NEWS 20170412 about exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit
I’ve made a light version of exGENT with only a few necessary packages pre-installed. It uses LXQt 0.11.0 as Desktop environment and kernel 4.10.4-aufs-gentoo-exton-s. The ISO file is of only 1090 MB compared to exGENT version 170407, which is of 2620 MB. Study all packages installed in Build 170412.
Screenshot
exGENT Build 170412 running Firefox and Netflix.
WHAT IS ArchEX?
ArchEX 64bit is a new (170318) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 4.10.3-1-ARCH and the LXQt Desktop environment. LXQt is a lightweight Qt desktop environment. It will not get in your way. It will not hang or slow down your system. It is focused on being a classic desktop with a modern look and feel.
INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox, Gimp, GCC, Wicd and GParted – see this package LIST.
INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer. I.e. while running ArchEX live from the DVD. Read this INSTRUCTION.
Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.
WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.
BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.
SCREENSHOTS
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX starting up live
ArchEX starting up from hard drive (VirtualBox)
ArchEX Installer running
Description
Exton|Defender SRS is a Linux system available as a Live DVD (based on Fedora 25, 64bit – version 170218 and on Mageia 5, 32bit – version 150701) for administrating or repairing your system and data after a crash. Exton|Defender aims to provide an easy way to carry out admin tasks on your computer, such as creating and editing the hard disk partitions. It comes with a lot of Linux software such as system tools and basic tools (editors, Midnight Commander, network tools). Exton|Defender can, however, also be used as a normal Linux Desktop System. It requires no hard drive installation, but can easily be installed to hard drive if you want. Desktop environments: Cinnamon 3.2.8 in version 170218 (Fedora 25) and Cinnamon 2.4.5 in version 150701 (Mageia 5).
System Tools included
NTFS-3g, GParted, PartImage, Shred, Sfdisk (util-linux-ng), Rsync, Ddrescue, FSArchiver, TestDisk and Midnight Commander. Other programs (among many others): Google Chrome (in both versions) for watching Netflix movies, LibreOffice (in fc25), NetworkManager, Firefox, Thunderbird, Gimp, Samba, Java (JDK 7u9) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Emacs, Safecopy, kernel headers (Mageia 5 and Fedora 25) and many compilation tools. See a complete LIST of all installed packages 170218 (Fedora version) and 150701 (Mageia version).
NEWS 170218 re. Exton|Defender fc25 (Fedora 25)
I’ve made a new version of Exton|Defender 64 bit. Now based on Fedora 25, released 161122. It uses Cinnamon 3.2.8 and kernel 4.9.9. (Second latest stable kernel as of 170218).
VirtualBox and VMware
Exton|Defender fc25 runs very well in VirtualBox and VMware. Both live and installed to a virtual hard drive. Screenshots: Exton|Defender fc25 running in VirtualBox and VMware.
INSTALL Exton|Defender – FC25 (version 170218) on a USB stick of at least 4 GB
Use LinuxLive USB Creator (LiLi) in Windows. Works very good. All system changes are PERSISTENT. Be sure to choose “Recognized Linux: Fedora 22 Workstation (Gnome) 64-bit”. Watch this screenshot. You can also use Etcher. No persistence though. Watch this screenshot.
INSTALL Exton|Defender – FC25 (version 170218) to hard drive
Just use Anaconda (Fedora’s installer). Please read this INSTRUCTION. You can (if you want) use Grub2 as boot loader. Watch this screenshot when Anaconda has started (in fc24).
SCREENSHOTS
Exton|Defender´s Cinnamon 3.2.8 Desktop
Netflix is running in Google Chrome
Bluetooth Manager is running
Samba is running
READ MORE…
NEWS 20170209 about exGENT
I’ve made yet a new version (20170209) of exGENT based on Gentoo Linux. Now with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.9.8. It is for the 64 bit architecture. I call it exGENT 2017 Xfce4 Live DVD. It replaces version 20160123. The ISO file is of 2590 MB due to the fact that this version has a lot of packages pre-installed. Despite this exGENT version 170209 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox and VMware. Faster than most other Linux live systems. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 170209.
Build 170209 of exGENT replaces Build 170206
Today I discovered some errors in exGENT Build 170206. They were not important, but nevertheless annoying. Build 170209 is totally error-free (as far as I know). While I was at it I installed Google Chrome (for all Netflix addicts) and Spotify (for all music lovers).
Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.9.8-gentoo-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.9.8. It’s the latest stable kernel as of now. (20170209).
What’s new in kernel 4.9.8?
Programs etc
The best thing with exGENT is the premier auto detection of hardware and the ability to easily install the system to hard drive during a live session. Installed programs: Among many others GParted, GNU Emacs, Firefox, Google Chrome, Spotify, Thunderbird, Samba, AbiWord, Nvidia Graphics driver 375.26 and NetworkManager. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source the Gentoo way. (After the installation to hard drive).
Quick install to Hard Drive
exGENT Linux can be installed to hard drive in 3 – 10 min. (Depending on computer type). This means that all of you who might hesitate to perform a normal Gentoo installation – which can take up to a couple of days – now have the chance to get this great Linux system (Gentoo) installed on your computers very easy.
SPOTIFY
You can easy and quick install Spotify in exGENT. Just run the command emerge spotify. The installation takes about 1 min.
NOTE: Spotify is pre-installed in Build 170209.
Google Chrome
To be able to run Netflix in exGENT you’ll need Google Chrome. Just install it with the command emerge –ask www-client/google-chrome
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Screenshot 3 – Netflix is running
NOTE: Google Chrome is pre-installed in Build 170209.
Who is exGENT/Gentoo for?
Experienced Linux users or those who really want to learn Linux. (Perhaps also for people who are bored with mainstream distributions like Ubuntu).
Screenshots
exGENT running Nvidia config
exGENT running Brasero
exGENT running Samba
exGENT running Spotify
exGENT running in VirtualBox
exGENT running in VMware
exGENT running Google Chrome and Netflix
WHAT IS ArchEX dual?
ArchEX 64bit/32bit dual is a new (160724) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 4.6.4-1-ARCH (latest) and the LXDE Desktop environment.
INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox, Gimp, GCC, Wicd and GParted – study this package LIST.
INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer. I.e. while running ArchEX live from the DVD. Read this INSTRUCTION.
Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.
Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).
WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.
BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.
Screenshots
The new Desktop in Build 160724
ArchEX starting up live
ArchEX running Spotify – (Spotify installed with Yaourt – a Pacman frontend)
ArchEX running ArchEX Installer
ArchEX running Google Chrome and Netflix – (Chrome installed with Yaourt)
Read also about RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2
RaspEX – Build 160703 based on Ubuntu 16.04 – with OpenCPN 4.4.0 (latest version) – especially made for Raspberry Pi 3OpenCPN 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. Read about the new features in OpenCPN 4.4.0 (released 160613)…
Replacement
This build (160703) replaces build 160308. Ubuntu has been upgraded to version 16.04 and OpenCPN to version 4.4.0 – latest. Build 160703 is made especially for Raspberry Pi 3, but can also be used on Raspberry Pi 2. The Desktop environment LXDE is used. The “Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment” is an extremely fast-performing and energy-saving desktop environment. LXDE uses less CPU and less RAM than other environments. It is especially designed for cloud computers with low hardware specifications, such as netbooks, mobile devices (e.g. MIDs) or older computers.
ABOUT RaspEX Build 160703
RaspEX is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.5), Xenial Xerus (Ubuntu 16.04) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (160703) I’ve installed OpenCPN 4.4.0 from source.
Read this OpenCPN Review….
Watch a YouTube video that shows the performance of OpenCPN on a Raspberry Pi…
NOTE: Please don’t ask me technical questions about how to use OpenCPN. I’m no expert on OpenCPN. You can search the Internet for answers. There is a lot written about OpenCPN and Raspberry Pi. The Cruisers Forum (World Cruising and Sailing Wiki) is a good starting point.
The 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi
To my great joy also this version of RaspEX work together with the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi “out of the box”. Watch this screenshot.
Installed packages
Besides from LXDE and OpenCPN a lot of ordinary Debian/Ubuntu packages are pre-installed. I can mention Firefox, Chromium Web Browser, Synaptic Package Manager and Gimp. Study the full package list of 160703…
SCREENSHOTS
1. RaspEX Build 160703 with OpenCPN 4.4.0 running using the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi
2. RaspEX Build 160703 with OpenCPN 4.4.0 – Boston
3. RaspEX Build 160703 with Spotify and a virtual keyboard
4. RaspEX Build 160703 showing the Desktop and Network connections
5. RaspEX Build 160703 using Samba (connection with my Windows computers in my network) running
6. OpenCPN World Map (old version of OpenCPN)
7. OpenCPN Florida – Cape Canaveral (old version of OpenCPN)
8. OpenCPN New York – Approaches to New York (old version of OpenCPN)
9. OpenCPN Stockholm Archipelago (old version of OpenCPN)
Compatibility :: July 2016
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 2 will run on the new Pi 3. 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 Lollipop, RaspAnd Marshmallow and RaspArch. I have now (160703) upgraded all systems. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3…
NEWS 160307: A new version of RaspEX especially built for the new Raspberry Pi 3 is ready
The Raspberry Pi 3 is the third generation Raspberry Pi. It replaced the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B in February 2016.
Compared to the Raspberry Pi 2 it has:
A 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8 CPU
802.11n Wireless LAN
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Raspberry Pi 3: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 2? Raspberry Pi 3 is performing 10 times faster than that of the Pi 1 and around 50 percent better than that of the Pi 2 according to testers.
Compatibility
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 2 will run on the new Pi 3. 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 and RaspArch. RaspEX Build 160307 with a new kernel runs very well on Raspberry Pi 3. You can (of course) also run the new RaspEX system on a “old” Raspberry Pi 2.
NEWS 160307 ABOUT RaspEX
My first version of RaspEX is from 150318, my second from 150706 and my third one from 151027. I have now upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel. RaspEX Build 160307 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.3), Ubuntu Wily Werewolf (Ubuntu 15.10, released 151022) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (160307) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager and replaced Chromium with Firefox with better support for YouTube. 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 and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube.
Screenshot 1 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba
Screenshot 2 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy
Screenshot 3 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC Viewer
Softpedia review
RaspEX version 151001 was reviewed by Softpedia 151001.
Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Jessie) and Snappy Ubuntu Core. RaspEX is faster (“fast as lightning”), more useful and more fun to use. (In my opinion). One member on this site thought that running RaspEX (for Raspberry Pi 2) was like running Raspberry on “steroids“. RaspEX Build 160307 is (of course) even faster, especially if you run the system on a Raspberry Pi 3 computer.
NEWS 20160123 ABOUT exGENT
I’ve made yet a new version (20160123) of exGENT based on Gentoo Linux. Now with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.4. It’s for the 64 bit architecture. I call it exGENT 2016 Xfce4 Live DVD. It replaces version 20141227. The ISO file is of 2280 MB due to the fact that this version has a lot of packages pre-installed. Among them two different Web Browsers: Firefox and Opera. Despite this exGENT version 160123 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox. Faster than most other Linux live systems. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 160123.
Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.4.0-gentoo-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.4. It’s the latest stable kernel as of now.
Programs etc
The best thing with exGENT is the premier auto detection of hardware and the ability to easily install the system to hard drive during a live session. Installed programs: Among many others GParted, GNU Emacs, Firefox, Thunderbird, Samba, AbiWord, Nvidia Graphics driver 352.63 and NetworkManager. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source the Gentoo way. (After the installation to hard drive).
Quick install to Hard Drive
exGENT Linux can be installed to hard drive in 3 – 10 min. (Depending on computer type). This means that all of you who might hesitate to perform a normal Gentoo installation – which can take up to a couple of days – now have the chance to get this great Linux system (Gentoo) installed on your computers very easy.
UPGRADE the System
The exGENT System (version 160123) is in very good shape, since I, without problems, have been able to update the whole system with the following commands:
# emerge –ask –update –newuse –deep –with-bdeps=y @world
# emerge –depclean
# revdep-rebuild
(Since I haven’t upgraded exGENT since 20141227 it now took me four (4) days to upgrade/compile all included packages).
SPOTIFY
You can easy and quick install Spotify in exGENT. Just run the command emerge spotify. The installation takes about 1 min.
Who is exGENT/Gentoo for?
Experienced Linux users or those who really want to learn Linux.
What happened to the 32 bit version?
Please note that the 32 bit version of exGENT from December 2014 won’t be upgraded. I have deleted the ISO file from the servers. Almost no downloads! I guess 32 bit Linux systems are out of fashion nowadays.
Screenshots
exGENT running Audacity
exGENT running Brasero
exGENT running Samba
exGENT running Spotify
This version (151107) is my second build of RaspArch
The first version is from 150414. RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, Firefox and Gimp the system increased to 492 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 2 computer.
NEWS 151107
A new version of RaspArch is ready. The compressed file rasparch-exton.tar.gz from 151105 was compressed with Archive Manager in Ubuntu 15.10. Something is wrong with this program. I had to compress the folder manually. I.e. using the command tar -zcvf rasparch-exton.tar.gz rasparch-exton. The compressed folder has decreased in size from 851 MB (151105) to 492 MB(!?).
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 4.1.12-1-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.
BENEFITS of Arch Linux/RaspArch
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. A member on this site recently wrote this about RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support Aur (I like yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the PI 2.
Study all installed packages in RaspArch
