play Store enabled. Other pre-installed programs are Firefox, Gimp and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Kernel 6.5.0-9-generic is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at December 23, 2023 Study the NEW PACKAGE list. Google Chrome has been removed since it’s now possible to use Netflix in Firefox. Using Refracta Snapshot you can change everything to your liking and then create your own live installable Ubuntu 24.04Noble Numbat system with Android Studio included. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will be supported until June, 2029.
MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 231223
1. This Exton|OS version is for UEFI and and Legacy computers.
2. I have installed and configured Android Studio. It has the very best Android Emulator with support directly from Google (the creator of Android). You can also develop your own Android apps in Android Studio.
3. Refracta Snapshot is pre-installed so that you can create your own Ubuntu 24.04 System using Exton|OS as a template.
Repositories and software management Exton|OS is totally compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 and therefore uses Ubuntu’s repositories. After a hard drive install of Exton|OS you can go ahead and install any extra software you like and also upgrade the whole system. After running the command sudoapt update you should use Synaptic Package Manager.
ABOUT VirtualBox
For some unknown reason Exton|OS Build 231223 can’t run in VirtualBox. You will get “kernel panic”. The system works alright in VMware though – watch this screenshot…
The IMPORTANCE of Exton|OS Build 231223 being based on an unstable version of Ubuntu
Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I’ve not discovered any “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. This version of Exton|OS is for people who like “cutting-edge” software. And if you install the system to hard drive you will eventually be among the first people to run the stable version of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS!
SCREENSHOTS Screenshot 1 – Exton|OS’s KDE Plasma Desktop with Android Studio running Screenshot 2 – An AVD running nicely in KDE (with Google Play Store) Screenshot 3 – Exton|OS KDE running in VMware Screenshot 4 – The live boot screen
Do it like this:
1. Use a USB stick of 16GB or more. Install Exton|Defender to it using Rufus 4.3 in Windows. Start up Exton|Defender on the USB stick from RAM in Legacy mode.
2. Eject the USB stick and insert another USB stick of 16GB or more. In the example below I’m using a USB stick of 32GB.
3. Format the USB stick with GParted (pre-installed in Exton|Defender) so you will have an install partition of 14GB/30GB and a SWAP partition of 2GB – watch this screenshot…
4. Start Refracta Installer from the menu and choose to install to your formatted USB stick. In my example it is called /dev/sde1. Yours can be called /dev/sdb1 or…
Check it carefully to avoid data losses!
5. Follow the instructions given by Refracta Installer. It is pretty straightforward.
6. When asked about Grub choose to chroot and install Grub to /dev/sde – watch this screenshot…
6b. So the Grub install commands to run is grub2-install /dev/sde (not /dev/sde1) followed by grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg
7. Exit from chroot. You will then be asked about creating a user and passwords for the user and root before everything is ready.
8. Reboot your computer with the USB stick in place. If you have other Linux systems installed on your computer you will see that Refracta Installer has added start lines for them too in the Grub menu – watch this screenshot…
(As you can see I have more than seven (7) Linux Systems installed on the computer I used for this demo).
9. When I rebooted again and removed the USB stick I (of course) got back my “normal” UEFI Grub menu – watch this screenshot…
10. You can run your USB stick created with Refracta Installer on any other computer, but you can then of course only start Fedora 40/Exton|Defender. If you want to be able to boot also other Linux Systems you may have installed on the “new” computer you’ll have to create a new Grub boot menu. That is done as root with the command grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg – watch this screenshot…
11. After a reboot your new USB Grub boot menu will be changed – watch this screenshot and compare it with this screenshot…
12. Note that you will run kernel 6.7-rc4 from the USB stick! After an upgrade with sudo dnf upgrade you will get the latest available kernel (as of 231214), which is 6.7-rc5!
Build 240718 with the Budgie 10.9.1 Desktop Environment is 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.
