Category Archives: Exton Linux distributions

Exton|OS 64 bit – based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – with Budgie Desktop, Refracta tools, Calamares Installer and kernel 4.16.0-rc3-exton – Build 180301

NEWS 180301 ABOUT Exton|OS with Budgie Desktop 10.4 and Refracta Tools
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is Budgie 10.4. (Budgie is focused on simplicity an elegance. Designed with the modern user in mind). Program content in build 180301: Refracta Tools, Calamares 3.1.12, Firefox, Gimp, SMPlayer, SMTube, and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Kernel 4.16.0-rc3-exton (corresponding Kernel.org‘s latest kernel 4.16-rc3) is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at March 1, 2018. 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. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 18.04 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive.

WHAT’S NEW in kernel 4.16?

About Calamares Installer
Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Calamares aims to be easy, usable, beautiful, pragmatic, inclusive and distribution-agnostic. Calamares includes an advanced partitioning feature, with support for both manual and automated partitioning operations. It is the first installer with an automated “Replace Partition” option, which makes it easy to reuse a partition over and over for distribution testing.
See a slideshow below showing the whole Calamares install process in Exton|OS.



Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that Exton|OS can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run Exton|OS that way. I.e. superfast!

Repositories and software management
Exton|OS is totally compatible with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS 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 apt-get update you should use Synaptic Package Manager. Since Exton|OS is based on upcoming Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (to be released in a stable version on April 26, 2018) you will/can be the first to have Ubuntu 18.04 in a stable version in April 2018.

The importance of Exton|OS being based on upcoming (unstable/development) Ubuntu 18.04
I don’t think it is too important since Exton|OS doesn’t use complicated Desktop Environments like KDE, Gnome or Unity. Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I haven’t discovered any bugs to report.

SCREENSHOTS

Screenshot 1
of Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop
Screenshot 2 of Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop installing Spotify
Screenshot 3 of Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop running Refracta Snapshot
Screenshot 4 of Exton|OS running in VMware
Screenshot 5 of Exton|OS running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 6 – showing how to configure a wireless Network

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2!

DebEX, 64 bit, based on Debian unstable/experimental with Gnome 3.26, Refracta tools and kernel 4.15.4-exton – Build 180223

ABOUT DebEX
All three systems/distributions are a based on 
Debian Buster/Sid (upcoming Debian 10). Budgie Desktop 10.4 is used as Desktop environment in DebEX Barebone/Budgie. Gnome 3.26 is used in DebEX GnomeKDE Plasma Desktop 5:42 is used in DebEX KDE. The system language is English (in all three versions of DebEX).

NEWS 180223 about DebEX Gnome – a Refracta Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live DVD. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (buster) and unstable (sid) repositories. Gnome 3.26 (latest) is used as Desktop environment. Gnome in combination with Docky is perfect (I think). Watch this screenshot. I have removed the Mate Desktop, since Gnome now can be used on all kind of computers. Also when running DebEX 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 Iceweasel 56.6. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies using Iceweasel (Firefox) in Linux. All installed packages have been updated to the latest version as of 180223.  DebEX Gnome uses kernel 4.15.4-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s second latest stable kernel 4.15.4.

What’s new in kernel 4.15?

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in all three 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 it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 50 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/debex.

Runs from RAM
All three systems can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (Load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run DebEX from RAM. I.e. superfast! It’s absolutely the best way to enjoy a Linux live system. Especially if it is a “big” system and you have lots of RAM. (DebEX Barebone Budgie, Gnome and KDE ISO files are of 899 MB, 1340 MB respectively 1200 MB).

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Gnome Desktop
2. The Gnome Desktop with Docky
3. Running in VirtualBox
4. Running in VMware

READ MORE…

DebEX KDE/Plasma with Plasma 5:42, Refracta tools, Calamares Installer and kernel 4.15.4-debex – Build 180221

ABOUT DebEX
All three DebEX systems/distributions are a based on 
Debian Buster/Sid (upcoming Debian 10). Budgie Desktop 10.4 is used as Desktop environment in DebEX Barebone/Budgie. Gnome 3.26 and Mate 1.18 are used in DebEX GnomeKDE Plasma Desktop 5:42 is used in DebEX KDE. The system language is English (in all three versions of DebEX).

NEWS 180221 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD. It replaces version 171203. 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 5:42 as Desktop environment. It uses kernel 4.15.4-debex – (4.15.4). I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. I have replaced Google Chrome with Iceweasel 52.6 (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 180221. Study the full package list. MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE: I have replaced Refracta Installer with Calamares 3.1.12 Installer Framework. Now you can choose language when the installation starts. When it’s ready everything will be in your chosen language!  Read this INSTRUCTION. Log in to KDE Plasma as user with password live or as root with password root.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in all three 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 it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 50 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/debex.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Plasma Desktop 1
2. The Plasma Desktop 2
3. Running in VirtualBox
4. Running in VMware

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Nougat!

DebEX Barebone (Debian unstable/experimental) with Budgie Desktop 10.4, Refracta tools and kernel 4.15.4-exton – Build 180219

NEWS 180219 about DebEX Budgie – a Refracta Build
A new version of DebEX Barebone with Budgie Desktop 10.4 and kernel 4.15.4-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest kernel 4.15.4) is ready. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of February 19, 2018. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian unstable/experimental. I.e. cutting edge software is used. Most important: The ISO has decreased from 1330 MB to 899 MB, which makes it easier to run the system live from RAM. That ability allows DebEX Budgie to be very fast, since reading and writing data from/to RAM is much faster than from a hard disk drive.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in all three 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 it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 50 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/debex.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Budgie Desktop when logged in as the ordinary user user
2. The Budgie Desktop when logged in as root
3. The Budgie Desktop when Refracta snapshot is running

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Nougat!

ExLight 64bit, Build 180217, based on Debian Unstable/Experimental with Enlightenment 0.22.1, Budgie 10.4 and Refracta tools

NEWS 180217 ABOUT ExLight
I’ve made a new version of ExLight, which also have the Budgie Desktop 10.4 pre-installed. You can now log in to Enlightenment 0.22.1 on all kind of computers, (which you couldn’t before). Budgie is focused on simplicity and elegance. Designed with the modern user in mind. See a screenshot of ExLight running the Budgie Desktop.

New sources for ExLight Build 180217
This new version of ExLight is based on Debian unstable/experimental. I.e. cutting edge software is used. Build 180217 is a total rebuild of ExLight. The ISO file size has decreased from 1560 MB to 986 MB, which means that ExLight now can run even faster from RAM.

NEWS 180217 ABOUT ExLight
I’ve made a new extra version of ExLight today based on Debian unstable/experimental. The “old” version from 171112 is based on Ubuntu 17.10 (alias Artful Aardvark) and Debian Buster/Stretch. Furthermore version 171112 uses Enlightenment 0.20 installed from Ubuntu’s repositories. Build 180217 of ExLight uses Enlightenment 0.22.1 (latest). Enlightenment 0.22.1 was released 171122. This version of ExLight (180217) has a much nicer look since I’ve installed the R-NightBling-II_E22 theme.

I have kept the old version (from 171112) of ExLight on SourceForge.net server since that version of ExLight can be considered more stable being based (mostly) on Ubuntu 17.10.

KERNEL
ExLight Build 180217 uses kernel 4.15.2-exlight, corresponding Kernel.org‘s kernel 4.15.2.

What’s new in Linux kernel 4.15?

Installed packages
Study all installed packages in ExLight Build 180217.

VirtualBox and VMware
ExLight Build 180217 runs very well in VirtualBox and VMware. Maybe you’ll have to use boot alternative 4 (failsafe).

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Enlightenment 0.22.1 Desktop
2. The Login Screen – LightDM. Choose between Enlightenment and Budgie Desktop
3. Running in VirtualBox
4. Running in VMware
5. Refracta Installer running in Expert mode
6. Refracta Snapshot running
7. Showing how to change locales

READ MORE ABOUT ExLight Build 180217 and 171112…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Nougat!

ExTiX 18.2 with Deepin 15.5 Desktop, Refracta snapshot, Calamares 3.1.9 Installer and kernel 4.15.2-exton – Build 180210/180206

NEWS about ExTiX 18.2 Deepin 180210
I’ve released a new version of ExTIX 18.2 Deepin today with Calamares 3.1.9 installed from source and kernel 4.15.2-exton. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as of today. Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin Build 180210.  Please note that I’ve kept the first ExTiX 18.2 Deepin Build 180206 on the server. The kernel 4.15.1-x86_64-exton, used in Build 180206, is compiled in another way than kernel 4.15.2-exton used in Build 180210. In version 180206 of ExTiX 18.2 Deepin I “forgot” to install the kernel headers. That was the main reason for me to release a new version of ExTiX 18.2 Deepin again. The kernel headers are needed if you want to install certain extra packages in ExTiX, for example Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver. You can download “my” kernel 4.15.2-exton if you want to use it in another Debian/Ubuntu system.

NEWS about ExTiX 18.2 Deepin 180206
I’ve released a new version of ExTIX 18.2 Deepin today with Calamares 3.1.9 installed from source and kernel 4.15.1-x86_64-exton. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as of today. Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin Build 180206.

About ExTiX 18.2 with the Deepin 15.5 Desktop
I’ve made a new extra version of ExTiX with Deepin 15.5 Desktop (made in China!). Deepin is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. Only a minimum of packages are installed in ExTiX Deepin. You can of course install all packages you want. Even while running ExTiX Deepin live. I.e. from a DVD or USB stick. Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin.

ABOUT ExTiX
All five ExTiX systems are based on Ubuntu and Debian.

The Ultimate Linux System
I’ve called my different versions of ExTiX The Ultimate Linux System for many years by now. As regards ExTiX 18.2 Deepin I feel it’s especially justified. Everything just works.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.15.1-x86_64-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s latest kernel 4.15.1, released 180203.

What’s new in Linux kernel 4.15?

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX Deepin 15.5 Desktop – running in VirtualBox
2. ExTiX Deepin running Refracta snapshot
3. ExTiX Deepin running in VirtualBox – changing Grub packages
4. Calamares 3.1.9 running in ExTiX 18.2
5. ExTiX Deepin running the Refracta Installer
6. ExTiX Deepin login screen (LightDM)
7. Showing many installed programs

READ MORE…


Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net
– latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!
and
about my Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Nougat!

AndEX Oreo 8.1 (Android-x86_64) – Build 180202 – with Google Play Store working very well!

NEWS 180202 about AndEX Oreo 8.1
My first build of AndEX Oreo 8.1 is from 180103. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1060mb-180202.iso can be installed (manually) 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 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180202 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and video performance is generally very very good.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 180202
Google Play Store now works as intended. As an alternative you can use Aptoide App Manager. Three nice special window launchers are pre-installed: Win 10 Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and OO Launcher. (OO Launcher is an enhanced Android™ O Oreo™ style launcher, with many useful enhanced launcher features). I’ve discovered a new way to manually install AndEX Oreo to hard drive. Very simple! Read more about it at andex.exton.net.

ScreenshotAndEX Build 180202 – the Desktop with Win 10 Launcher for Android 8.1 Oreo – with several extra apps (games) – Koi Video Live Wallpaper, Air Fighters, Popcorn Time, Wild Hunt, Racing In Car 2, Drift Clash and Fishing Club 3D – not pre-installed.

MORE NEWS 180202: AndEX – Oreo 8.1 with kernel 4.9.54-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 have GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Play Games, Gmail and YouTube. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify, File Manager, Firefox, Root Explorer and Clash of Clans.

ABOUT AndEX Oreo
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Oreo 8.1) 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 (of course) also run AndEX in VirtualBox and/or VMware. Unfortunately only live though. I can also mention that I could run my new Oreo version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. You can only do a manual installation to hard drive. That can, however, even be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 17.10) installed. Read more at andex.exton.net about how to do a very simple manual installation of AndEX Oreo 8.1.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Win 10 Launcher 1
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Win 10 Launcher 2
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with OO Launcher
Screenshot 5 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running in VMware

READ MORE…

EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed – KDE_Plasma/Cinnamon 64 bit Linux Live USB – Build 180114 – with USB persistence!

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.

ABOUT
EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed uses kernel 4.14.12-1. Desktop environments: KDE 4.14.38 and Cinnamon 3.6.2. Installed programs: Among many other programs, Firefox, Google Chrome (for Netflix), Thunderbird, Gimp, SMPlayer, NetworkManager, GParted and LibreOffice. You’ll run the system as root or as the ordinary user live. Root’s and live’s password is root/live. EXTON OpSuS can easily be installed to hard drive (of those who so desire). You’ll have to do it manually though – please read below. All programs have been updated to the latest available stable version as of January 14, 2018. The system language is English.

Installing to a USB stick with persistence and then to hard drive
After installing EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed to a USB stick, you can change the system completely and then install the system (manually) to a hard drive. You can also continue to have it only on the USB stick. If you install EXTON OpSuS on a large enough (and fast) USB stick, you can go ahead and install for example LXDE, Mate or Xfce4. All your system changes are automatically saved to the USB stick. Note that you’ll have to use a different/new USB stick if you want to run EXTON OpSuS on another computer. That’s because certain files necessary for the configuration will be destroyed after the first boot. I.e.: You’ll have to use the same USB stick on the same computer all the time. Note also that all other Linux systems (and Windows systems) you may have installed on your computer will be bootable from the USB stick’s Grub menu – Grub picture 1 and picture 2. You may have to start EXTON OpSuS in Recovery mode after the first boot as picture 2 shows.

Manual installation of EXTON OpSuS from USB stick to hard drive
PREREQUISITE: You’ll have to have at least one Linux system installed on your computer and use Grub2 as boot loader. If so then follow my INSTRUCTION.

Why should someone choose EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE?
openSUSE is grossly underestimated (in my opinion). It’s a wonderful Linux system.

SCREENSHOTS
Running KDE
Running Cinnamon
Grub menu when booting from the USB stick for the second time
Grub is updated
Install commands
Installing to USB with Etcher

READ MORE….

Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Build 10 with GAPPS, three new Windows launchers, Bluetooth (working!) and Mesa 10.5.9

Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton Build 180108, version 10, is a ready!
This new version (180108) is basically the same as AndEX KitKat Build 160214. I have now upgraded some apps and added three new (Windows) launchersComputer Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Win 10 Launcher. To be able to run AndEX Oreo 8.1, which was released 180103, you’ll have to use a fairly new computer. AndEX KitKat runs also on older computers, which is one reason for me to remind you of the existence of AndEX KitKat 4.4.4. I can mention that this KitKat Build 10 works on my (very) old Acer Aspire 5102WLMi AMD with ATI Radeon Xpress 1100. Many 3D games run just fine. So you can use AndEX KitKat Build 180108 to bring an old PC back to useful life! I mean a PC on which you have an old (perhaps outdated) Windows system installed.

Features
I’ve added Mesa (3D Graphics Library) 10.5.9 for better Graphic performance. The system can run live (from CD or a USB stick) on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. I can also mention that I could run this version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a DVD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. Or transfer the ISO file to a USB stick with Rufus and run the system live from the USB stick. You can easily install the system to your hard drive and install new apps. You can also install new apps while running the system live. Google Play Store and Aptoide App Manager are pre-installed so you can just make your choices…

Replacement
This version (version 10) replaces all my previous (9) Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat builds. In version 10 (as in version 9) I’ve added GAPPS. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Maps, YouTube and more apps. Everything just works.

What’s the point?

Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Read my article About how useful an Android-x86 system can be for the average computer user.

Need to upgrade?
Well, if you have installed any of my previous KitKat versions with GAPPS to your hard drive and the system is working alright you don’t “have to” upgrade. That’s because (as I say above) all included GAPPS will be upgraded automatically (just like your Android phone). Otherwise you can contact me so I can send you the new download link. Then please show your previous receipt.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Choosing launcher
2. Desktop with Computer Launcher
3. Running YouTube
4. Running in VirtualBox
5. Running in VMware
6. First screen – auto turn

READ MORE…