Category Archives: LINUX

Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

A very informative and positive test report re. my KitKat 4.4.4 build 6

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One member on andex.exton.net wrote this today about my KitKat 4.4.4 build 6 of 150606.

I’ve been testing the 4.4.4 Kitkat version 6 on my Asus Vivobook with Intel HD Graphics and touchscreen. The touchscreen works perfectly and supports multitouch. Finally a build that works great with with games. I played Clash of Clans with no hassle. I ran most of the graphics benchmark apps available.

I had a persistent “Unfortunately, your app has stopped” error problem with Dominations. Another Clash of Clans type popular RTS game with civilizations/age of empires/rise of nations looking graphics. This game is relatively new and has lots of nasty bugs and performance issues. I got the same issues on any device, including native ARM devices. So it’s not related to the build. I managed to fix the crashing bug after wiping the data with Titanium Backup. Wiping the data and cache with the standard app manager couldn’t solve it. I don’t know why. I should add that after the fix, I had a very stable game experience and way much less random crashes than my tablet and my phone.

It’s the best Android x86 version I’ve tested so far. You need to be a little patient at the beginning and update “Google Play Services” asap. It’s pretty stable and satisfying. It’s one tick away from being perfect, if mx player with the x86 codec pluging had worked. But that doesn’t work with the Android-x86.org version either. [REQUEST] It would be great to have that working as it is one of the most popular media players. I tried several other well known media players but no luck, except VLC for Android, which is still in development and has artifacts while playing videos.

Everything else works like a charm. This is my best experience with Android-x86 so far. I extremely recommend it especially if you want to play your Android games on your PC.

Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

SlackEX 64 bit with KDE, kernel 4.0.4, Nvidia 346.72 and Google Chrome (for Netflix)

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SlackwareA new version of SlackEX is out today (150612). I have now included Nvidia’s Graphic driver 346.72 and Google Chrome (for watching Netflix movies).

Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993. Gammal är äldst (The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune) as we say in Sweden.

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

AndEX (Android-x86) 5.1.1 Lollipop with GAPPS and kernel 4.0.3 – Build 150611

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andex-apps-20150610-smallNEWS 150611 – AndEX – Lollipop 5.1.1 with kernel 4.0.3 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86 Lollipop 5.1.1 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Maps, YouTube and more apps. For example: Facebook, OfficeSuite 8 and Pool Break Lite (3D game). The ISO is called android-x86-5.1.1-lollipop-kernel-4.0.3-exton-GAPPS-556mb-150611.iso. AndEX 150611 is totally error-free. (This Lollipop version was released April 27, 2015). When running AndEX live you will get some error messages during the setup of your wireless connection and logging into your Google account, but nothing serious. For installing new apps you shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX build 150611. Only use Aptoide App Manager (which is also pre-installed) if you can’t find the app you are searching for in Google Play Store.

About AndEX
My compiled Android–x86 system (Lollipop 5.1.1) can run live (from CD or a USB stick) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. 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 CD 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.

More about AndEX
Lollipop 5.1.1 is the latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Lollipop Live CD. It uses “my” special kernel 4.0.3-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-06-06 will also cost you 9 $. I has two advantages over the Lollipop version: You can run the system in VirtualBox and the system can be used also on older laptops. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150606 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing 3D games
I wrote an article 150608 about installing 3D games in my KitKat 4.4.4 Build 6. The same games can be installed in AndEX Build 150611. I have also tested Cars: Fast as Lightning and Trials Frontier in AndEX. Those apps ran without problems.

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. Also: In AndEX version 150611 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

NOTE/WARNING
You must use a fairly new/modern computer. Android-x86 Lollipop won’t run (even start) on older computers. My other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 build 150606 will run also on older computers.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop with Rain Live wallpaper (pre-installed)
Screenshot 2 – AndEX showing all apps
Screenshot 3 – AndEX running Pool Break Lite in 3D
Screenshot 4 – AndEX running Cars: Fast as Lightning
Screenshot 5 – AndEX running Trials Frontier

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Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Many games (3D and others) can run on my Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Build 6

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Installing Game apps on Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build 6 with GAPPS, kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 and Mesa 10.5.4
A member on andex.exton.net said this yesterday: KitKat Build 6 has indeed great 3d performance, I tested some games and all run VERY fast:
Clash Of Clans
Max Payne
Grand Theft Auto 3

To verify that I did test installations today of some games: Clash Of Clans, Max Payne, Grand Street Auto 5, Juventus Fantasy Manager 2015, Shoot The Chicken Pro, Candy Crush and Angry Birds. See this slideshow.

All those games ran without problems. Many more can be installed of course. Maybe this is interesting for all game enthusiasts…

Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build 6 with GAPPS, kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 and Mesa 10.5.4

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kitkat-exton-v6-20150606-smallAndroid-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build 150606, version 6, is a total rebuild.
I’ve added Mesa 10.5.4 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 Ausus laptops. 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 CD 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. 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 is pre-installed so you can just make your choices…

Used kernel
4.0.0-exton-android-x86.

Replacement
This version (version 6) replaces all my previous (5) Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat builds. In version 6 I’ve added GAPPS. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Chrome, Maps, YouTube and more apps (for example OfficeSuite). Everything just works. It can happen that you get some error messages, but don’t worry. Just close the “error windows”. The installed apps will work.

Updates
If you install Andriod-x86 to hard drive or to a USB stick with persistence installed apps will be automatically updated/upgraded via Google Play Store. The system will check for updates all the time or after a reboot. It works in the same way as on your Android phone.

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.

Screenshots
The Galactic Core Live Desktop pic 1
The “Live fish” Desktop pic 2
The “Live tiger” Desktop pic 3
The “Live fish in the sea” Desktop pic 4
The “Live aquarium” Desktop pic 5

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

About SlackEX 14.1 64 bit build 150523

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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 14.1, which I call SlackEX 14.1/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.

New features in version 150523 of SlackEX
I have replaced kernel 3.18.1-x86_64-exton with kernel 4.0.4-x86_64-exton with support for “everything”. KDE is downgraded to version 4.10.5 from version 4.11.1. All other component software is also upgraded to the latest Slackware version by now. I may mention in particular GParted 0.17.0 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), VirtualBox 4.3.28 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), AbiWord 2.8.6 (not in Slackware’s repositories), Gimp 2.8.10 (installed from source), GSlapt 0.5.3h, Firefox 31.7, Thunderbird 31.6, Samba 3.6.8 and GCC 4.8.2. Furthermore I have installed Grub2, which can be used as boot loader (if you want) after a hard drive install. Study the full package LIST.

Why Slackware?
Slackware is grossly underestimated (in my opinion). This article give you ten (10) reasons to choose Slackware.

Screenshot 1 – KDE 4.10.5 Desktop
Screenshot 2 – KDE 4.10.5 Desktop
Screenshot 3 – Netflix running

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LINUX

Run your Slackware 64 bit system with the latest stable kernel – 4.0.4!

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SlackwareI have compiled a very useful (as I think) 64 bit kernel for Slackware 12.0 – 14.1 and/or all Slackware derivatives. For example Slax, Zenwalk and SlackEX. The kernel is compiled exactly the same way as Slackware’s latest kernel huge. “My” kernel 4.0.4-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.0.4 is the latest stable kernel available from Kernel.org. Released 20150517.

What’s new in kernel 4.0?

If you want to install my kernel in your Slackware 64 bit system, do this:

1. Download linux-kernel-4.0.4-x86_64-exton.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.0.4-x86_64-exton.txz
(The kernel is packed just like Slackware’s original kernels so that everything ends up in the right place)
4. If necessary, change your Grub Legacy/Grub2 configuration
5. If you have an Nvidia graphics card in your computer, you may need to look over your files in /etc/modprobe.d before restarting the computer. That is remove the “blacklisting” of Nouveau’s kernel module in the appropriate files blacklist.conf and nvidia-installer-disable-nouveau.conf. With “my” kernel functions the Nouveau “free” driver works just fine.

NOTE: When you run the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.0.4-x86_64-exton.txz vmlinuz will be “created” in /boot. If you have /boot/vmlinuz already that file will be overwritten. In case you want to switch back to your old kernel you should make a backup of /boot/vmlinuz before you run the just mentioned command.

Restart your computer and enjoy!

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Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

AndEX (Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2) with GAPPS and kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86

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lollipop-desktop-20150520-1-smallNEWS 150520 about AndEX – The Absolute Ultimate Edition
My new build of Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google+, Maps, YouTube and more apps. The ISO is called android-x86-5.0.2-lollipop-GAPPS-kernel4-exton-687mb-150520.iso. I call it The Absolute Ultimate Edition because AndEX build 150520 is totally error-free. Google Maps is the only app you’ll have to update. (Just start Google Play Store and do it!). All other included apps work perfectly well! You shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX version 150520. Only use Aptoide App Manager (which is also pre-installed) if you can’t find the app you are searching for in Google Play Store.

About AndEX
My compiled Android–x86 system (Lollipop 5.0.2) can run live (from CD or a USB stick) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. 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 CD (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.

More about AndEX
Lollipop 5.0.2 is the second latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Lollipop Live DVD. It uses “my” special kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers and NTFS read/write support. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-05-04 will also cost you 9 $. It has one advantage over the Lollipop version: You can run the system in VirtualBox. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150504 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing new apps in AndEX Lollipop
Use Google Play Store or Aptoide App Manager, which are pre-installed. Just make your choices. Normally you should always use Google Play Store, but if you can’t find the app you are looking for you can try Aptoide.

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android Lollipop on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android Lollipop. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android Lollipop. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

USB installation
Read my instruction. Learn how you can run AndEX from a USB stick with persistence. Read under A).

VirtualBox
Unfortunately you cannot (normally) run/test the system in VirtualBox. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox. That can however be done if you use one of my other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 version 150504.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop without modifications
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Desktop with modifications

NOTE2/WARNING2
Before you buy and download this version of AndEX you must be aware of that not all apps downloaded from Google Play Store can run in an Android-x86 system. Some very big (around 1GB) games for example won’t run. Note about version 150520: While running The Absolute Ultimate Edition you won’t get any error messages.

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Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Who needs KDE or Gnome? – part 2

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linux-logo-exton-lfaLFA (Linux for all) build 150513, 64 bit, with Fluxbox as Window Manager and Cairo-Dock as Desktop Interface

About
The system is based on Ubuntu 15.04, codenamed Vivid Vervet and Debian Jessie (Debian 8). It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system.

The system language is ENGLISH.

News about LFA build 150513
Previous version of LFA (build 141120) had four (4) Desktop environments installed. Namely Unity (Ubuntu), LXDE, Razor-qt and XBMC. LFA build 150513 uses only Fluxbox as Window Manager and Cairo-Dock as Desktop Interface. Cairo-Dock is designed to be light, fast and customizable, and is desktop-agnostic. It has a powerful DBus interface, to be controlled from a terminal or another application. Features can be added by plug-ins or applets, and applets can be written in C or in any language. About Fluxbox: Fluxbox is a window manager for X that was based on the Blackbox 0.61.1 code. It is very light on resources and easy to handle but yet full of features to make an easy, and extremely fast, desktop experience. So who needs KDE or Gnome?

Screenshot of LFA’s new Desktop.

Program content etc
Among many other programs Google Chrome (so you can watch Netflix movies), GParted (a free partition editor for graphically managing your disk partitions), BlueGriffon Web Editor (works almost like Dreamweaver), Synaptic Package Manager, SMPlayer (a free media player with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats) and PCManFM (a very fast file manager). In addition flash and all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All programs have been updated to the latest available version as of May 13, 2015. See a complete list of all installed packages.

Web based applications
In order to keep down the LFA system size (so you can run LFA superfast from RAM) I have refrained from installing LibreOffice and Gimp. Instead I offer links in Google Chrome to Onlyoffice.com (A Free alternative to Microsoft Office) and Pixlr.com (Photo Editor – works almost like Adobe Photoshop). Both apps are very easy to use.

Screenshot – Pixlr.com’s Photo Editor in use

Screenshot – Onlyoffice.com’s writer in use

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 3.19.0-14-exton

Feature OVERVIEW for the Linux 3.19 kernel

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