RaspEX especially for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ – based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – with OpenCPN 4.99.0 pre-installed ::: Build 180331

RaspEX – Build 180331 based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – with OpenCPN 4.99.0 (latest version) – especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but it can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

OpenCPN is a free software (GPLv2) project to create a concise chart plotter and navigation software, for use underway or as a planning tool. OpenCPN is developed by a team of active sailors using real world conditions for program testing and refinement.

Replacement
This build (180331) replaces build 160703. Ubuntu has been upgraded to version 18.04 LTS and OpenCPN to version 4.99.0 – latest. Build 180331 is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

ABOUT RaspEX Build 180331
RaspEX is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Model B+ and Pi 2 model B. It is based on Debian Stretch (Debian 9), Bionic Beaver (Ubuntu 18.04 LTS) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (180331) I’ve installed OpenCPN 4.99.0 from source. (You can’t yet find OpenCPN 4.99.0 in any software repositories).

Read this OpenCPN Review….

Raspberry Pi 3 Model 3 B+: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B? The tiny computer is supposed to be faster and better in every way, including upgraded processor speed, wireless internet, and Ethernet connections.

SCREENSHOTS
1. RaspEX version 180331 running OpenCPN as the ordinary user raspex
2. RaspEX version 180331 running OpenCPN as root
3. OpenCPN 4.4.0 running on the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi (old version OpenCPN)
4. OpenCPN 4.4.0 – Boston (old version OpenCPN)
5. OpenCPN World Map (old version of OpenCPN)
6. OpenCPN Florida – Cape Canaveral (old version of OpenCPN)
7. OpenCPN New York – Approaches to New York (old version of OpenCPN)
8. OpenCPN Stockholm Archipelago (old version of OpenCPN)

Compatibility :: March 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and 2 Model B will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2 and RaspArch. I have until now (180331) only upgraded RaspEX and RaspEX with OpenCPN. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

READ MORE…

RaspEX based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS with LXDE and kernel 4.14.30 especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ ::: Build 180328

NEWS 180328 about RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 4.9.41 with kernel 4.14.30-v7+. RaspEX Build 180328 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2. It is based on Debian 9 Stretch, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (180328) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager and replaced Firefox with the Chromium Web Browser. I have also installed Samba and VNC4Server so you can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 2 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). Furthermore some extra Network Tools, Midori Private Browser, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos) and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 180328.

Replacement
This version (180328) replaces version 170810 of RaspEX. Version 170810 can’t run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model 3 B+: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B? The tiny computer is supposed to be faster and better in every way, including upgraded processor speed, wireless internet, and Ethernet connections.

Compatibility :: March 2018

Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2 and RaspArch. I have until now (180328) only upgraded RaspEX. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Stretch) and Snappy Ubuntu Core. RaspEX is faster (“fast as lightning”), more useful and more fun to use. (In my opinion). One member at this site thought that running RaspEX (for Raspberry Pi 2) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. If you use the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ it will be even faster!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop 180328
Screenshot 2 – raspex’s Desktop 180328

READ MORE…

CruxEX (CRUX 3.2) Live Build 180321 with LXDE, Spotify (a must-have!), Google Chrome (for Netflix), Nvidia and kernel 4.15.11-exton

CruxEX 3.3 64 bit Linux Live USB is based on CRUX 3.3 (latest version, released 170212), 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 3.3 2018 uses the LXDE Desktop environment. I have replaced the original CRUX kernel with “my” special kernel 4.15.11-exton, with support for “extra everything”.

Kernel and installed packages
Kernel 4.15.11 is the latest available stable kernel as of 180321. Among all installed and updated applications are Firefox, Google Chrome (for Netflix), Spotify (a must-have!), GParted, PCManFM, Gimp and Wicd. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source. Note: Spotify and  Google Chrome are not in the CRUX repositories. Study ALL installed packages…

NEWS 180321
CruxEX 2018 is distributed only as a Zip file. Install my new version of CruxEX 3.3 64bit from 180321 to a USB Pen Drive and save your system changes – read this INSTRUCTION. If you later on decide you want to install CruxEX to hard drive from the USB Pen Drive all your system changes will also be installed to the hard drive.

Unique
CruxEX 3.3 2018 build 180321 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.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXDE Desktop with Spotify running
2. Netflix running in Google Chrome
3. Showing Google Chrome version
4. Root’s Desktop with Wicd 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 7.1.2!

Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 180316 with Refracta Tools

NEWS 180316 about Raspberry Pi Debian Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
My second Debian Pixel Build from is from 170425 . My third build is from 180316. Study all included packages – latest by 180316. I’ve added NetworkManager and also Wicd, which makes it easier to configure wireless connections. Choose the one which works for you.

NEWS 180920 – a YouTube video about Debian Pixel
I’ve discovered a YouTube video about my Debian Pixel Build 170425. The video is called Debian Pixel..Exton forks it for you..
This video is of course also valid for Build 180316. By watching the video you can learn a lot about Debian Pixel’s features.

Most important changes in Build 180316
This build replaces version 161223 and 170425. I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Jessie to Stretch – Debian stable. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 3.16.0-4-686-pae to 4.9.0-9-686-pae.
I’ve also included kernel 4.9.0-9-686, which shall be used on older computers. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. Firefox have been installed so you’ll have a browser when logged in as root. You can’t run Chromium as root. Another good thing about Firefox is that you can use it to watch Netflix movies.

OLD NEWS FROM 161223

On December 22, 2016 I read that the Raspberry Pi Foundation had announced the release of a new PIXEL image that can be booted on a PC or Mac. Study this site. I saw immediately that there was no installer included, which I thought was a little disappointing. Come to think of Refracta tools, which work very well in Debian and Ubuntu. I quickly made a “remix” of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. My remix thus include Refracta tools. This means that you can easily install the system to hard drive and you can just as easily make your own remix of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. I’ve added a few packages. Most important Synaptic, which I find essential.

About the PIXEL Desktop
Raspbian had its biggest update ever in September, 2016, thanks to a dazzling new desktop environment called PIXEL. Raspbian with PIXEL (which stands for “Pi Improved Xwindow Environment, Lightweight”) is a huge software update to the desktop environment. It introduces a crisp new interface, and is brimming with new programs and features.

VirtualBox and VMware
My build/image works very well in VirtualBox and VMware. I.e. you can run the system directly from the ISO file and also install it to a virtual hard drive. You can of course also make your own Raspbian/Debian system with the the PIXEL Desktop using Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed).

KERNEL
Kernel 4.9.0-9-686-pae is used in Build 180316. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. If you want to run the system (which is 32bit) on older computers you shall use kernel 4.9.0-9-686, which also is included.

Login and passwords
Log in to the PIXEL Desktop as the ordinary user pi or as root. The passwords are raspberrypi respectively root. When logged in as pi you can use Sudo to become root. (Command: sudo su). When running Debian Pixel live (from a DVD or a USB stick) you’ll end up (after the boot process) logged in automatically as the user pi in X (PIXEL Desktop).

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

Spotify
You may want to install Spotify. Just go ahead. It’s very easy. When running my PIXEL image live or from hard drive you can just install Spotify with the command sudo apt-get install spotify-client. Watch a screenshot when Spotify is running.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed) to create your own installable Debian PIXEL system once you have installed my build to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. Start Refracta from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta snapshot. You don’t even have to install my build to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian PIXEL system while running my build from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO file) will only take 20 – 60 min! Please edit the configuration file /etc/refractasnapshot.conf first. Change line 45 and 46. I.e. decide where you want the ISO file to be build. The whole thing is very simple. NOTE: You can also do everything in VirtualBox or VMware. Use FileZilla (pre-installed) to transfer your new ISO file to your server.

Install to Debian PIXEL hard drive
Just start Refracta Installer from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta Installer and follow the instructions. Very simple.

Install Debian PIXEL to a USB stick
You can use Rufus in Windows. Persistence can’t be enabled though. You can also use UNetbootin in Windows or Linux. The best way to do it is to burn Debian PIXEL to a DVD, start up the system from the DVD and then use Refracta Installer for the installation.  Choose to install Grub in MBR on /dev/sdb. (Normally your USB stick, but check it carefully!) I.e. you will get a chance to choose between /dev/sda and /dev/sdb. This method will (of course) give you perfect persistence.

Watch the slideshow below showing the Refracta installation process in Debian PIXEL.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Spotify running
Screenshot 2 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 3 – Refracta Snapshot has started
Screenshot 4 – Refracta Installer has started in VMware
Screenshot 5 – Wireless connection with NetworkManager and Wicd (installed in Build 170425 and 180316)
Wifi connection using NetworkManager – in detail

DOWNLOAD
This build of Debian Pixel has been replaced by Build 180928.
Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Foundation

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 Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!

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!