NEWS 200228 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD – efi. It replaces version 190923. It’s a pure Debian system. (Unstable/Experimental). I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE Plasma uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 5:17 as Desktop environment. Kernel 5.6.0-rc3-exton (latest) is used. I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. I have replaced Google Chrome with Iceweasel (Firefox) 52.9 (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 200228. Study the full package list. MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE: I have added Calamares 3.2.19.1-1 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. You can also use Refracta Installer. Preferably in VirtualBox/VMware (non-efi computers).
Important about Refracta Snapshot 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 installable system.
NEWS 200225 – A new mini version of AndEX 10 is ready! I’ve uploaded a new upgraded version of AndEX 10 – andex-10-x86_64-mini-gapps-892mb-200225.iso. All included apps have been updated to the latest version. Also Google Play Services and Google Play Store. The ISO file is of only 892 MB! Makes it easier to run AndEX on computers with low RAM. I have replaced the Brave Browser with Mint Browser, which also is an excellent Web Browser in many ways. The very nice launcher 3D Live Launcher is used also in this AndEX version. Make it your standard Launcher.
Upgrade from version 200108 to 200218 or to version 200225? If you already have AndEX version 200108 or 200218 up and running there is no need to acquire the new version. Just upgrade all apps to the latest version of today and you’re done! Use Google Play Store for that. You can of course also install for example YouTube, Brave, the Spotify app and Google Play Games yourself (if you are running the AndEX 10 mini version of 200225).
Running AndEX 10 live from a USB stick When running AndEX 10 from a USB stick you can’t normally install new apps or download anything. For example new wallpapers. That’s because you have no storage space. If you, however, use Rufus 3.8 when installing AndEX to the USB stick you can create a Persistent partition of 2GB on the stick. When running Rufus it will look like this.
When running AndEX 10 from the USB stick you can open up a File Manager. You will notice that you have a persistent space of 2GB – screenshot. You will now be able to install new apps and download things. Unfortunately nothing will be left if/when you reboot your computer.
NEWS 200218 – A new version of AndEX 10 I’ve uploaded a new upgraded version of AndEX 10 – andex-10-x86_64-gapps-fdroid-spotify-1180mb-200218.iso. I.e. all included apps have been updated to the latest version. Also Google Play Services and Google Play Store. The main reason for this new version is that I discovered that Google Chrome couldn’t run anymore. I have therefore replaced Google Chrome with Brave, which is an excellent Web Browser in many ways. At the same time I discovered a new very nice launcher – 3D Live Launcher. So it is of course included in AndEX Build 200218. Make it your standard Launcher. I’ve also added the app Google Play Games. Makes it easier to run games in AndEX.
Upgrade from version 200108 to 200218? If you already have AndEX version 200108 up and running there is no need to acquire the new version. Just upgrade all apps to the latest version of today and you’re done! Use Google Play Store for that. You can of course also install Brave, the 3D Live Launcher and Google Play Games yourself.
History This is what I wrote on December 3, 2016: I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.5 LXQt for the Intel Compute Stick. Build 161203 is only for Intel Compute Sticks. I.e. you can’t run the system on other computers. Build 161203 uses “my” kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom with special patches, which I have Linuxium to thank for. READ MORE…
Kernel patches isn’t needed anymore, which means that any Linux system can be installed to the stick. For example ExTiX LXQt and AndEX 10.
About AndEX 10 I knew from before that ExTiX runs very well on the Compute Stick. Today I decided to test it with AndEX 10. And guess what? Also AndEX works very well! You can run it live (from a USB stick) or install it (which I did).AndEX 10 Build 200108 has GAPPS (Google Play Store etc), Aptoide App Manager, F-Droid, Spotify, Angry Birds and many other apps pre-installed. Those apps are fun to run on a BIG TV screen.
History
This is what I wrote on December 3, 2016: I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.5 LXQt for the Intel Compute Stick. Build 161203 is only for Intel Compute Sticks. I.e. you can’t run the system on other computers. Build 161203 uses “my” kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom with special patches, which I have Linuxium to thank for. READ MORE…
Kernel patches isn’t needed anymore, which means that any Linux system can be installed to the stick. For example ExTiX LXQt.
Kernel 5.5 If you already have a Ubuntu/Debian system installed on your stick you can download and install “my” kernel 5.5.0-exton.
About Kodi 18.5
Kodi runs very well on the stick. 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 February 2020. I have tried four of them myself. Titanium Build, No Limits Magic, Diggz Xenon and Innovation. They are very easy to install and work very well. Perhaps you’ll find your own favorite!
ABOUT RaspEX Kodi RaspEX KodiBuild 200210 with LXDE/Kodi Desktops can be downloaded from SourceForge.net for free. The system is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4. RaspEX Kodi is based on Debian 10 Buster, Raspbian and Kodi Media Center. In RaspEX Kodi I’ve added the LXDE Desktop with many useful applications such as VLC Media Player and NetworkManager. Makes it easy to configure your wireless network. I’ve also upgraded Kodi to version 18.5 Leia, which makes it possible to include useful addons such as Netflix and Amazon Video. Which I’ve done. Study all included packages in RaspEX Kodi.
Performance It runs very well on a the new Raspberry Pi 4. I.e. fast and responsive. Especially on the Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB RAM – released June 24, 2019. RaspEX Kodi Build 200206 can also run on Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Raspberry 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. I’ve included an extra kernel for that. The system will automatically determine which Raspberry Pi you are using and load the correct kernel.
Used kernels 1) 4.19.102-exton-v7l+ (for Rpi4) 2) 4.19.102-raspex-v7+ (for Rpi3 and Rpi2) The system will automatically determine which Raspberry Pi you are using and load the correct kernel.
How do I install RaspEX Kodi in Windows? Just like any other Raspberry Pi system. I.e.: Unpack the downloaded ZIP file (raspex-rpi4-kodi18.5-lxde-netflix-plex-amazon-video-2460mb-200210.zip) and transfer the IMAGE file (raspex-rpi4-kodi18.5-lxde-netflix-plex-amazon-video-6400mb-200210.img) to your Micro SD card of at least 8GB. For that you shall use Rufus 3.8 in Windows.
MeX Linux – NEWS/CHANGES 200130 Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 200130 is based only on Debian and upcoming Ubuntu20.04 LTS (Long Term Support). I have replaced the original kernel with “my” special kernel 5.5.0-exton. All packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 200130. This version of MeX uses Cinnamon 4.4.8-unstable. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.
MORE MeX NEWS 200130 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 4 (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 1200 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 20.04 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).
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 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 – 5.5. (Latest kernel by 200130).
The importance of MeX being based on upcoming Ubuntu 20.04
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is due to be released on April 23, 2020. MeX Build 200130 is therefore (of course) not the most stable Linux system out there. This version of MeX is not for daily use I would say. Having said that I also must say that I haven’t bumped into any problems when running MeX on my computers. I also must say that this version of MeX is very fast and responsive. Especially if you run MeX from RAM. My guess is that you can avoid all problems if you upgrade MeX every week. I.e. once you have installed the system to hard drive.
ExTiX 20.2 – Build 200127 I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 20.2 KDE Plasma Live DVD. (The previous KDE version was 19.1 from 181228). The best thing with ExTiX 20.2 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 20.04 system. So easy that a ten year child can do it!
ExTiX 20.02 KDE Plasma DVD 64 bit is based on Debian and (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed KDE Frameworks 5.66.0 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 5.5.0-rc7-exton.
What’s new in Linux kernel 5.5?
NEWS ABOUT ExTiX 20.2 Build 200127 with the KDE Plasma Desktop environment, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot 1. ExTiX KDE Plasma is based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Focal Fossa. KDE 4.19 is used as Desktop environment. All packages have been updated to the latest version by 200127. Kernel 5.5.0-rc7-exton is used. 2. I have removed Google Chrome. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies in Firefox. 3. Other included important/useful packages are: GParted, Brasero, GCC and other compilation tools so that you can install packages from source. Furthermore “all” multimedia codecs. Everything the average Linux user could wish for I would say. 4. The best thing with ExTiX 20.2 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. Very easy to do. When starting Refracta Snapshot you will see this. 5. I have installed Calamares Installer as in my other ExTiX 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 ExTiX on both UEFI computers and non UEFI computers (for example VirtualBox and VMware).
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL about ExTiX and especially the new version from 200127? 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 ExTiX can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 4 GB RAM to run ExTiX that way. Running from RAM means that the system will run faster than from DVD or USB stick. Everything will be super fast I would say! 3. I’ve replaced kernel 4.20.0-exton with kernel 5.5.0-rc7-exton. Latest by 200127. 4. I have replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity (live installer) with Calamares. You can also (still) use Refracta Installer. They work 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 any of the installers from the menu under System. 5. The best thing with ExTiX 20.2 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 20.04 system. 6. Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 440.44 (patched for kernel 5.5) is pre-installed in ExTiX 20.2.
The importance of ExTiX 20.2 being based on upcoming Ubuntu 20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is due to be released on April 23, 2020. ExTiX 20.2 is therefore (of course) not the most stable Linux system out there. ExTiX 20.2 is not for “daily use” I would say. Having said that I also must say that I haven’t bumped into any problems when running ExTiX 20.2 on my computers. I also must say that this version of ExTiX is very fast and responsive. Especially if you run ExTiX from RAM. My guess is that you can avoid all problems if you upgrade ExTiX 20.2 every week. I.e. once you have installed the system to hard drive.
NEWS 200119 about exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit I’ve made a new version of exGENT with only a few necessary packages pre-installed. It uses LXQt 0.14.1 as Desktop environment and kernel 5.3.7-aufs-exgent. The ISO file is of 1720 MB. Despite this exGENT version 200119 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox and VMware. Faster than most other Linux live systems. I call my new version exGENT 2020 LXQt Live DVD/USB. It replaces version 180414, 170407 and 170412. Those versions were too old for upgrading. I had to start over and build version 200119 from “scratch”. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 200119. Study the full package list.
What’s new in exGENT Build 200119? The boot loader Grub Legacy has been replaced by Grub2. In exGENT versions before 170309 the file system wasn’t writable when running exGENT live (from DVD). Now you can emerge (install) new programs/packages even while running the system from a DVD or USB stick. If you do that and later decide to install exGENT to hard drive all your changes will follow! (That is if you use the install scripts in /root/install). Furthermore you can install/transfer exGENT to a USB stick with the dd command in Linux or use Rufus or Etcher in Windows. Such installations were impossible before. NOTE: I have not installed Google Chrome. It’s not needed anymore, since Netflix nowadays runs very well in Firefox. About the LXQt 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. MOST IMPORTANT: Now you can install exGENT to hard drive in two ways. You can still use the install scrips in /root/install. That is the best way to install exGENT on non UEFI computers for example VirtualBox and VMware. The second way is to use Calamares Installer- see below.
Calamares Installer In exGENT Build 200119 I’ve also included the Calamares Installer version 3.2.17.1 (latest). Use it preferably if you need to install Grub on UEFI computers. You can, however, also use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware. See a slideshow below when I have used Calamares on a UEFI computer to install exGENT on a USB stick.
If you can’t watch the slideshow in your browser watch this animated GIF.
exGENT Build 200119 is a non Systemd system exGENT uses OpenRC 0.42.1 init system instead of Systemd. Comparison of different init systems: Read this article.
exGENT Build 200119 unique? If you have a look at Gentoo’s download site you will notice that the latest Gentoo live system is from 20160704 (!?). Furthermore there are only a few other distros based on Gentoo. The most well-known are Funtoo Linux and Sabayon Linux. Funtoo isn’t a live system. Sabayon is a live system distributed with different Desktops variants. (Not with LXQt though). I have tried some of them on the computers I have access to. None of Sabayon’s variants could run live. Not even in VirtualBox and VMware. My guess is that exGENT has better hardware recognition than Sabayon.
NEWS 200108 about AndEX 10 with GAPPS My first build of AndEX 10 is ready. It has GAPPS (Google Play Store etc), Aptoide App Manager, F-Droid, Spotify, Angry Birds and many other apps pre-installed. My new build of Android x86_64 10 – andex-10-x86_64-gapps-fdroid-aptoide-chrome-1240mb-200108.iso can be installed to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 10 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. The sound and video performance is generally very very good. Google Play Store works very well in this build of AndEX 10. So does the YouTube and Spotify app. I’ve also included two extra app stores – Aptoide App Manager and F-Droid. Use them if you can’t find the app you’re looking for using Google Play Store.
Screenshot – AndEX 10 Build 200108 – the Desktop with many nice apps installed. The apps Facebook, Opera, Fishing Clash, Clash of Clans and CSR Racing 2 are not preinstalled, but they run very well in this AndEX build. Just go to Google Play and install them! (Once you have installed AndEX 10 to hard drive).
MORE ABOUT AndEX 10 My new compiled Android-x86_64 system (10) can run and be installed on almost all newer laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. You can also run AndEX 10 in VirtualBox and/or VMware. Unfortunately with bad video performance and distorted colors – screenshot. I can also mention that I could run my new 10 version on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer and on a Lenovo ThinkStation C30. Also with bad video performance and distorted colors. You can very easy do a “normal” or manual installation to hard drive. A manual installation can also be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 19.10) installed. Read more about how to install AndEX 10 on the INFO site.
NEWS 200228 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
