Tag Archives: Refracta Snapshot

DebEX Gnome – based on Debian “trixie” (upcoming Debian 13) – with GNOME 48, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 250709

NEWS 250709 about DebEX Gnome – a Refracta efi Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live System. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (trixie – upcoming Debian 13) repositories. GNOME 48 is used as Desktop Environment. I have removed the Mate Desktop, since Gnome now can be used on all kind of computers. Also when running DebEX Gnome in VirtualBox and VMware. No need for Nvidia’s proprietary graphics drivers when running this new version of DebEX. You can of course install such drivers if you want to. Furthermore I have replaced Google Chrome with Firefox ESR. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies using Firefox ESR in Linux. I have also replaced Refracta Installer with Calamares Installer, which makes it possible to install DebEX Gnome in any language. You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers. All installed packages have been updated to the latest version as of 250709. DebEX Gnome uses kernel 6.15.5-amd64-exton.
NOTE: Refracta Installer is not really “replaced” by Calamares. You can/should use Refracta Installer in VirtualBox/VMware.

Important about Refracta Snapshot
You can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in three versions of DebEX) to create your own installable Debian Live System once you have installed DebEX to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a new ISO.  Your own.

THE REAL McCoy
DebEX 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 DebEX.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. The Desktop for root – Calamares is running
3. Running in full screen in VirtualBox

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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DebEX KDE Plasma based on Debian Trixie (upcoming Debian 13) with Refracta Snapshot and Calamares Installer :: Build 250707

NEWS 250707 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live System – efi. It’s a pure Debian Sid/Trixie (upcoming Debian 13) System. There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved in DebEX. DebEX KDE Plasma Sid uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 6.3.5 – latest version, released 250506 – as Desktop environment. Kernel 6.15.3-amd64-exton is used. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 250707.

VirtualBox Guest Additions and VMware Tools are pre-installed, which mean that you can run DebEX KDE in full screen – see the screenshots below.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES in DebEX KDE
A) I’ve installed the full KDE Plasma Desktop using the command sudo apt install task-kde-desktop. In order to save space I have removed LibreOffice with the command sudo apt remove libreoffice* B) I have added Calamares 3.3.14-1 Installer Framework. Now you can choose language when the installation starts. When it’s ready everything will be in your chosen language! You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers without problems. It works very well!
NOTE: You can also use Refracta Installer. Preferably in VirtualBox/VMware. NOTE ALSO: When running DebEX KDE in VirtualBox you can do it in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

THE REAL McCoy
DebEX 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 DebEX.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Running in full screen in VirtualBox
3. Calamares Installer is running
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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ExTiX Deepin 25.7 Live based on Deepin 25 STABLE (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.15.3-amd64-exton :: Build 250701

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

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

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

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

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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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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!

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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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

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

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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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

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/refractasnapshotscreenshot…

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 -noappendscreenshot…

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 Grubscreenshot.
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:ALLscreenshot.
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.netFast, 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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ExTiX Deepin 25.1 Live based on Deepin 25 Preview (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.12.9-amd64-exton :: Build 250119

NEWS 250119 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 25 Preview (released 250116)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (250119). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 23 STABLE is from 240816. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 25 Preview (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on January 16, 2025. Please read the Release Notes. ExTiX 25.1 uses kernel 6.12.9-amd64-exton. ExTiX 25.1 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 25.1 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 25.1.

IMPORTANT NOTE 1
: I have kept ExTiX Deepin 24.8 on the server since it is based on Deepin 23 STABLE. That version is the one the Deepin developers recommend for daily use. They warn against using Deepin 25 Preview: People with some technical knowledge are advised to download and experience it with caution. I haven’t noticed any “bugs” in my build though.

IMPORTANT NOTE 2: The Deepin 25 Preview developers say that this update only supports a fresh installation and does not support a direct upgrade from the existing Deepin 23 version – (update notes 4). I managed to do it anyway (without problems).

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX 25.1 running in VirtualBox after changing the screen resolution
2. Running Refracta Installer
3. Showing the first screen after boot (choose language)
4. Running in Qemu
5. Running in VMware
6. Showing the Desktop for user
7. Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions

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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