Tag Archives: runs from RAM

exton, Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX Deepin 26.1 Live based on Deepin 25.0.10 STABLE (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.18.6-amd64-exton :: Build 260123

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NEWS 260123 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 25.0.10 STABLE (released 260120)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (260123). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 25 STABLE is from 250806. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 25.0.10 STABLE (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on January 20, 2026. Please read the Release Notes. ExTiX 26.1 uses kernel 6.18.6-amd64-exton. ExTiX 26.1 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 25.0.10 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 26.1 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 26.1.

PERFORMANCE
Even though the system is BIG it runs quite fast. Especially if you run ExTiX from RAM.

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 25.0.10 STABLE you can also test run the System Live before installing to hard drive. You can, however, not make your own Deepin 25.0.10 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 25.0.10 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 26.1 running in VirtualBox after changing the screen resolution
2. Running Refracta Installer
3. Showing the Desktop for user
4. Showing info about Deepin
5. Synaptic is running
NOTE: All wallpapers are (of course) AI-generated (by me).

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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Exton Linux distributions

DebEX KDE Plasma based on Debian Forky (upcoming Debian 14) with Refracta Snapshot and Calamares Installer :: Build 260120

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NEWS 260120 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/Forky (upcoming Debian 14) System. There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved in DebEX. DebEX KDE Plasma Sid uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 6.5.4 – latest version, released 251209 – as Desktop environment. Kernel 6.19.0-rc5-amd64-exton is used. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 260120.

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.

ABOUT Debian “Forky” (upcoming Debian 14)
Forky is currently in a state of “testing“. You should therefore be a bit careful when using DebEX KDE Build 260120. Nevertheless apps won’t “crash” or anything like that (according to my experience). Debian Forky STABLE will be released next year.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Running in full screen in VirtualBox
3. Calamares Installer is ready
4. Ejecting the USB stick while running DebEX from RAM

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)! Follow me on Facebook…
exton, Exton Linux distributions

ArchEX (Arch Linux) BUILD 260108 with LXQt 2.3, Calamares Installer 3.4.0 and kernel 6.18.2-arch2-1

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I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with the LXQt 2.3 Desktop Environment. LXQt 2.3 was released 251105 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. I’ve also managed to install Calamares Installer from source in ArchEX LXQt. It means that you can install ArchEX LXQt in any language. Everything will then be in your chosen language when the installation has completed.

RUNS from RAM
ArchEX LXQt runs LIVE from RAM. Super fast. When the System has booted up you can remove the USB stick or the DVD.

WAYLAND
Some people think that using Wayland in a Linux System is very important. Wayland is said to be “the modern, simpler, more secure replacement for the aging X11 display server, offering better performance”. You can install Wayland ArchEX LXQt to use it instead of the X11 display server. I “forgot” to do so. Just run the command sudo pacman -S lxqt-wayland-session labwc. You can do it also while running ArchEX live. Watch this screenshot.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX LXQt.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

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
1. The LXQt Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Calamares Installer is running
3. Showing a WiFi connection
4. The LightDM Login Screen
5. Running in full screen in VirtualBox
6. The Desktop for root
7. Showing a Samba connection

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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Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX 25.12-2 Mini – a live remix of upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS – with LXDE, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.17.8-amd64-exton ::: Build 251205

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NEWS 251205 ABOUT ExTiX 25.12-2 Mini with LXDE and Refracta Snapshot ::: Build 251205
I have made a new version of ExTiX (The Ultimate Linux System). I call it ExTiX 25.12-2 LXDE Mini Live System. (The previous ExTiX Mini version was 23.5 from 230510). ExTiX 25.12-2 is a VERY PREMATURE remix of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon). Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will be supported until July 2031.

ABOUT Build 25.12-2
I was aiming to build a really light version of ExTiX (as a remix of upcoming Ubuntu 26.04). I therefore started “from scratch” using the Debootstrap method. Debootstrap is a low-level tool that installs a basic Ubuntu system into a directory, giving you complete control over every package from the ground up. This method is often used to create a custom installation in a virtual machine (using QEMU, VirtualBox, etc.) or onto a specific disk partition. No matter how hard I tried I could not make a smaller ISO than the current one of 1870 MB. Many big packages are necessary to make the system usable. As an example I can mention the linux-firmware package. It is of 650 MB. Without it the System is useless. A small ISO is of importance if you want to run the system from RAM on older computers with low RAM. To run from RAM is the best way to run any Linux system. Super fast! I decided to use LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) as DE instead of LXQt in the hope that it would hold down the size of the System. It did not help much though.

FEATURES
The best thing with ExTiX 25.12-2 is that while running the system live (from a DVD/USB) or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu 26.04 LTS system. So easy that a ten year child can do it! One other very good thing with this version of ExTiX is that it is quite light. The ISO file is of only 1870 MB, which means that you can run the system super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick. Watch this screenshot. Use Boot alternative 2 or Advanced options >> load to RAM. LXDE is used as Desktop Environment (DE). Kernel 6.17.8-amd64-exton is used (as in ExTiX 25.12). You can use Refracta Installer to install ExTiX 25.12-2 to hard drive. It works very well. Read more about Refracta Installer…

STUDY all pre-installed packages in ExTiX 25.12-2…
And this list showing the size of installed packages in KB…
(Not much to gain from uninstalling some packages).

THE IMPORTANCE OF ExTiX 25.12-2 Build 251205 being based on UPCOMING Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. And I haven’t noticed any important “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. Version 251205 of ExTiX is for people who like to use “cutting-edge” software and the latest kernels etc. You will always have the latest Ubuntu software installed if you regularly run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. If you do that for example every week you can be among the first to have Ubuntu 26.04 STABLE installed.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Refracta Installer is ready
2. Showing that you can eject the USB stick when running ExTiX from RAM

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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Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX 25.12 – a live remix of upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS – with LXQt 2.2, Refracta Snapshot, Calamares and kernel 6.17.8-amd64-exton ::: Build 251201

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ExTiX 25.12 LXQt – Build 251201
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 25.12 LXQt Live System. (The previous LXQt version was 24.12 from 241223). ExTiX 25.12 is a very premature remix of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon). Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will be supported until July 2031.

FEATURES
The best thing with ExTiX 25.12 is that while running the system live (from DVD/USB) or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. So easy that a ten year child can do it! One other very good thing with this version of ExTiX is that it is quite light. The ISO file is of only 2440 MB, which means that you can run the system super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick. Use Boot alternative 2 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM.

Study all pre-installed packages in ExTiX 25.12…

ABOUT BUILD 251201
ExTiX 25.12 LXQt, 64 bit, is based on Debian Sid and upcoming Ubuntu 26.04. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed LXQt 2.2. LXQt is the Qt port and the upcoming version of LXDE, the Lightweight Desktop Environment. It is the product of the merge between the LXDE-Qt and the Razor-qt projects: A lightweight, modular, blazing-fast and user-friendly desktop environment. NOTE: This ExTiX LXQt Build is for installation to UEFI-enabled or non-UEFI computers. You shall use Calamares Installer or Refracta Installer for that. Watch a screenshot when Calamares is running and this one when the install process is ready.

ABOUT Snaps
I have removed all snaps and snapd (The snap daemon) altogether from ExTiX 25.12 following the advice’s here. The main reason for that was that the ExTiX ISO became too big with snaps installed.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ExTiX 25.12 Build 251201 being based on UPCOMING Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. And I haven’t noticed any important “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. Version 251201 of ExTiX is for people who like to use “cutting-edge” software and the latest kernels etc. You will always have the latest Ubuntu software installed if you regularly run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. If you do that for example every week you can be among the first to have Ubuntu 26.04 STABLE installed.

SCREENSHOTS
1.  root’s Desktop
2. user’s Desktop
3. Showing a Samba connection
4. Running in VMware
5. Using Calamares Installer 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 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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exton, Exton Linux distributions

EXTON OpSuS (openSUSE) Tumbleweed with KDE Plasma 6.5.2, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton :: Build 251122

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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 files are of 2640MB (GNOME version) respectively 3030 MB (KDE version). Both versions 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…

EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed with KDE Plasma 6.5.2 Desktop Environment Build 251122
This OpSuS version uses kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton. Installed programs: Among many other programs, Firefox, NetworkManager, GParted and a lot of special KDE packages. You’ll run the system as the normal user user or as root. The password for user is live. Root’s password is root. EXTON OpSuS KDE 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 November 22, 2025.
NOTE1:  When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM’s login screen. You can log in to the KDE Plasma Desktop as user with password live or as root with password root. You will see this first screen when logged in to KDE as the normal user user.
NOTE2: When logged in as root you won’t have sound. Watch a screenshot of the KDE Desktop for root.
NOTE3: Version 251122 of EXTON OpSuS can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 19 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi. Not very fast, but still…
NOTE4: Use Refracta Snapshot to build your very own version of EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE. I.e. you can change everything to you liking and quickly create a new ISO file. Your own.
NOTE5: Kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton is used when running EXTON OpSuS LIVE. When running the System from hard drive you can use openSUSE’s kernel. Right now version 6.17.8.
NOTE6: To be able to use Refracta Snapshot you’ll have to keep “my” kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton in /boot and also the links to said kernel in /. (/vmlinuz and /initrd.img).
NOTE7: The KDE version 251122 works very well in VirtualBox and VMware. Version 251120 did not work so well in VirtualBox. That is the main reason for the new Build of 251122.
NOTE8: The KDE version works very well on all “normal” computers. I could run the system on my six different computers. If you have at least 6GB RAM (maybe just 4GB) you can choose boot alternative 2 – “Load to RAM”. (The best way to run any Linux system). Watch this screenshot.
NOTE9: EXTON OpSuS is a LIVE system, which means that you can try it before you install it. The official openSUSE distribution must be installed immediately.
NOTE 10: When logging in to the KDE Plasma Desktop you can choose between the X11 server and Wayland – screenshot. Wayland is the modern, more secure, and efficient replacement for the older X11 display server.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the normal user user
2. The Desktop for root
3. Refracta Installer has started
4. Refracta Installer has completed
5. Setting screen resolution in VirtualBox
6. Using Samba

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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exton, Exton Linux distributions

EXTON OpSuS (openSUSE) Tumbleweed with GNOME 49, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton :: Build 251115

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EXTON OpSuS GNOME  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 2640MB. This GNOME 49 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 – Build 251115
I’ve made a new version of EXTON OpSuS with GNOME 49 as the only DE. The ISO is therefore rather small (2640MB), which means that you can run the system from RAM really fast even if you have for example only 8GB 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*.

Study all installed packages in EXTON OpSuS GNOME…

NOTES
NOTE1: Kernel 6.17.4-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 6.17.7.
NOTE2: When the boot process is ready you will end up at GDM’s login screen. You can log in to the GNOME 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 6.17.4-amd64-exton in /boot and also the links to said kernel in /. (/vmlinuz and /initrd.img).
NOTE5: Version 251115 of EXTON OpSuS can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 19 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Showing a Samba connection
2. The Desktop for root
3. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
4. Installing Grub while running in VirtualBox
5. Showing how to set the screen resolution

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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exton, Exton Linux distributions

Exton|Defender fc43 (stable) with Cinnamon 6.4.1-4.fc43, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 251102

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Exton|Defender SRS  (Super Rescue System) is a Linux system available as a Live System based on Fedora 43, 64bit. Fedora 43 was released on October 28, 2025. Exton|Defender is 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 environment: A special version of Cinnamon 6.4.1-4.fc43 developed by Fedora. NOTE: Just two days after I had released Exton|Defender – based on Fedora 42 stable – I found out that Fedora 43 was released (251028). I therefore simply HAD TO make an Exton|Defender version based on fc43.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|Defender while logged in as root
Screenshot 2 – The liveuser’s Desktop
Screenshot 3 – Running Samba

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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 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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exton, Exton Linux distributions

Exton|Defender Rawhide (upcoming fc44) with GNOME 49 as DE, Calamares Installer, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton :: Build 251029

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ABOUT Exton|Defender Build 251029
Exton|Defender, based on Fedora Rawhide (upcoming Fedora 44), 64 bit, is an extra version built mainly because I finally found a way to install Calamares Installer in Fedora and make it work. This build is not really a “Defender SRS” system. You can, however, install all the rescue tools you may need also when running this version live. (I.e. from a USB stick or a DVD). GNOME 49 is used as DE. Fedora 43 was released in a stable version on October 28, 2025 (yesterday). So Exton|Defender fc44 (being based on upcoming Fedora 44) should be very “unstable”. I have, however, not noticed anything special. I.e. programs won’t crash or anything like that. One “bug” though: You can’t change wallpaper the “normal” way. I.e. by clicking on the Desktop. You can, however, open your desired image with gThumb and set your image as wallpaper.

REFRACTA SNAPSHOT
You can create your own Fedora Rawhide system using Refracta Snapshot, which is pre-installed. I.e. change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO. That can be done after a hard drive installation. If you have plenty of RAM it is also possible to create a new ISO while running Exton|Defender fc44 live.

Study all installed packages in Exton|Defender Build 251029…

Runs from RAM
Exton|Defender can run live from RAM. Running any Linux system in RAM means that it runs very fast.

KERNELS
While running live “my” kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton will be used. After a hard drive installation you can use Fedora’s original kernel, which right now is 6.18.0.rc3.30.fc44.x86_64.

CALAMARES INSTALLER
Calamares is very simple to use. Just start it from the menu and follow the instructions. If you are installing Exton|Defender on a UEFI computer you should read my general install instructions in advance. If you want to make your own Fedora distribution (with Refracta Snapshot) you should install Exton|Defender on a partition of about 40 GB and use a SWAP space of about 2 GB.

THE IMPORTANCE OF Exton|Defender Build 251029 being based on UPCOMING fc44
Programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. And I haven’t noticed any important “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. Version 251029 of Exton|Defender is for people who like to use “cutting-edge” software and the latest kernels etc. You will always have the latest Linux/Fedora software installed if you regularly run the command sudo dnf upgrade.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Calamares is running
2. Calamares is ready
3. The liveuser Desktop
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. First screen after boot logged in as root

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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 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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exton, Exton Linux distributions

Exton|Defender fc42 (stable) with Cinnamon 6.4.1, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 251026

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Exton|Defender SRS  (Super Rescue System) is a Linux system available as a Live System based on Fedora 42, 64bit. Fedora 42 was released on April 15, 2025. Exton|Defender is 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 environment: A special version of Cinnamon 6.4.1 developed by Fedora.

NEWS 241210 ABOUT Exton|Defender BASED ON Fedora 42
I have discovered a way to run Exton|Defender fc42 from RAM also when starting Exton|Defender in UEFI mode. The previous Exton|Defender fc40 version could only run from RAM if it started up 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 Exton|Defender has booted up you can remove/eject the USB stick or the DVD. NOTE ALSO: In version 251026 I’ve managed to change Refracta Snapshot to a GUI (Graphical User Interface) app! It is therefore even easier to handle Refracta Snapshot now! IMPORTANT NOTE: On some computers Exton|Defender still can’t run from RAM in UEFI mode. Only in Legacy mode. I don’t know why. Sort of a mystery.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE
I’ve finally managed to install Refracta Snapshot in Exton|Defender, which means that you can create your own Fedora 42 System! I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO. NOTE1: For Refracta Snapshot to work you have to run “my” kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton when Refracta Snapshot is running. (It won’t work with Fedora’s kernel 6.17.4-200.fc42).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Actually you can run Fedora’s original kernel 6.17.4-200.fc42 and still use Refracta Snapshot. Just don’t uninstall/remove “my” kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton before running Refracta Snapshot. And don’t remove the links /vmlinuz and /initrd.img to my kernel. Your new ISO will then be created without problems. When running your new ISO live (i.e. from a USB stick/DVD or in VirtualBox/VMware) my kernel will be used. If you install your new Fedora/Exton|Defender System to hard drive Fedora’s kernel 6.17.4-200.fc42 will be used.
NOTE2: Version 251026 of Exton|Defender can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 19 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi.

System Tools included
NTFS-3g, GParted, Shred, Sfdisk (util-linux-ng), Rsync, Ddrescue, FSArchiver, TestDisk and Midnight Commander. Other programs (among many others): NetworkManager, Firefox, Parole Media Player, Samba, Java and Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Emacs, Safecopy, kernel headers and many compilation tools. Exton|Defender uses kernel 6.17.4-amd64-exton when running LIVE. After a hard drive installation Fedora’s original kernel 6.17.4-200.fc42.x86_64 can be used (as an alternative).

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|Defender running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 2 – Refracta Snapshot has started
Screenshot 3 – Running in VMware
Screenshot 4 – Showing a WiFi connection
Screenshot 5 – Calamares Installer is ready
Screenshot 6 – Boot from hard drive

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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 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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