Category Archives: Raspberry Pi systems

exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 230319 with Refracta Snapshot (so you can create your own Raspberrypi Debian 12 Pixel system)

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NEWS 230319 about Raspberry Pi Debian 12 Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
 Study all included packages in Build 230319 – latest by 230319. I’ve added NetworkManager and also Wicd, which makes it easier to configure wireless connections. Choose the one which works for you.

Most important changes in Build 230319
This build replaces version 161223 , 170425, 180316, 180928, 190705, 191102, 201108 and 220505 . I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Bullseye  to Bookworm – upcoming Debian 12. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 5.10.0-13-686-pae to 6.1.0-6-686-pae. I’ve also included kernel 6.1.0-6-686, 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. In Build 230319 I have removed Chromium. I saw no advantage in keeping it. You can run the system in full screen in VirtualBox. That’s because VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

NOTE
This Debian PIXEL 32bit build is for non-efi computers.

UNIQUE?
As far as I know there is no official Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) image with Debian 12.
NOTE: Debian 12 soft freeze will happen very soon.

NEWS 180928 – 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 220505. By watching the video you can learn a lot about Debian Pixel’s features.

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 (Raspberry Pi OS) 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). NOTE: As regards Build 230319 you can run the system in full screen in VirtualBox. That’s because VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

KERNEL
Kernel 6.1.0-6-686-pae is used in Build 230319. 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 6.1.0-6-686, 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).

Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure
For smoother Raspberry PI performance a virtual PC such as azure windows virtual desktop which can be the best option due to its high end functionality and 24*7 top-notch support from a reliable desktop as a service provider.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that this build can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You’ll need at least 4 GB RAM to run the system that way. I.e. super fast!

Spotify
You may want to run Spotify. In this version of Debian Pixel you can’t install Spotify with the command sudo apt install spotify-client. Too many unfulfilled dependencies. You can, however, run Spotify Web Player. Use Firefox for that. Watch a screenshot when Spotify Web Player is running.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own installable Raspberry Pi Debian 12 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 Snapshot. 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. Or use Samba to transfer the ISO file to one of your Windows computers in your home Network – screenshot. In VirtualBox you can also drop the new ISO directly on your host Desktop. NOTE: Run Refracta Snapshot while logged in as root. You may have to do it in three steps.

Install to Debian PIXEL hard drive
Just start Refracta Installer from the Menu >> System tools >> Refracta Installer and follow the instructions. Very simple. After a hard drive installation Grub’s boot menu will look like this.



Install Debian PIXEL to a USB stick
You can use Rufus in Windows. Persistence can’t be enabled though. The best way to achieve persistence on a USB stick 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 give you perfect persistence.

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

Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure
For smoother RaspberryPI performance a virtual PC such as azure windows virtual desktop which can be the best option due to its high end functionality and 24*7 top-notch support from a reliable desktop as a service provider.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – User pi’s Desktop 230309
Screenshot 2 – Debian PIXEL running in VirtualBox in full screen
Screenshot 3 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 4 – The installation is ready
Screenshot 5 – Spotify Web Player running

DOWNLOAD
my Debian Raspberry Pi PIXEL Build 230319 for free from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

md5sum for debian-12-pixel-32bit-pae-non-uefi-exton-build-2260mb-230319.iso
Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Foundation

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspArch Rpi4 Build 221127 :: Run Arch Linux on your new Raspberry Pi 4 computer :: Install it using Rufus 3.20, Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher in Windows!

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rasparch-logoRaspArch Build 221127 especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4 released in May 2020
This version (221127) is especially made for the “new” Raspberry Pi 4, but it can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

NEWS 221202
I have uploaded a new version of RaspArch after I’ve discovered a better way to configure the system. I.e. I’ve replaced /boot/config.txt with this file. The new configuration makes the system automatically choose the best possible resolution for your monitor. Watch this screenshot when I’m using a 3440×1440 (Ultrawide) monitor.
NOTE: If you already have installed RaspArch Build 221127 you don’t have to reinstall. Just replace /boot/config.txt with the one I’ve provided – see above. Then reboot. You will probably notice a big difference.

RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of about 230 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Yay, Gimp and NetworkManager the system has increased a lot. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

More about RaspArch
When you have installed RaspArch to your Micro SD Card you can use the system like any other Arch Linux system. I.e. install new programs etc. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). RaspArch uses kernel 5.15.79-2-rpi-ARCH and the LXDE Desktop environment.

WHO should run Arch Linux/RaspArch?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as archpi
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root
Screenshot 3 – Using Yay (while installing SMPlayer)
Screenshot 4 – Samba connection to a Windows computer
Screenshot 5 – showing that you can watch 4K videos using Firefox

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
Android, exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspAnd 12 (Android 12) for Raspberry Pi 4 with Google Play Services, Spotify, Bluetooth, F-Droid Store, AIDA64, Firefox and Clash of Clans pre-installed :: Build 220419

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ABOUT RaspAnd 12 – Build 220419
RaspAnd 12 runs very well on a Raspberry Pi 4. I.e. the system is pretty responsive if you use a micro SD card of good quality. RaspAnd 12 has the following apps pre-installed: Google Play Services (and some other Google apps), Spotify, Firefox Browser (so you can watch YouTube), F-Droid (Free and Open Source App Repository), Clash of Clans and Aida64. You’ll need Google Play Services for some games to work. Among them Clash of Clans.

ABOUT Android 12, which was released 211004…
Read also an article about The Evolution of Android – List of Android Versions and Release Dates.

PLEASE NOTE that you must be aware of the fact that the Raspberry Pi 4 computer has its limitations and that Android 12 is a very advanced Linux system. Having said that I must also say that the apps I have included in this Build (see above) work very well.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Your first screen after boot
2. Your second screen after boot – you must choose to set up your Network connection offline
3. Your third screen after boot – choose your language (works very well)
4. The Desktop with all pre-installed apps
5. F-Droid running
6. Spotify running
7. Termux running (installing Android Debug Bridge – adb/Android Tools)
8. Clash of Clans running
9. A Chess game running
10. AIDA64 running and showing the system features

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX Rpi4 based on upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS “Jammy Jellyfish” with LXDE, kernel 5.15.24-exton-v7l+, Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth :: Build 220228

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NEWS 220228 about RaspEX with LXDE based on upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish.
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 5.10.87-exton-v7l+ with kernel 5.15.24-exton-v7l+. RaspEX Build 220228 is a Linux ARM (32bit) system for Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB/4GB/8GB RAM and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. It is based on Debian, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). Both Firefox and Chromium Browser are pre-installed. I have also installed Samba and RealVNC so you can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 4 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). Furthermore some extra Network Tools, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube and Raspotify – Raspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi that just works. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 220228.

Most IMPORTANT News/Changes in Build 220228
1. I have installed an old version of Chromium with DRM/Widevine support, which means that you can watch Netflix (and possibly also HBO, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, etc.) using the Chromium Browser. I did that following the instructions here.
2. In this build of RaspEX you can also run Chromium/Firefox logged in as root. You will have sound, which you normally won’t have as root on Debian/Ubuntu systems.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – raspex’s Desktop 220228
Screenshot 2 – root’s Desktop 220228
Screenshot 3 – running Netflix in Chromium
Screenshot 4 – showing that hardware acceleration is enabled
Screenshot 5 – showing how to configure sound using Pavucontrol

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, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

Yet another version of RaspEX Kodi 64-bit :: Now based on Debian 11 with the LXQt Desktop and Kodi 19.3 “Matrix” :: Build 220221

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NEWS 220221 about RaspEX Kodi 64-bit
I’ve made a new extra version of RaspEX Kodi 64-bit. This version is based on Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) and Debian Bullseye (Debian 11 stable). The LXDE Desktop is replaced with LXQt 0.16.0 which has a more “modern look” than LXDE. Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. In RaspEX Kodi Build 220221 I’ve upgraded Kodi to version 19.3 Matrix since it has reached the “stable stage”. You can now much easier install extra repositories. Read about the best Kodi repos 2022.

NEW FEATURES
NOTE1: This RaspEX Kodi 64bit version has DRM support in the Chromium Browser. It means that you can use Chromium to play Netflix videos and also run Spotify Web Player! Possibly other videos too, but I haven’t tried any (yet).
NOTE2: Build 220221 (64bit) is missing the Netflix add-on in Kodi. Widevine CDM (which is necessary for Netflix to work) is not available natively on ARM64. As regards the Chromium Browser (DRM support) I solved the problem by installing a 32bit version of Chromium!
NOTE3: I’ve also enabled VIDEO ACCELERATION in this version of RaspEX Kodi, which means that the video playback is pretty smooth. Watch this screenshot, which shows that the 3D drivers are loaded.

Study all installed packages in Build 220221…

Used kernel
5.15.24-exton-v8+ (for Rpi 4). This RaspEX Kodi 64bit version is only for Raspberry Pi 4.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXQt Desktop running as user pi
2. The LXQt Desktop running as root
3. Kodi 19.3 system info
4. Netflix running in the Chromium Browser
5. Spotify running in the Chromium Browser
6. Kodi running showing some add-ons. (The Diamond Wizard repository is not included)

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, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

The “final” version of RaspEX Kodi 32-bit :: Now based on Debian 11 stable with the LXQt Desktop and Kodi 19.3 “Matrix” stable with the Netflix add on :: Build 220218

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NEWS 220218 about RaspEX Kodi
I’ve made a new version of RaspEX Kodi 32-bit. This version is based on Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) and Debian Bullseye (Debian 11 stable). The LXDE Desktop is replaced with LXQt 0.16.0 which has a more “modern look” than LXDE. Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. In RaspEX Kodi Build 220218 I’ve upgraded Kodi to version 19.3 Matrix since it has reached the “stable stage” . It was therefore now possible to install the Netflix add-on among many other add-ons. You can now also much easier install extra repositories. Read about the best Kodi repos 2022.

REPLACEMENT and NEW FEATURES
This RaspEX Kodi Build (220218) replaces all five (5) previous versions of RaspEX Kodi. Also the 64bit-version. (I’m planning to make a new 64bit-version soon). The great thing with this RaspEX Kodi version is that it has DRM support in the Chromium Browser. It means that you can use Chromium to play Netflix videos and also run Spotify Web Player! Possibly other videos too, but I haven’t tried any. Watch a screenshot when Netflix is running. Watch a screenshot when Spotify is running. I’ve also enabled VIDEO ACCELERATION in RaspEX Kodi, which means that the video playback is pretty smooth. Watch this screenshot, which shows that the 3D drivers are loaded. There is almost no need for Kodi in RaspEX anymore since the Chromium Browser works so well. (Excellent video and sound performance).

Study all installed packages in Build 220218…

Used kernels
5.15.23-exton-v7l+ (for Rpi 4) and 5.15.23-v7+ (for Rpi 3 and 2).
The system will automatically determine which Raspberry Pi you are using and load the correct kernel.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXQt Desktop running as user pi showing that the 3D drivers are loaded
2. The LXQt Desktop running as root
3. RaspEX Kodi 19.3 system info
4. Kodi running showing some add-ons
5. Netflix is running in the Chromium Browser
6. Spotify Web Player is running in Chromium

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, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspArch Rpi4 Build 220216 :: Run Arch Linux on your new Raspberry Pi 4 computer :: Install it using Rufus 3.17, Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher in Windows!

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RaspArch Build 220216 especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4 released in May 2020
This version (220216) is especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 4, but it can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of about 230 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Yay, Gimp and NetworkManager the system has increased a lot. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

WHO should run Arch Linux/RaspArch?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

Study all installed packages in RaspArch…

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as archpi
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root

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, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX Rpi4 based on upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS “Jammy Jellyfish” with LXDE, kernel 5.10.87-exton-v7l+, Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth :: Build 211221

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NEWS 211221 about RaspEX with LXDE based on upcoming Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish.
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 5.4.83-exton-v7l+ with kernel 5.10.87-exton-v7l+. RaspEX Build 211221 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB/4GB/8GB RAM and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. It is based on Debian, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). Both Firefox and Midori Private Browser are pre-installed. I have also installed Samba and RealVNC so you can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 4 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). Furthermore some extra Network Tools, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube and Raspotify – Raspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi that just works. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 211221.

More about RaspEX
RaspEX is a full Linux Desktop system with LXDE (an extremely fast-performing and energy-saving desktop environment) with many other useful programs pre-installed. Firefox is used as Web Browser and Synaptic as Package Manager. You can use Samba and RealVNC to connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 4 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). You can use Synaptic to install any extra packages you may need. For example LibreOffice. RaspEX uses Ubuntu’s software repositories so you can install thousands of extra packages if you want.

Kernels
Kernel 5.10.87-exton-v7l+ (for Rpi 4) and 5.10.87-exton-v7+ (for Rpi 3/2) are used in Build 211221.

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Bullseye) 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 Model B) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. If you use the new Raspberry Pi 4 RaspEX will run even faster!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – raspex’s Desktop 211221
Screenshot 2 – root’s Desktop 211221
Screenshot 3 – running YouTube in Firefox
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX connected to Windows 10 via PuTTy
Screenshot 5 – RaspEX “running on” Windows 10 with VNC-viewer
Screenshot 6 – RaspEX using Pavucontrol (for sound control)
Screenshot 7 – RaspEX running Raspotify

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, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

Yet another version of RaspEX Kodi 64-bit :: Now based on Debian 11 stable with the LXQt Desktop and Kodi 19.1 “Matrix” stable – Build 210904

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NEWS 210904 about RaspEX Kodi 64-bit
I’ve made a new extra version of RaspEX Kodi 64-bit. This version is based on Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) and Debian Bullseye (Debian 11 stable). The LXDE Desktop is replaced with LXQt 0.16.0 which has a more “modern look” than LXDE. Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. In RaspEX Kodi Build 210904 I’ve upgraded Kodi to version 19.1 Matrix since it has reached the “stable stage”. You can now much easier install extra repositories. Read about the best Kodi repos 2021.

NOTE: Build 210904 (64-bit) is missing the Netflix addon. Widevine CDM (which is necessary for Netflix to work) is not available natively on ARM64.

Boot problems as regards RaspEX Kodi Build 210904
If you can’t boot up the system after installing to the SD card using Rufus 3.15 in Windows it’s because the files /boot/cmdline.txt and /etc/fstab has the wrong content. I.e. the PARTUUID for the card is wrong. Then you’ll have to edit said files. Do it like this.
1. Start up a Linux system (Ubuntu or…).
2. Insert your SD card with RaspEX Kodi installed. It will be seen as /dev/sdb1 (boot partition) and /dev/sdb2 (root filesystem).
3. To find out the correct PARTUUID for /dev/sdb1 and /dev/sdb2 run the command blkid /dev/sdb1 respectively blkid /dev/sdb2
4. Now change to the correct PARTUUID in /boot/cmdline.txt and /etc/fstab on the SD card. Use Leafpad or Mousepad for that. Never LibreOffice writer!

The file cmdline.txt can look like this:
console=serial0,115200 console=tty1 root=PARTUUID=347a28ab-02 rootfstype=ext4 elevator=deadline fsck.repair=yes rootwait quiet splash plymouth.ignore-serial-consoles

The file fstab can look like this:
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
PARTUUID=347a28ab-01 /boot vfat defaults 0 2
PARTUUID=347a28ab-02 / ext4 defaults,noatime 0 1
# a swapfile is not a swap partition, no line here
# use dphys-swapfile swap[on|off] for that

Study all installed packages in Build 210904…

Log in to LXQt or Kodi
After the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM‘s login screen. It will look like this – see below. Log in as pi with password raspberry or as root (“other”) with password root. You can log in to Kodi directly from LightDM if you want. While inside LXQt you can change to the Kodi Desktop environment. You can run Kodi on the LXQt Desktop like any other program or run it in full screen. Just change Kodi’s Settings from Windowed to Fullscreen. Watch this screenshot.

Expand the filesystem on the SD card
If you install many new big programs and/or download large files (for example videos) you may run out of space on the SD card. That is best fixed by running the following command: sudo raspi-config. Click on “Advanced Options” and choose A1 Expand Filesystem.
NOTE: That’s all you have to do. Just wait for the script to fix everything. If you use a SD card of 64 GB all the space on it will be used afterwards. Watch a screenshot when raspi-config is running.
1. Screenshot showing filesystem size before resizing
2. Screenshot showing filesystem size after resizing

API and Authentication keys
Google and Netflix make it more and more difficult to use the YouTube and Netflix addons in Kodi. They demand API and Authentication keys. As regards YouTube I’ve managed to solve the problem permanently. As regards Netflix you’ll have to create your Authentication key yourself. (Not as regards this version of RaspEX Kodi, since the Netflix addon can’t be used – see above). Follow this instruction.
1. Read this INFO site. Then do this:
2. Download NFAuthenticationKey_Linux.zip
3. unzip NFAuthenticationKey_Linux.zip
4. cd NFAuthenticationKey_Linux
5. Run the script with the command python3 NFAuthenticationKey.py – screenshot
6. Follow the instructions on the screen and save your Authentication key in /home/pi
7. Remember to take a note of the created four-digit PIN code
8. Open the Netflix addon in Kodi and choose to login with the the Authentication key you have created – screenshot
9. Find your Authentication key in /home/pi – screenshot
10. Give Netflix you password – done! – screenshot.

Your monitor/screen resolution
If you experience problems with the screen resolution you may have to make some changes in /boot/config.txt. The eight last lines in /boot/config.txt have the following content.
## exton
# Enable DRM VC4 V3D driver
# dtoverlay=vc4-fkms-v3d
dtoverlay=vc4-fkms-v3d,cma-344
max_framebuffers=2
arm_64bit=1
enable_uart=1
## exton end
My screen resolution is 3440×1440. If you have for example 1920×1080 you should change the line dtoverlay=vc4-fkms-v3d,cma-344 to dtoverlay=vc4-fkms-v3d,cma-192.

Used kernels
5.10.60-exton-v8l+ (for Rpi 4) and 5.10.60-v7+ (for Rpi 3 and 2).

Compatibility :: September 2021
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 4 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, exGENT, RaspEX BunsenLabs, RaspEX Kodi, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1, RaspAnd Pie, RaspAnd 10, RaspAnd 11 Build 210321, EXTON OpSuS Rpi, FedEX Rpi3 and RaspArch. I have until now (210321) only upgraded RaspAnd 11, RaspAnd 10, RaspEX, RaspEX Kodi, RaspArch, exGENT and RaspEX with OpenCPN. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 4.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXQt Desktop running as user pi
2. The LXQt Desktop running as root
3. Kodi 19.1 system info
4. Kodi running showing some addons. (The Diamond Wizard repository is not included)

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, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

Yet another version of RaspEX Kodi 32-bit :: Now based on Debian 11 stable with the LXQt Desktop and Kodi 19.1 “Matrix” stable with the Netflix addon – Build 210829

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NEWS 210829 about RaspEX Kodi
I’ve made a new extra version of RaspEX Kodi 32-bit. This version is based on Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) and Debian Bullseye (Debian 11 stable). The LXDE Desktop is replaced with LXQt 0.16.0 which has a more “modern look” than LXDE. Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. In RaspEX Kodi Build 210829 I’ve upgraded Kodi to version 19.1 Matrix since it has reached the “stable stage” . It was therefore now possible to install the Netflix addon among many other addons. You can now also much easier install extra repositories. Read about the best Kodi repos 2021.

Study all installed packages in Build 210829…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXQt Desktop running as user pi
2. The LXQt Desktop running as root
3. Kodi 19.1 system info
4. Kodi running showing some addons
5. Netflix addon running
6. The Authentication key for the Netflix addon is created

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)!