Tag Archives: Refracta Installer

exton, Exton Linux distributions

Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 251019 with Refracta Snapshot (so you can create your own Raspberrypi Debian 12 Pixel system)

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NEWS 251019 about Raspberry Pi Debian 12 Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
 Study all included packages in Build 251019 – latest by 251019. 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 251019
This build replaces version 161223 , 170425, 180316, 180928, 190705, 191102, 201108, 220505, 230319 and 240414. I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Bullseye  to Bookworm – Debian 12. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 6.1.0-6-686-pae to 6.8.1-pae-exton. I’ve also included kernel 6.1.0-39-686, which shall be used on very old 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.  In Build 251019 I have removed Chromium. I saw no advantage in keeping it. I’ve also installed Samba so that you can reach your Windows computers in your home network.

NOTE 1
This Debian PIXEL 32bit build is for UEFI and non-efi computers. So you can boot Debian PIXEL in both UEFI and Legacy mode.

NOTE 2
On certain Desktop computers you may have to start Debian PIXEL in “failsafe” graphics mode. I.e. nomodeset. On one of my six computers (my newest) I could not run Debian PIXEL at all.

NOTE 3: Version 251019 of Debian PIXEL can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 19 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi.

NOTE 4: On one of my newer computers I had to use these Grub boot lines after a hard drive installation – see below.
menuentry ‘Debian PIXEL 32bit 251019 (sda6-Samsung_T5)’ –class debian –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os $menuentry_id_option ‘gnulinux-simple-a3623728-20d8-46e1-8586-0a0ac14fca69’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root a3623728-20d8-46e1-8586-0a0ac14fca69
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root a3623728-20d8-46e1-8586-0a0ac14fca69
fi
linux /boot/vmlinuz-6.1.0-39-686-pae root=UUID=a3623728-20d8-46e1-8586-0a0ac14fca69 acpi_backlight=vendor ro intel_iommu=off $vt_handoff nomodeset
initrd /boot/initrd.img-6.1.0-39-686-pae
}

NEWS 251019 – 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 251019. 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 Snapshot. 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the latest official version of Raspberry Pi OS (Debian 11 Bullseye) compatible with PC and Mac is from July 1, 2022 …

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).

KERNELS
Kernel 6.8.1-pae-exton is used in Build 251019. 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 very old computers you shall use kernel 6.1.0-39-686, which also is included.
NOTE about newer kernels: I did compile a new (6.17.2) 32bit kernel to use in Debian PIXEL. I could use it, but the system became awfully slow. Then I learned that Debian has reduced support for i386 systems. In Debian 13 (trixie) i386 (32bit) is no longer supported as a regular architecture: there is no official kernel and no Debian installer for i386 systems. Debian 250809: Users running i386 systems should not upgrade to trixie. Instead, Debian recommends either reinstalling them as amd64, where possible, or retiring the hardware. This version of Debian PIXEL will therefore be my last. (Debian 12 bookworm will be supported until June 30th, 2028).

Login and passwords
Log in to the PIXEL Desktop as the ordinary user user or as root. The passwords are raspberry respectively root. When logged in as user 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 user in X (PIXEL Desktop). You can log out and log in again as root (other) if you want – see below.

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 running Debian Pixel on an UEFI computer you shall go to “Advanced – 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! Watch this screenshot…

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) only will 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: You may have to do run Refracta Snapshot in three steps (1, 2 , 3).

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

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.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – User Desktop 251019
Screenshot 2 – Debian PIXEL running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 3 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 4 – Refracta Installer is running
Screenshot 5 – Running from RAM – eject the USB stick
Screenshot 6 – The Desktop for root

DOWNLOAD
my Debian Raspberry Pi PIXEL Build 251019 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-exton-build-2030mb-251019.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 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 16 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 15 (also with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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ExTiX Deepin 25.8 Live based on Deepin 25.0.1 STABLE (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.16.0-amd64-exton :: Build 250806

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NEWS 250806 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 25.0.1 STABLE (released 250702)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (250806). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 25 STABLE is from 250701.  (I found out yesterday that Deepin 25.0.1 was released 250702. I therefore had to upgrade ExTiX Deepin today). This ExTiX Build is thus based on Deepin 25.0.1 STABLE (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on July 2, 2025. Please read the Release Notes. ExTiX 25.8 uses kernel 6.16.0-amd64-exton. ExTiX 25.8 works in the same way as all other ExTiX versions. I.e. you can install it to hard drive while running the system live. Use Calamares (ExTiX) Installer or Refracta Installer for that. Deepin Installer doesn’t work in ExTiX. You can also create your own live installable Deepin 25.0.1 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 25.8 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 25.8.

NEW FUNCTIONS etc. in ExTiX 25.8 Deepin
1. VirtualBox Guest Additions are NOT pre-installed. No real need for them since you can run ExTiX in full screen in VirtualBox by just changing the screen resolution.
2. You can run ExTiX from RAM. Use boot alternative 2 (load to RAM) or Advanced. A wonderful way to run Linux if you have enough RAM. Everything will be super fast. When ExTiX has booted up you can remove the DVD or USB stick. Please note that you’ll need a lot om RAM. Probably at least 10GB. The ISO file is of 5610MB. That is a lot, but the original Deepin 25 ISO is even bigger – 5880 MB.
3. You can ONLY use ExTiX (Calamares) Installer and Refracta Installer for hard drive installations. You can not use Deepin Installer. You may be able to start the program after installing it with sudo apt install deepin-installer, but the installation to hard drive will fail. That’s because my build of Deepin 25.0.1 differ from the original in some respects.
3b. You can, however, use Calamares Installer for your hard drive installation (instead of Refracta Installer) as I just mentioned. About Calamares: 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 while remaining independent of any particular Linux distribution.
4. I have installed Firefox as a replacement for Deepin’s Browser, which suddenly can be in Chinese(!?).
5. I’ve added Synaptic Package Manager. A must I think.
6. You can watch Netflix while running Firefox.
7. You can install ExTiX Deepin also in VirtualBox/VMware using Calamares Installer or Refracta Installer. Before doing any hard drive installation you should read my instruction How-to dual-boot, triple-boot or multi-boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy…

UNIQUE?
Previous versions of ExTiX Deepin (for example ExTiX Deepin 23 STABLE) were unique since the original Deepin System wasn’t a LIVE System. As regards Deepin 25.0.1 STABLE you can also test run the System Live before installing to hard drive. You can, however, not make your own Deepin 25.0.1 System from the original using Refracta Snapshot. That’s because it is impossible to install Refracta Snapshot (and Refracta Installer) according to my experience.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX 25.8 running in VMware after changing the screen resolution
2. Running Calamares (ExTiX) Installer
3. Showing the Desktop for user
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. Showing the live boot screen
6. Refracta Snapshot is running
7. Calamares Installer have started
NOTE: All wallpapers are (of course) AI-generated.

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 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 16 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 15 (also with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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ExTiX Deepin 25.7 Live based on Deepin 25 STABLE (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.15.3-amd64-exton :: Build 250701

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NEWS 250701 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 25 STABLE (released 250626)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (250701). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 23 STABLE is from 240816. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 25 STABLE (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on June 26, 2025. Please read the Release Notes. ExTiX 25.7 uses kernel 6.15.3-amd64-exton. ExTiX 25.7 works in the same way as all other ExTiX versions. I.e. you can install it to hard drive while running the system live. Use Refracta Installer for that. Deepin Installer doesn’t work in ExTiX. You can also create your own live installable Deepin 25 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 25.7 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 25.7.

NEW FUNCTIONS etc. in ExTiX 25.7 Deepin
1. VirtualBox Guest Additions are NOT pre-installed. No real need for them since you can run ExTiX in full screen in VirtualBox by just changing the screen resolution.
2. You can run ExTiX from RAM. Use boot alternative 2 (load to RAM) or Advanced. A wonderful way to run Linux if you have enough RAM. Everything will be super fast. When ExTiX has booted up you can remove the DVD or USB stick. Please note that you’ll need a lot om RAM. Probably at least 10GB. The ISO file is of 5370MB. That is a lot, but the original Deepin 25 ISO is even bigger – 5880 MB.
3. You can ONLY use Refracta Installer for hard drive installations. You can not use Deepin Installer. You may be able to start the program after a reinstallation (sudo apt install ‐‐reinstall Deepin-installer), but the installation to hard drive will fail. That’s because my build of Deepin 25 differ from the original in some respects.
4. I have installed Firefox as a replacement for Deepin’s Browser, which suddenly can be in Chinese(!?).
5. I’ve added Synaptic Package Manager. A must I think.
6. You can watch Netflix while running Firefox.
7. You can install ExTiX Deepin also in VirtualBox/VMware using Refracta Installer. Before doing any hard drive installation you should read my instruction How-to dual-boot, triple-boot or multi-boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy…

UNIQUE?
Previous versions of ExTiX Deepin (for example ExTiX Deepin 23 STABLE) were unique since the original Deepin System wasn’t a LIVE System. As regards Deepin 25 STABLE you can also test run the System Live before installing to hard drive. You can, however, not make your own Deepin 25 System from the original using Refracta Snapshot. That’s because it is impossible to install Refracta Snapshot (and Refracta Installer) according to my experience. Even if you manage to install those apps you can’t use them properly, since the original Deepin 25 System is Read-Only. I.e System directories are mounted as read-only (and you can’t change that). This means (among other things) that you can’t create the necessary links /initrd.img and /vmlinuz. Read this article about it.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX 25.7 running in VirtualBox after changing the screen resolution
2. Running Refracta Installer
3. Showing the Desktop for user
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. Running a movie
6. Refracta Snapshot is running

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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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exton, Exton Linux distributions

EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed LXQt 2.2.0-1.1 64 bit UEFI Linux Live System with Refracta Snapshot – Build 250621

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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. The ISO file is of 1850mb.  This LXQt version will thus run very fast from a DVD or a USB stick. Even faster from RAM if you have at least about 4GB RAM. You can (of course) run EXTON OpSuS in VirtualBox/VMware directly from the ISO file.

ABOUT Tumbleweed
With Tumbleweed you don’t have to take difficult decisions about things you value, either freedom or safety, either control or security, technology or stability — Tumbleweed lets you have your cake and eat it too. READ MORE…

ABOUT EXTON OpSuS for PC’s – Build 250621
I’ve made a new version of EXTON OpSuS with LXQt 2.2.0-1.1 as the only DE. The ISO is therefore rather small (1850MB), which means that you can run the system from RAM really fast even if you have for example only 4GB RAM. This new EXTON OpSuS build is made from “scratch” following the Wiki “openSUSE:Expert Installation“. If you want to do the same you can study my packages LIST first. Be sure to install all necessary kernel-firmware. For example kernel-firmware-nvidia. If you “forget” to do that and try to run the system on a computer with an Nvidia graphics card it won’t work. To be on the safe side you might want to run the command sudo zypper in kernel-firmware*.
NOTE1: Kernel 6.14.6-amd64-exton is used when running EXTON OpSuS LIVE. When running the System from hard drive you can use openSUSE’s original kernel. Right now version 6.15.2.
NOTE2: When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM’s login screen. You can log in to the LXQt Desktop as user with password live or as root with password root.
NOTE3: Use Refracta Snapshot to build your very own version of EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE. I.e. you can change everything and quickly create a new ISO file. Your own. The new is ISO found in /home/snapshot.
NOTE4: You be able to use Refracta Snapshot you’ll have to keep “my” kernel 6.14.6-amd64-exton in /boot and also the links to said kernel in /. (/vmlinuz and /initrd.img).
NOTE5: Version 250621 of EXTON OpSuS can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 17 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Running YaST2
2. Running Refracta Installer
3. Running Refracta Installer and installing Grub
4. LightDM’s login screen

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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed LXQt 2.2.0-1.1 64 bit UEFI Linux Live System with Refracta Snapshot – Build 250515

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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. The ISO file is of 3070 MB. The LXQt version will thus run very fast from a DVD or a USB stick. Even in VirtualBox/VMware directly from the ISO file.

ABOUT Tumbleweed
With Tumbleweed you don’t have to take difficult decisions about things you value, either freedom or safety, either control or security, technology or stability — Tumbleweed lets you have your cake and eat it too. READ MORE…

NOTE ABOUT EXTON OpSuS Deepin from 240807
The Deepin DE is no longer maintained by openSUSE due to packaging policy violations and various security issues. I have therefore deleted the ISO file from 240807, which used Deepin 20.6 as Desktop Environment.

ABOUT EXTON OpSuS for PC’s
EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed with LXQt 2.2.0-1.1 uses kernel 6.14.6-amd64-exton. Installed programs: Among many other programs, Firefox, NetworkManager, GParted and VLC . You’ll run the system as the normal user user. The password for user is live. Root’s password is root. EXTON OpSuS can easily be installed to hard drive (of those who so desire). For that you shall use Refracta Installer. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as of May 15, 2025.
NOTE1:  When the boot process is ready you will end up at SDDM login screen. You can only log in to the LXQt Desktop as user with password live. You will see this first screen when logged in to LXQt.
NOTE2: If you want to run the system as root you shall press Ctrl Alt F1 simultaneously to leave X. Log in as root with password root. Then run the command startx. You will then enter the LXQt 2.2.0 Desktop. When logged in as root you won’t have sound. Watch a screenshot of the Desktop for root.
NOTE3: Version 250515 of EXTON OpSuS can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 17 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi.  
NOTE4: Use Refracta Snapshot to build your very own version of EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE.

Is EXTON OpSuS LXQt Build 250515 unique?
If you have a look at openSUSE’s official Download site you can see that there is no live LXQt version available. EXTON OpSuS Build 250515 is most certainly UNIQUE in one respect. There is no other distro based on openSUSE containing Refracta Snapshot!

Why should someone choose EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE?

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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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CruxEX 3.8 Linux Live System based on CRUX 3.8 released 250421 :: Build 250427

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CruxEX 2025 64 bit Linux Live System is based on CRUX 3.8 (latest version, released 250421), 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 3.8 2025 uses the LXDE Desktop environment. I have replaced the original CRUX kernel with “my” special kernel 6.14.2-amd64-exton with support for “extra everything”.

Unique
CruxEX 3.8 Build 250427 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. The good thing with CruxEX is that it is a live system (which CRUX original isn’t) and that you can run CruxEX super fast from RAM. Also that you can install CruxEX to hard drive in about 5 minutes and then have a ready-to-go CRUX desktop system. You can after that install any (extra) desktop environment you like. Note also: To make CRUX original ready for everyday use will normally take 2 – 3 days!

ABOUT Refracta Snapshot
With Refracta Snapshot you can very easy create you own CRUX Live Installable System. I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO. That can be done after a hard drive installation using Refracta Installer. If you have plenty of RAM you can even create a new ISO while running CruxEX live!

Study ALL INSTALLED packages in CruxEX 3.8.

Watch this enthusiastic YouTube VIDEO ABOUT CruxEX 3.7…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXDE Desktop for the live user in Build 250427
2. The LXDE Desktop for root in Build 250427
3. Installing Grub in VirtualBox
4. The Live boot screen

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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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exton, Exton Linux distributions

LFA (Linux For All) 64bit Live System – Build 250417 – with Budgie DE 10.9.1, kernel 6.14.2-amd64-exton and Refracta Snapshot :: Create your own LFA/Ubuntu installable 24.04.2 LTS system!

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Linux For All (LFA) Build 250417 with the Budgie 10.9.1 Desktop Environment is a simple remaster of Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, code-named Noble Numbat. It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system. NOTE: Ubuntu 24.04 will be supported until August 2029.

NEWS ABOUT LFA Build 250417
1. All packages the ordinary Linux user can wish for are pre-installed. Study the full packages list…
2. Kernel 6.14.2-amd64-exton is used. You can of course switch to Ubuntu’s original kernel if you prefer that.
3. The Desktop environment is Budgie 10.9.1. (Budgie is a desktop environment, formerly a project within Solus, becoming independent under the newly formed Buddies of Budgie organization in January 2022. It uses GTK for widgets, and is written in C and Vala. As of Budgie 10, the only available session is on Xorg).
4. The main Web Browser is Firefox. So you can watch Netflix!
5. I have included Refracta tools (Refracta Snapshot) to make it possible for you to create your own installable Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS Live System once you have installed LFA to hard drive.
6. You can run LFA super fast in RAM. Use boot alternative 2 Load to RAM – see below.
7. Nvidia’s proprietary driver 570.133.07 is pre-installed. It will be used if your computer supports it.
8. I have removed snapd altogether.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – The Desktop for user
Screenshot 2 – The Desktop for root
Screenshot 3 – Showing NVIDIA Settings
Screenshot 4 – Showing showing a Samba connection in VMware

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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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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exton, Exton Linux distributions

ExLight 64bit UEFI, Build 250405, based on Debian “Trixie” (upcoming Debian 13) with Enlightenment 0.27.1 (stable) as DE, Refracta Snapshot and Calamares Installer

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NEWS 250405 ABOUT ExLight
I’ve made a new version of ExLight with the Enlightenment 0.27.1 Desktop environment, Refracta Snapshot (create your own Debian Sid/Trixie System) and Calamares 3.3.14-1 Installer Framework.

KERNEL
ExLight Build 250405 uses kernel 6.14.0-amd64-exton built from Debian kernel sources with Debian patches.

What’s new in Linux kernel 6.14?

Installed packages
Study all installed packages in ExLight Build 250405.

Important about Refracta
You can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in ExLight) to create your own installable Debian Trixie Live System once you have installed ExLight to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. When you start Refracta Snapshot it will look like this. You don’t even have to install ExLight to hard drive before you can use the Refracta Snapshot. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian system while running ExLight from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) only will take 10 – 50 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshot. Or change that by editing /etc/refractasnapshot.conf. NOTE: You may have to run Refracta Snapshot in three steps (1 – 3) before your new ISO is ready.

THE REAL McCoy
ExLight is a pure Debian system. I.e. no traces of Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc. New releases of Ubuntu are always based on Debian Sid. So is ExLight.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Enlightenment 0.27.1 Desktop for user user
2. The Enlightenment 0.27.1 Desktop for root
3. Using NetworkManager for WiFi connections
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. ExLight running in VirtualBox
6. ExLight running in Qemu -2-user
7. Showing the LightDM Login Screen

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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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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exton, Exton Linux distributions

Run latest Slackware 64 bit live and create your own live installable Slackware system with Refracta Snapshot! :: Build 250323

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About SlackEX 15.0 Current (testing/development) 64 bit Build 250323
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 Current (15.0), which I call SlackEX 15.0 Current 64 bit Linux Live System, 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.

NEWS ABOUT SlackEX BUILD 250323 with the Xfce4 DESKTOP (DE)
A new version of SlackEX is ready. It is based on Slackware 15.0 Stable/Current released 220202 with Xfce4 as DE. The most important package installed is Refracta Snapshot. With that you can build your own Slackware 15.0 distribution. Xfce4 is one of Slackware’s official Desktop environments. The other one is KDE. Kernel 6.13.7-amd64-exton is used in this SlackEX Build. To be able to use Refracta Snapshot you’ll have to use said kernel. Otherwise you can (of course) replace “my” kernel with Slackware’s original kernel – see about that below. Study the list of NEW installed packages and the list of upgraded packages. While running SlackEX Xfce4 in VirtualBox you can do so in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE1: You’ll run SlackEX Build 250323 as the normal user user or as root. The password for root is root. The password for user is live.
NOTE2: You can run SlackEX Build 250323 on UEFI and non-Uefi computers. You can also run SlackEX live super fast from RAM.

ABOUT running SlackEX in RAM
You can run SlackEX from RAM also when starting SlackEX in UEFI mode. The previous SlackEX versions could only run from RAM if they started in Legacy mode. So my advice is to run this version SUPER FAST from RAM! The best way to run a Linux Live System! When SlackEX has booted up you can remove/eject the USB stick or the DVD.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – user’s Desktop – Xfce4
Screenshot 2 – root’s Desktop – Xfce4
Screenshot 3 – root’s Desktop when running in VMware Workstation – Xfce4
Screenshot 4 – using Refracta Installer – installing Grub
Screenshot 5 – SlackEX is running in VirtualBox when Guest additions have been installed – Xfce4

Why Slackware?
Slackware is grossly underestimated (in my opinion). This article give you ten (10) reasons to choose Slackware. And this article explains how Slackware works nowadays (2023).

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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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exton, Exton Linux distributions

LFS EXTON – a live installable Linux system built from Linux From Scratch (which can run on ALL computers) with kernel 6.0.6-amd64-exton ::: Build 250315

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LFS EXTON Linux live DVD/USB is built using Linux From Scratch 10.1/11.2 and Beyond Linux From Scratch 10.1/11.2 (BLFS).

IMPORTANT NOTE 250315
I’ve decided to abandon the LFS EXTON project. Version 250315 and 221103 of LFS EXTON is based on Linux From Scratch 10.1/11.2. The newest version of Linux From Scratch is version 12.3. It is therefore not possible to upgrade LFS EXTON anymore. Not without a lot of struggle anyhow. And I don’t feel like starting from scratch (again). Too time consuming. Anyone is welcome to take over my project though. You can change everything to your liking and the create a new ISO using Refracta Snapshot, which is working very well in Build 250315. See below and download a HOWTO about how to use Refracta Snapshot. You’ll find the just mentioned instruction also in /root in Build 250315.

ABOUT Refracta Snapshot in Build 250315
Refracta Snapshot shall be started in LXTerminal with /usr/bin/refractasnapshot
The config file is /etc/refractasnapshot.conf. There you can change where you want your ISO after the remaster process is ready. You can for example change from /home/snapshot to /mnt/sda3/snapshot and /home/work to /mnt/sda3/work. That can be useful if you want to use Refracta Snapshot while running LFS EXTON live from a USB stick. Now follow the instruction below.

A) Open a terminal as root and run /usr/bin/refractasnapshot – screenshot…

Choose a task.

1. Create a snapshot (uefi disabled)
2. Re-squash and make iso (no-copy)
3. Re-make efi files and iso (no-copy, no-squash)
4. Re-run xorriso only. (make iso, no-copy, no-squash)
5. Help
6. Exit

Choose alternative 1.

B) In /home/work/myfs the whole system will be created

C) For some unknown reason the command mksquashfs in the script /usr/bin/refractasnapshot won’t work.

D) cd /home/work – then run the command:
mksquashfs myfs/ iso/live/filesystem.squashfs -noappend – screenshot…

E) Then run again the command /usr/bin/refractasnapshot – choose alternative 4 for creation of the ISO file – screenshot…
It also shows how you can transfer your ISO file to your Windows computer in your Network using Samba. See below about Samba.

Everything will be alright. You’ll find your new ISO file in /home/snapshot (if you haven’t changed that). The whole thing is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it!

OLD AND NEW NEWS 221103/250315
A new version of LFS EXTON is ready! The first version is from 210706. Most important news re. the new version:
1. LFS EXTON Build 250315/221103 runs on ALL computers. I. e. new and old ones. UEFI or non-UEFI computers. (Build 210706 was not compatible with some newer computers).
2. Build 250315/221103 uses the latest (by 221103) kernel 6.0.6, released 221029.
The kernel is named 6.0.6-amd64-exton-rt14.
3. I have upgraded some essential packages. Most important Firefox.
NOTE: Firefox will always be upgraded automatically to the latest version.
4. I have installed two new packages: Gnu Emacs (“At its core is an interpreter for Emacs Lisp, a dialect of the Lisp programming language with extensions to support text editing”) and MPlayer (a movie player).
NOTE about MPlayer: To be able to play videos (and not just hear sound) you’ll have to install AAlib. Very easy to install. Just follow the instructions. NOTE: Already done in Build 250315.
5. You can download the kernel-sources for LFS EXTON from SourceForge.net – linux-source-6.0.zip. Can be used if you want to install (for example) NVIDIA Graphics Drivers. Unpack and place the sources in /usr/src.

ABOUT Refracta Installer
I finally made Refracta Installer to work in LFS EXTON! Now you can install LFS EXTON to hard drive like any other Linux distribution. Just start Refracta Installer from the menu and follow the instructions. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE: You should create the install partition in advance. Use GParted for that.

LXDE and LightDM
LFS EXTON uses LXDE as Desktop environment. LXDE is designed to be user friendly and slim, while keeping the resource usage low. LFS EXTON has all the tools needed for you to go on and install other Desktop environments or whatever you like (after a hard drive installation of LFS EXTON).

Build your own Linux system
You can also just use LFS EXTON Live DVD/USB as build environment when building your own Linux system from scratch.

Install LFS EXTON to a USB stick
Install the ISO file to a USB stick with Rufus  in Windows. It will look like this.

LOGIN to LXDE
Login as root with password root$$ or as the ordinary user lfs with password linux$$. In Build 250315 the passwords are root respectively linux. While logged in as lfs you can use Sudo to become root. Example commands: sudo su and sudo pcmanfm. LightDM‘s login screen will look like this in Build 250315.



Install to hard drive using Refracta Installer
1. Start Refracta Installer from the menu and follow the program instructions. Watch this screenshot.
2. Install options – screenshot.
3. Ready to install – screenshot.
4. When asked to chroot and install Grub – screenshot.
5. Keep current user (lfs) and root passwords – screenshot.
6. When the installation is complete you will see this – screenshot.
7. Notice the disk space used after installation to hard drive – screenshot.
8. For user lfs to be able to use Sudo after a hard drive installation you’ll have to edit /etc/sudoers as root with Nano or Mousepad. Add this line to the end:
lfs ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL – screenshot.
NOTE: If you already use Grub as boot loader you shall refrain from installing Grub when installing LFS EXTON to hard drive. Just add the boot lines below to /boot/grub/grub.cfg on the partition where you have Grub installed. You shall (of course) never mess with your current EFI Grub installation. LFS EXTON can run on EFI computers, but you can’t make an EFI Grub installation using LFS EXTON.

NOTE: You can install LFS EXTON on any normal computer. If you want to do that you should at first read my instruction How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy. The Grub boot lines for LFS EXTON in /boot/grub/grub.cfg can look like this:
#################################################
menuentry ‘LFS EXTON 250315 (/dev/sda6)’ –class lfs –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os $menuentry_id_option ‘gnulinux-simple-191fccec-4ecc-48b2-879d-504f9a2ad365’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 191fccec-4ecc-48b2-879d-504f9a2ad365
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 191fccec-4ecc-48b2-879d-504f9a2ad365
fi
linux /boot/vmlinuz-6.0.3-amd64-exton-rt14 root=/dev/sda6 ro
initrd /boot/initrd.img-6.0.3-amd64-exton-rt14
}
###############################################
NOTE1: On some laptops you may have to add
acpi_backlight=vendor acpi_rev_override=1 to the kernel boot line.
Do that if your screen is too dark.
NOTE2: You can also do that when running LFS EXTON live from a USB stick. Replace boot/grub/grub.cfg with this file.

Kernel
LFS EXTON uses my “special” kernel 6.0.3-amd64-exton-rt14. You can of course compile you own LFS kernel if you want.

“Normal” use of the system
You can also use LFS EXTON as any other “normal” Linux system. You can for example run Netflix in Firefox.

Running in VirtualBox/VMware
For some unknown reason LFS EXTON Build 221103 doesn’t work so well in VirtualBox. You can, however, run it in VirtualBox if you add nomodeset to the boot line when booting up LFS from the ISO file in VirtualBox. Just press TAB before the boot process starts. You can, however, run LFS EXTON without any problems in QEMU in Linux and in VMware in Windows. Watch this screenshot (running in QEMU in Linux) and this screenshot (running in VMware in Windows 11). I even managed to install LFS EXTON in VirtualBox in Linux. Not easy, but it can be done. With the help of the provided kernel sources (SourceForge.net – linux-source-6.0.zip) I also could install VirtualBox Guest Additions so that LFS EXTON can run in full screen. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE: Build 250315 works very well in VirtualBox and you can run it in full screen. Watch this screenshot…

Error during the boot process
During the boot process you will see a error message about ssh. Just press ENTER and the boot process will continue. After a hard drive installation you can get rid of the error message by running the following commands as root.
1. cd /etc/ssh
2. ssh-keygen -A
3. /etc/init.d/sshd start
Watch this screenshot…

Sound in LFS EXTON
You will only have sound when logged in to LXDE as the normal user lfs. Use Pavucontrol (PulseAudio Volume Control).

Using Samba
You can connect to your Windows computers in your Network using Samba. Example command: smbclient //192.168.0.38/LINUX -U arne
NOTE: LINUX is my shared folder on my Windows computer.
arne is my username.
192.168.0.38 is the IP address for my Windows computer.
Use the put and get commands.

Using WiFi
It is very simple. Just click on the Network (Network Manager) icon in the menu to the right. Give your password and connect! Watch this screenshot…

How to mount NTFS partitions read and write
Just run two commands as root (example)
1. mkdir /dev/sdd1
2. ntfs-3g /dev/sdd1 /mnt/sdd1

Run it fast!
The system is quite fast and responsive. You can run LFS EXTON live super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick – screenshot. Use Boot alternative 2 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM. Watch the live boot screen below.)

DOWNLOAD
LFS EXTON 64bit version 250315 can be downloaded from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

md5sum for the LFS EXTON ISO – lfs-exton-64bit-lxde-2350mb-250315.iso

IMPORTANT NOTE 250315
I’ve decided to abandon the LFS EXTON project. Version 250315 and 221103 of LFS EXTON is based on Linux From Scratch 10.1/11.2. The newest version of Linux From Scratch is version 12.3. It is therefore not possible to upgrade LFS EXTON anymore. Not without a lot of struggle anyhow. And I don’t feel like starting from scratch (again). Too time consuming. Anyone is welcome to take over my project though. You can change everything to your liking and the create a new ISO using Refracta Snapshot, which is working very well in Build 250315. See above and download a HOWTO about Refracta Snapshot. You’ll find the just mentioned instruction also in /root in Build 250315.
/exton

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 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and  Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

 

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