NEWS 241103 ABOUT Exton|OS with KDE Plasma Desktop, Android Studio and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is KDE Plasma 5.27.11. 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 241103: Most important are Refracta Snapshot and Android Studio 2024.2.1 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 14 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 6.11.6-amd64-exton is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at November 3, 2024. 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 System once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will be supported until June, 2029…
SCREENSHOTS Screenshot 1 – Exton|OS’s KDE Plasma Desktop with Android Studio running Screenshot 2 – Running an AVD with Google Play Store included Screenshot 3 – Running Spotify in an AVD Screenshot 4 – Running Google Maps in an AVD Screenshot 5 – Google Play Store running in an AVD Screenshot 6 – The live boot screen
CruxEX 2024/2022 64 bit Linux Live CD/USB is based on CRUX 3.7 (latest version, released 220926), which is all Linux enthusiasts/nerds favorite OS. (CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution for the x86_64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is keep it simple, which is reflected in a straightforward tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages. The secondary focus is utilization of new Linux features and recent tools and libraries. CRUX also has a ports system which makes it easy to install and upgrade applications). CruxEX 3.7 2024/2022 uses the LXDE Desktop environment. I have replaced the original CRUX kernel 5.15 with “my” special kernel 6.11.0-rc5-amd64-exton/6.6.1-amd64-exton respectively 6.0.6-aufs-exton, with support for “extra everything”.
NEWS ABOUT CruxEX BUILD 240910
I’ve made a new extra version of CruxEX which I call CruxEX Linux Live System. It replaces version 231208. This CruxEX version is distributed as a “normal” ISO file. (Build 221031 is distributed as a Zip file only to be installed on a USB stick). I have kept CruxEX Build 221031 on SourceForge’s server because that version can run from a USB stick with PERSISTENCE. I.e. all system changes will be saved directly on the USB stick. In CruxEX Build 240910 I have managed to install Refracta Snapshot and Refracta Installer. With Refracta Snapshot you can very easy create you own CRUX Live Installable System. I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO. That can be done after a hard drive installation using Refracta Installer. If you have plenty of RAM you can even create a new ISO while running CruxEX live! In that case you may have to change the place where the new ISO will be saved. Just edit /etc/refractasnapshot.conf. Watch this screenshot. Change home to (for example) /mnt/sdd2 (which has to be a Linux partition). You’ll have to mount /dev/sdd2 before starting Refracta Snapshot from the menu. Command: mount /dev/sdd2 /mnt/sdd2. IMPORTANT NOTE: Kernel 6.11.0-rc5-amd64-exton will be used after a hard drive installation of CruxEX Build 240910. If you want to build your own CruxEX version/system you’ll have to use kernel 6.6.1-amd64-exton while running Refracta Snapshot.
Unique
CruxEX 3.7 2024/2022 Build 240910/221031 is – as my previous CRUX-remasters – unique in the world. I.e. there is no other CRUX Live CD/USB (as far as I know). In any case, not for downloading. The good thing with CruxEX is that it is a live system (which CRUX original isn’t) and that you can run CruxEX super fast from RAM. Also that you can install CruxEX to hard drive in about 5 minutes and then have a ready-to-go CRUX desktop system. You can after that install any (extra) desktop environment you like. NOTE: You can (of course) install new Desktops environments and other stuff also when running CruxEX from a USB stick – PERSISTENCE! (Only as regards Build 221031).Note also: To make CRUX original ready for everyday use will normally take 2 – 3 days!
RUNS FROM RAM
Run both versions super fast from RAM! The best way to run a Linux Live System!
Study ALL INSTALLED packages in CruxEX 3.7
1) Build 240910
2) Build 221031
NEWS 240816 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 23 STABLE (released 240815)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (240816). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 23 RC is from 240607. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 23 STABLE (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on August 15, 2024. Please read the Release Notes. ExTiX 24.8 uses kernel 6.10.3-amd64-exton. ExTiX 24.8 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 24.8 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!
NEW FUNCTIONS etc. in ExTiX 24.8 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 this screenshot… 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 127.0.6533.119-1 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…
NEWS ABOUT SlackEX BUILD 240812 with the Xfce4 DESKTOP (DE)
A new version of SlackEX is ready. It is based on Slackware 15.0 STABLE released 220202 with Xfce4 as DE. The most important package installed is Refracta Snapshot. With that you can build your own Slackware 15.0 distribution. Xfce4 is one of Slackware’s official Desktop environments. The other one is KDE. Kernel 6.10.3-amd64-exton is used in this SlackEX Build. To be able to use Refracta Snapshot you’ll have to use said kernel. Otherwise you can (of course) replace “my” kernel with Slackware’s original kernel – see about that below. Study the new package LIST. While running SlackEX Xfce4 in VirtualBox you can do so in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot. NOTE1: You’ll run SlackEX Build 240812 as the normal user user or as root. The password for root is root. The password for user is live. NOTE2: You can run SlackEX Build 240812 on UEFI and non-Uefi computers. You can also run SlackEX live super fast from RAM.
Create your own live installable Slackware System
For that you shall use Refracta Snapshot, which is pre-installed by me. Just run the program and follow the instructions. Before you start the program you should edit /etc/refractasnapshot.conf and decide/change where you want your new iso to be saved. For example in /home/snapshot. The whole remaster procedure is so simple that a ten year old child can do it!
SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user 2. The Desktop for root
3. Showing how to chroot and install Grub while using Refracta Installer NOTE: In /root there is an instruction called README-chroot.txt. Just copy and paste the commands from there.
EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed is based on openSUSE Tumbleweed, which is a rolling distribution. I.e. no need for new installations. Just run the command sudo zypper dup and you will always get the latest stable packages/kernels.
NEWS ABOUT EXTON OpSuS Build 240801 with the LXQt DE
I’ve made a new version of EXTON OpSuS with LXQt 2.0.0 as DE (Desktop Environment). It replaces version 230210, which had LXQt 1.2 installed. Version 240801 is a total rebuild of version 230210 with many more openSUSE packages pre-installed. The ISO-file has thus increased from 1430 MB to 2510 MB. I have now managed to install Refracta Snapshot, which means that you can completely change the EXTON OpSuS System and then create a new ISO-file. (Your own). Your new openSUSE system will also be Live and installable. A new kernel is used – 6.9.8-amd64-exton. Watch a screenshot when Refracta Snapshot has started. You’ll find your new ISO file in /home/snapshot. The whole “remaster process” is very simple and quick.
Is EXTON OpSuS Deepin/LXQt Build 240801/240729 unique?
If you have a look at openSUSE’s official Download site you can see that there is no liveDeepin or LXQt version available. EXTON OpSuS Build 240801 and240729 are most certainly UNIQUE. There is no other distro based on openSUSE containing Refracta Snapshot!
EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed is based on openSUSE Tumbleweed, which is a rolling distribution. I.e. no need for new installations. Just run the command sudo zypper dup and you will always get the latest stable packages/kernels.
NEWS ABOUT EXTON OpSuS Build 240729 with the Deepin DE
I’ve made a new version of EXTON OpSuS with Deepin 20.6 as DE (Desktop Environment). It replaces version 231220, which also had the Deepin DE installed. Version 240729 is a total rebuild of version 231220 with many more openSUSE packages pre-installed. The ISO-file has thus increased from 3290 MB to 3630 MB. I have now managed to install Refracta Snapshot, which means that you can completely change the EXTON OpSuS System and then create a new ISO-file. (Your own). Your new openSUSE system will also be Live and installable. A new kernel is used – 6.9.8-amd64-exton. Watch a screenshot when Refracta Snapshot has started. You’ll find your new ISO file in /home/snapshot. The whole “remaster process” is very simple and quick.
ABOUT the Deepin Desktop Environment Deepin DE (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like the Deepin DE very much when I installed it in ExTiX and ArchEX. So I thought why not install the Deepin DE also in EXTON OpSuS?
Is EXTON OpSuS Deepin/LXQt Build 240729/230212 unique? If you have a look at openSUSE’s official Download site you can see that there is no liveDeepin or LXQt version available. EXTON OpSuS Build 240729 is most certainly UNIQUE. There is no other distro based on openSUSE containing Refracta Snapshot!
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 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.
NEWS 241103 ABOUT Exton|OS with KDE Plasma Desktop, Android Studio and Refracta Snapshot
