Tag: Refracta snapshot

MeX 64 bit Linux based on Debian “Sid” and upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Ubuntu Desktop (Gnome 40) and kernel 5.15.5-exton – now also with Kodi 19.3 :: Build 211211

Dec

2021

NEWS/CHANGES 211211
I’ve uploaded a new version of MeX, in which I’ve included Kodi Matrix 19.3 – latest version. 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. Kodi runs very well in MeX. On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 27 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds December 2021. I’ve tried Grindhouse today. Works very well. Watch this screenshot. And this. Otherwise MeX version 211211 works in the same way as version 211207.

NOTE though
Calamares Installer has been upgraded to 3.2.41.1. If you use it for installing MeX to hard drive you will notice that Calamares will be uninstalled afterwards. If you want to create your own Ubuntu ISO with Refracta Snapshot you should reinstall Calamares using Synaptic. For Calamares to work properly you must replace /usr/bin/calamares-logs-helper with this file.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The new MeX Linux Desktop with Synaptic running
2. The “normal” Kodi 19.3 Desktop
3. MeX running Kodi and the Grindhouse addon
4. MeX running Kodi and the Grindhouse addon – 2
5. MeX Kodi System Info

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

MeX 64 bit Linux based on Debian “Sid” and upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Ubuntu Desktop (Gnome 40) and kernel 5.15.5-exton :: Build 211207

Dec

2021

NEWS/CHANGES 211207
Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 211207 is based only on Debian Sid and upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish. I have replaced the original kernel (5.13) with “my” special kernel 5.15.5-exton-amd64-rt21. All installed packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 211207. This version of MeX uses the Ubuntu Desktop Minimal. I.e. Gnome 40. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.

MORE MeX NEWS 211207
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 2 GB RAM to run MeX that way. The ISO file is of only 1400 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 22.04 LTS Live DVD 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. Watch this screenshot.

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 22.04 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 – 5.15.5 and be among the very first people to have Ubuntu 22.04 LTS stable installed in April 2022.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Refracta Snapshot running)
Screenshot 2 – Ubuntu Desktop with Calamares Installer running
Screenshot 3 – Showing a Samba connection
Screenshot 4 – live’s Desktop
Screenshot 5 – root’s Desktop
Screenshot 6 – MeX running in full screen in VirtualBox

ExLight 64bit UEFI, Build 211130, based on Debian Sid (unstable/development) with Enlightenment 0.24.2, Refracta Snapshot, Calamares and kernel 5.15.5-exton

Nov

2021

NEWS 211130 ABOUT ExLight
I’ve made a new version of ExLight with the Enlightenment 0.24.2 Desktop environment, Refracta Snapshot (create your own Debian Sid System) and Calamares 3.2.44.3-1 Installer Framework. The very nice Enlightenment theme R-Matrix-2.0 is used. It will be used also after a hard drive installation.

New sources 211130
This new version of ExLight is based on Debian Sid (unstable/development). Build 211130 is a total rebuild of ExLight. The ISO file size is of only 1460 MB, which means that ExLight now can run even faster from RAM. I.e. load to RAM – screenshot. You can remove the DVD or USB stick when ExLight has booted – watch this screenshot.

KERNEL
ExLight Build 211130 uses kernel 5.15.5-exton-amd64-rt21, corresponding Kernel.org‘s latest stable kernel 5.15.5.

What’s new in kernel 5.15 LTS?

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. So is ExLight.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Enlightenment 0.24.2 Desktop for user user
2. The Enlightenment 0.24.2 Desktop for root running Calamares
3. Connection from ExLight to a Windows computer using Samba
4. Using ConnMan for WiFi connections
5. Running ExLight from RAM
6. Refracta Snapshot has started
7. Running Netflix and Pavucontrol

ExTiX 21.11 – “The Ultimate Linux System” – based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with LXQt 0.17, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.14.12-exton-amd64 :: Build 211030

Oct

2021

ExTiX 21.11 LXQt – Build 211030
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 21.11 LXQt Live DVD. (The previous LXQt version was 21.5 from 210516). ExTiX 21.11 is based on a pre-release (not even BETA) of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)! Ubuntu 22.04 will be supported until 2027. The best thing with ExTiX 21.11 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 1580 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this version of ExTiX is based on a pre-release of Ubuntu you shouldn’t use it for sensitive work/business. Having said that I must also say that I haven’t found any “bugs” or so. Maybe it’s because ExTiX 21.11 uses the stable LXQt 0.17 DE (and not the more complicated Gnome DE or KDE DE).

ABOUT
ExTiX 21.11 LXQt DVD 64 bit is based on Debian Sid and upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed LXQt 0.17. LXQt is the Qt port and the upcoming version of LXDE, the Lightweight Desktop Environment. It is the product of the merge between the LXDE-Qt and the Razor-qt projects: A lightweight, modular, blazing-fast and user-friendly desktop environment. NOTE: This ExTiX LXQt Build is for installation to UEFI-enabled computers. You shall use Refracta Installer for that.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 5.14.12-exton-amd64 with all Debian patches.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX LXQt – root’s Desktop
2. ExTiX LXQt – live’s Desktop
3. Using Refracta Installer – chroot for installing Grub
4. ExTiX 21.11 running in full screen in VirtualBox

LFA (Linux For All) 64bit Live DVD Build 211018 and 211021 :: Create you own LFA/Ubuntu installable 21.10 system!

Oct

2021

Linux For All (LFA) Build 211018/211021
is a simple live remaster of Ubuntu 21.10, code-named Impish Indri, which was released 211014. It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system.

NEWS ABOUT LFA Build 211021 WITH LXQt 0.17.0
I’ve made one extra version of LFA. This time with the LXQt Desktop Environment instead of Gnome 40. This version of LFA is for older non-EFI computers. 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. LFA LXQt works in the same way as the Gnome version – see below. Study the full packages list.

NEWS ABOUT LFA Build 211018 with Gnome 40
1. All packages the ordinary Linux user can wish for are pre-installed. Study the full packages list.
2. Kernel 5.10.70-exton-amd64-rt53 (with Debian patches) is used. You can of course switch to Ubuntu’s original kernel if you prefer that one.
3. The Desktop environment is Gnome 40. (Ubuntu’s original DE).
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 21.10 Live DVD once you have installed LFA to hard drive.
6. You can run LFA fast in RAM. Use boot alternative 2 Load to RAM – see below. The LFA ISO file is of only 1300 MB to be compared with Ubuntu’s original ISO of 2900 MB.
7. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed , which means (among other things) that you can run LFA in VirtualBox in full screen. Watch this screenshot.

When booting up LFA from a DVD or USB stick it will look like this.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – LFA Gnome running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 2 – Running Samba to reach Windows computers
Screenshot 3 – Refracta Installer has started in LFA Gnome
Screenshot 4 – Running Refracta Installer and installing Grub in LFA Gnome
Screenshot 5 – Running LFA from a USB stick after I’ve made some persistent changes
Screenshot 6 – Running Refracta Installer in LFA LXQt
Screenshot 7 – Installing Grub in MBR in LFA LXQt
Screenshot 8 – Running Spotify in LFA LXQt
Screenshot 9 – Running SMPlayer in LFA LXQt

READ MORE…

exton No Comments extonExton Linux Systems Create you own installable Ubuntu system with Refracta SnapshotextonGNOME 40LFALinux For AllRefracta snapshotUbuntu 21.10

SlackEX live with Refracta Snapshot based on Slackware 15.0 RC1 – Build 211014

Oct

2021

Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993. In comparison with for example Ubuntu and Linux Mint, many people believe that Slackware is “difficult”. Any novice can quickly learn to use Ubuntu they say. My remaster of Slackware Current (15.0/14.2), which I call SlackEX 15.0/14.2/Current 64 bit Linux Live DVD, is however just as easy to use as Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint. Some tend to complain that the Program Management in Slackware is awkward. That was perhaps earlier the case, but not anymore. Now we have the Application Managers Slackpkg and GSlapt – a GTK version of slapt-get. They are a piece of cake to use! Users of Synaptic will feel at ease with GSlapt. (Only in the Enlightenment version though).

NEWS 211014 ABOUT SlackEX 15.0 RC1 with Xfce4
Slackware is not dead even though not much has happen since Slackware 14.2 was released in July 2016. The main differences of Slackware 15 are booked to updating the versions of programs, including the transition to the Linux 5.10 kernel, a set of GCC compilers 10.3 and the system library glibc 2.33. SlackEX Build 211014 is a live remaster of Slackware 15.0 RC1. This build replaces version 210422, which was based on Slackware 15.0 BETA. A new kernel – 5.10.70-exton-amd64-rt53 – with better support for new hardware, for example new touchscreens and touchpads, is used in Build 211014. Study all pre-installed packages in Build 211014.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – user’s Desktop
Screenshot 2 – Showing a Samba connection
Screenshot 3 – root’s Desktop
Screenshot 4 – running in full screen in VirtualBox
Screenshot 5 – running in RAM

ExTiX 21.10 KDE Plasma together with Anbox (“Android in a Box” with Google Play Store pre-installed) :: Build 211007

Oct

2021

ABOUT ExTiX 21.10 – Build 211007
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 21.10 KDE Anbox Live DVD. (The previous KDE/Anbox version was 20.12 from 201208). I have now included Anbox (Android in a Box – Anbox puts the Android operating system into a container, abstracts hardware access and integrates core system services into a GNU/Linux system. Every Android application will be integrated with your operating system like any other native application). So now you can run Android apps in ExTiX. GAPPS (Google Play Services and Google Play Store) are pre-installed in ExTiX 21.10. The second best thing with ExTiX 21.10 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/Anbox system. So easy that a ten year child can do it!

ExTiX 21.10 KDE Plasma DVD 64 bit is based on Debian and Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed KDE Frameworks 5.68.0 with KDE 4.19. KDE Frameworks are 60 addon libraries to Qt which provide a wide variety of commonly needed functionality in mature, peer reviewed and well tested libraries with friendly licensing terms.

The system language is ENGLISH.

Used KERNEL
My “special” kernel 5.10.46-exton-amd64-rt39 with kernel modules needed by Anbox.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX Desktop with Anbox running 211007
2. Login to Google Play Store
3. Anbox with Google Play Store running

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exton No Comments AndroidextonExton Linux Systems AnboxCreate you own installable Ubuntu system with Refracta SnapshotExTiX 21.10KDERefracta snapshotRun Android apps in Linux

ExTiX Deepin 21.9 Live based on Deepin 20.2.3 (latest) with Skype, Spotify, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.14.2-exton :: Build 210914

Sep

2021

NEWS 210914 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (210914). This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 20.2.3 released by Deepin Technology 210816.

NEW FUNCTIONS etc
1. 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.
2. You will have the opportunity to choose language before you enter the Deepin 20.2.3 Desktop. All main languages are supported.
3. I have replaced Deepin Installer with the Reborn version of Deepin Installer. Works better in every way.
4. I have replaced kernel 5.12.4-exton with kernel 5.14.2-exton. Corresponding the second latest available stable kernel from Kernel.org.
5. Spotify and Skype are pre-installed.
6. You can watch Netflix while running Firefox.
7. You can install ExTiX Deepin also in VirtualBox/VMware using Refracta Installer or Deepin Installer. (In previous versions you had to “chroot” into the install partition and install Grub).
8. As an alternative to Apt you can use the Cactus Package Manager. Example commands: cpm i mousepad and cpm s gimp. (Install Mousepad and search for Gimp). CPM works very well.
9. Install ExTiX to a USB stick preferably with Rufus 3.15 in Windows – see below how it looks.
10. In version 210914 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 screenshot.
11. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. With those installed you can run ExTiX in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot.

UNIQUE
I may add that there is no other live version of Deepin 20.2.3.

The Ultimate Linux System
I’ve called my different versions of ExTiX The Ultimate Linux System for many years by now. As regards ExTiX 21.9 Deepin I feel it’s especially justified. Everything just works.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX running in full screen in VirtualBox (VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed)
2. Spotify is running
3. Netflix is running in Firefox

DebEX KDE/Plasma Build 210818 :: Create your own Debian 11 “Bullseye” system in less than 10 min :: So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Aug

2021

NEWS 210818 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD – efi. It replaces version 210216. It’s a pure Debian 11 system. (Stable/Experimental). I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE Plasma uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 5:20 as Desktop environment.

Kernel 5.13.11-exton is used. (Kernel 5.13.11 was released by Kernel.org 210814). I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. I have replaced Google Chrome with Iceweasel (Firefox) 78.13 (for Netflix). I’ve also added SMPlayer – an alternative to Vlc. (SMPlayer is a free media player for Windows and Linux with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats. It doesn’t need any external codecs. Just install SMPlayer and you’ll be able to play all formats without the hassle to find and install codec packs). All other installed packages have also been updated to the latest version of 210818. Study the full packages list.

What’s new in kernel 5.13?

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES
I have added Calamares 3.2.36.1 Installer Framework. Now you can choose language when the installation starts. When it’s ready everything will be in your chosen language! You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers if you follow my INSTRUCTION for non-efi computers. NOTE: You can also use Refracta Installer. Preferably in VirtualBox/VMware. NOTE ALSO: When running DebEX KDE in VirtualBox you can do it in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot. You can also run DebEX KDE in full screen in VMware since VMware Tools are pre-installed. It is a bit of a hassle to install VMware Tools so I did it for you in Build 210818. Watch this screenshot.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in all four versions of DebEX) to create your own installable Debian Live DVD once you have installed DebEX 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 DebEX 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 DebEX from a DVD or a USB stick. On one of my computers with 32GB RAM the Refracta process was done in 10 minutes! So please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 50 min! (Depending on how fast your computer is). You’ll find the (new) ISO in /home/snapshot.

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. So is DebEX.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop logged in as user with Calamares running
2. Running in VirtualBox with VirtualBox Guest Additions
3. Running in VMware with VMware Tools installed
4. Running Spotify (pre-installed)
5. Running as root with Calamares started

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

exton No Comments extonExton Linux Systems Calamares InstallerCreate your own Debian Bullseye system with Refracta SnapshotDebEX KDEDebian 11extonKDE Plasma 5.20kernel 5.13.11-extonRefracta snapshot

Exton|OS 64 bit – based on Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS – with KDE Plasma, Android Studio with an excellent Android Emulator, Refracta Snapshot, Nvidia Graphics Driver and kernel 5.13.4-exton – Build 210729

Jul

2021

NEWS 210729 ABOUT Exton|OS with KDE Plasma Desktop, Android Studio and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is KDE Plasma 5.18.4. 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 210729: Most important are Refracta Snapshot and Android Studio 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 5.13.4-exton (corresponding Kernel.org‘s kernel 5.13.4) is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at July 29, 2021 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 create your own live installable Ubuntu system with Android Studio included. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will be supported until April 25, 2025. In this version of Exton|OS VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. This means that you can run Exton|OS live (directly from the ISO file) in full screen. Watch this screenshot. I have also installed Nvidia Proprietary Graphics driver 470.57.02 so that you can use it while running Exton|OS live (from a DVD or a USB stick).

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 Clash of Clans in the Emulator
Screenshot 4 – Running a big Hunt game installed via Google Play Store
Screenshot 5 – Running F-Droid in an AVD
Screenshot 6 – Running YouTube in an AVD
Screenshot 7 – Google Play Store running in an AVD
Screenshot 8 – All installed apps in an AVD (some installed by me)
Screenshot 9 – An AVD running nicely in KDE (with Google Play Store)
Screenshot 10 – The live boot screen

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

exton No Comments AndroidextonExton Linux Systems AndroidAndroid StudioCreate you own installable Ubuntu system with Refracta SnapshotextonExton|OSKDE Plasma Desktopkernel 5.13.4-extonNvidia 470.57.02Refracta snapshot