Monthly Archives: February 2015

Exton Linux distributions

Who needs KDE or Gnome?

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LFALFA (Linux for all) version 150225, 64 bit, with Fluxbox as Window Manager and Cairo-Dock as Desktop Interface

About
The system is based on upcoming Ubuntu 15.04, codenamed Vivid Vervet and Debian Jessie (upcoming Debian 8). It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system.

The system language is ENGLISH.

News about LFA build 150225
Previous version of LFA (build 141120) had four (4) Desktop environments installed. Namely Unity (Ubuntu), LXDE, Razor-qt and XBMC. LFA build 150225 uses only Fluxbox as window manager and Cairo-Dock as Desktop interface. Cairo-Dock is designed to be light, fast and customizable, and is desktop-agnostic. It has a powerful DBus interface, to be controlled from a terminal or another application. Features can be added by plug-ins or applets, and applets can be written in C or in any language. About Fluxbox: Fluxbox is a window manager for X that was based on the Blackbox 0.61.1 code. It is very light on resources and easy to handle but yet full of features to make an easy, and extremely fast, desktop experience. So who needs KDE or Gnome?

Screenshot of LFA’s new Desktop.

Program content etc
Among many other programs Google Chrome (so you can watch Netflix movies), GParted (a free partition editor for graphically managing your disk partitions), BlueGriffon Web Editor (works almost like Dreamweaver), Synaptic Package Manager, SMPlayer (a free media player with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats) and PCManFM (a very fast file manager). In addition flash and all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All programs have been updated to the latest available version as of February 25, 2015. See a complete list of all installed packages.

Web based applications
In order to keep down the LFA system size (so you can run LFA superfast from RAM) I have refrained from installing LibreOffice and Gimp. Instead I offer links in Google Chrome to Onlyoffice.com (A Free alternative to Microsoft Office) and Pixlr.com (Photo Editor – works almost like Adobe Photoshop). Both apps are very easy to use. An alternative to Pixlr.com is Toolpic.com.

Screenshot – Pixlr.com’s Photo Editor in use

Screenshot – Onlyoffice.com’s writer in use

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 3.19.0-5-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 3.19.0.

Feature OVERVIEW for the Linux 3.19 kernel

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Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX 15.1.1 KDE with KDE Frameworks 5.7.0 and kernel 3.19.0-5-exton

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extix-logo-black-white-bgNEWS ABOUT ExTiX 15.1.1 KDE build 150221
In this new extra version/build I have replaced Unity/Ubuntu with KDE 4.14.4 (latest) and KDE Frameworks 5.7.0. KDE Frameworks are 60 addon libraries to Qt which provide a wide variety of commonly needed functionality in mature, peer reviewed and well tested libraries with friendly licensing terms. All common KDE packages are installed- packages LIST. I have added LibreOffice (the whole suite), Google Chrome (to make it possible to watch Netflix movies), Samba (so you can reach your Windows shares) and GCC and other compilation tools (so that you can install packages from source). Kernel 3.19.0-5-exton is used.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL about ExTiX and especially version 150221 and 150205?
1. The ExTiX ISO is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can then even run ExTiX from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! I’ve found two scripts which make the installation to USB very simple. My tests show that they work flawlessly on USB installations of all normal Ubuntu systems. Read my INSTRUCTION how to use the scripts.
2. Another big improvement is that ExTiX can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run ExTiX that way. Running from RAM means that the system will run faster than from DVD or USB stick. Everything will be superfast I would say!
3. ExTiX is now more stable than ever. All packages have been upgraded to the latest versions by 150221 and 150205.
4. I’ve replaced kernel 3.16.0-21-exton with kernel 3.19.0-5-exton and 3.18.0-10-exton (Kernel.org’s stable kernel 3.19.0/3.18.3).
5. The installation program Ubiquity (live installer) is now working as intended. I.e. a new user (your user) will be created during the installation process.

See this screenshot of ExTiX KDE’s Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions

DebEX KDE with KDE 4.14.3/KDE Plasma Desktop 5:84 and kernel 3.19.0-5-exton

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DebianNEWS ABOUT DebEX KDE build 150219
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Live DVD. It replaces version 150116. It’s a pure Debian 8 system. I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. (One could also say it’s The real McCoy!). DebEX KDE uses KDE 4.14.3 and KDE Plasma Desktop 5:84 as Desktop environment. (The latest stable version of KDE) and kernel 3.19.0-5-exton. I have installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphic driver 346.35. Furthermore Google Chrome to make it possible to watch Netflix movies. I’ve added SMPlayer – an alternative to Vlc. (SMPlayer is a free media player for Windows and Linux with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats. It doesn’t need any external codecs. Just install SMPlayer and you’ll be able to play all formats without the hassle to find and install codec packs). All other installed packages have also been updated to the latest version of 150219. Study the full package list.

Rolling distribution
Debian Jessie/DebEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world). This means, for example, that you can go on and install Gnome 3.14 or/and KDE 4.14.3 in DebEX Barebone/KDE. I.e. the latest versions (as of 150219) of Gnome and KDE.

Screenshot of the KDE Plasma Desktop in version 150219 of DebEX KDE

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Exton Linux distributions

A new version of EXTON OpSuS (openSUSE) is ready!

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openSUSEEXTON OpSuS 13.2 KDE is based on openSUSE 13.2, released 20150108. EXTON OpSuS KDE uses kernel 3.16.7 and KDE 4.14.4. Installed programs: Among many other programs, Firefox, Thunderbird, FileZilla, Gimp, Vlc, Network Manager, Samba client, GParted and LibreOffice. Study the full list of PACKAGES. You’ll run the system as root or as the ordinary user live. Root’s and live’s password is root/live. EXTON OpSuS can easily be installed to hard drive (of those who so desire). That is directly while running the system from a USB stick. All programs have been updated to the latest available stable version as of February 17, 2015. The system language is English.

Installing to a USB stick and/or to hard drive
After installing EXTON OpSuS 13.2 to a USB stick, you can change the system completely and then install the system to a hard drive. You can also continue to have it only on the USB stick and run EXTON OpSuS on any computer you want. If you install EXTON OpSuS on a large enough (and fast) USB pen drive, you can go ahead and install for example Cinnamon, Mate or Xfce4. All your system changes are automatically saved to the USB stick. Persistence!

Why should someone choose EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE?

See a screenshot of the KDE Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions

Run the world’s most popular Linux system with the latest kernel – 3.19.0!

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MeX LinuxNEWS/CHANGES in MeX Linux build 150214
All packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 150214. Cairo-Dock has been replaced by Docky. The most important change is that I have replaced the install program Ubiquity with MeX Installer. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. Watch a SLIDESHOW of the hard drive installation process. Also: Linux Mint 17.1 Rebecca is based on Debian and Ubuntu 14.04. MeX build 150214 is based on Debian Jessie, Ubuntu 14.10 and Linux Mint 17.1. I have replaced kernel 3.16.0-28-generic with “my” special kernel 3.19.0-5-exton (corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 3.19.0).

Program content
To make it possible to run MeX from RAM I have kept down the number of installed packages. The MeX ISO file is of 1260 MB. The ISO size has increased a bit because of me installing Google Chrome (to make it possible to watch Netflix movies). All packages have been updated to the latest available stable version as of February 14, 2015. See a complete list of all installed packages.

Used KERNEL
The latest original Ubuntu kernel 3.16.0-28-generic (for live systems) corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 3.16.4 has been replaced by “my” special kernel 3.19.0-5-exton (corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 3.19.0). The best thing with kernel 3.19 is that it has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

Feature OVERVIEW for the Linux 3.19 kernel

Who can benefit from MeX?
All who like Debian/Ubuntu/Mint and want a system that is easy to use and maintain. Also those who want to run a Linux system superfast from RAM and/or like to run Linux from a USB flash drive. And those who want the latest stable kernel – 3.19.0.

See this screenshot of the Cinnamon Desktop

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LINUX

Softpedia: Exton|OS is the first to include Linux kernel 3.19

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Softpedia 150211
After releasing the first GNU/Linux distribution with Linux 3.18 kernel a couple of days after its launch back in December 2014, Arne Exton did it again, as he just announced today on Twitter that the his Exton|OS with MATE has been updated to version 150211 and includes a custom 3.19.0-5-exton kernel package based on the upstream Linux kernel 3.19.

In other words, Exton|OS is the first distribution to include the brand-new Linux kernel 3.19, which means that the operating system will offer all the features of Linux kernel 3.19. Besides having an Ubuntu 14.10 base, the Exton|OS computer operating system borrows features from the forthcoming Debian 8 (Jessie) distro, which is currently in development.

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Exton Linux distributions

Exton|OS 64 bit with Mate and kernel 3.19.0-5-exton :: build 150211

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NEWS 150211
A new and much better version of Exton|OS is ready. I have replaced kernel 3.16.0-21-exton with kernel 3.19.0-5-exton. (Kernel.org‘s stable kernel 3.19.0, released 150209). With kernel 3.19.0 there is no real need to use Nvidia proprietary graphic drivers since this kernel has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

Feature OVERVIEW for the Linux 3.19 kernel

Desktop Environment and programs
The Desktop Environment is Mate 1.8.1. (A fork of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems). Kernel 3.19.0-5-exton. (Kernel.org‘s stable kernel 3.19.0, released 150209). Program content: Firefox, Gimp, Google Chrome (added for Netflix), Vlc and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at February 11, 2015. Study the full package list.

See a screenshot of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop

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LINUX

Run your Ubuntu/Debian 64 bit system with the latest stable kernel – 3.19.0!

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TuxI have compiled yet another Ubuntu/Debian kernel for 64 bit systems. This time kernel 3.19.0-5-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 3.19.0, released 150209.

Feature OVERVIEW for the Linux 3.19 kernel

Install kernel 3.19.0-5-exton in Ubuntu/Debian based distributions
My self-compiled Ubuntu kernels can be used in all types of modern Ubuntu systems, including Mint. They can even be used in Debian Jessie (upcoming Debian 8). If you want to use my kernel 3.19.0-5-exton for 64 bit systems, you can DOWNLOAD it from here.

md5sum for ubuntu-kernel-64bit-3.19.0-5-exton.zip, which is of 62,0 MB.

Installation instructions
Open the zip-file with WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip. Or run this command: unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-3.19.0-5-exton.zip. Go into the folder ubuntu-kernel-64bit-3.19.0-5-exton and run this command:
sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-3.19.0-5_3.19.0-5.5_all.deb \
linux-headers-3.19.0-5-exton_3.19.0-5.5_amd64.deb \
linux-image-3.19.0-5-exton_3.19.0-5.5_amd64.deb

Then: Run command sudo update-grub (if you use Grub2).

Nvidia
It is possible to install Nvidia’s proprietary drivers if you use “my” kernel 3.19.0-5-exton. Could be useful if you like to play games. Please read this instruction. The Nvidia drivers in for example Ubuntu’s repositories – “Current” etc. – can’t be used. It is supposed to be “impossible” to install Nvidia’s latest drivers when running kernel 3.17 – 3.19 without “patches” etc. On the other hand it’s a fact that kernel 3.19 has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

A small clarification
“My” kernel 3.19.0-5-exton is compiled exactly the same way as all official Ubuntu kernels. That is, The Ubuntu Way. If not, the kernel would not function in a Ubuntu/Debian system.

Good luck!

Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX 15.1.1 with LXQt 0.8.0 and kernel 3.18.0-10-exton :: Build 150205

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ExTiXReplacement
ExTiX 15.1.1 build 150205 replaces version 15.1 build 150105 with Razor-qt and version 15.1 build 150104 with Gnome 3.14.

ABOUT ExTiX 15.1.1 build 150205
ExTiX Linux Live DVD 64 bit is based on Debian Jessie/Ubuntu 14.10. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Unity (Ubuntu). After removing Unity I have installed LXQt 0.8.0 (in ExTiX 15.1.1, build 150205). 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.
The system language is English.

NEWS ABOUT ExTiX 15.1.1 build 150205
1. ExTiX LXQt is now based on Ubuntu 14.10 Utopic Unicorn. LXQt 0.8.0 (not in Ubuntu’s repositories) is used as Desktop environment. All packages have been updated to the latest version by 150205. Kernel 3.18.0-10-exton is used. (Kernel.org‘s stable kernel 3.18.3).
2. Google Chrome is used as Web Browser, which makes it possible to watch Netflix movies. It is not possible in Firefox (in Linux).
3. I have also installed BlueGriffon Web Editor. BlueGriffon is a new WYSIWYG content editor for the World Wide Web. Powered by Gecko, the rendering engine of Firefox, it’s a modern and robust solution to edit Web pages in conformance to the latest Web Standards. Only to be compared with Dreamweaver. (In my opinion).
4. Other included important/useful packages are: LibreOffice, Thunderbird, GParted, Brasero, SMPlayer, GCC and other compilation tools so that you can install packages from source. Furthermore “all” multimedia codecs. Everything the average Linux user could wish for I would say.
5. I have also installed Nvidia Graphic driver 346.35. It has support for the following GPUs: GeForce 800A, GeForce 800M, GeForce GTX 970M and GeForce GTX 980M. This driver will be used automatically if your card is supported.Note: The main reason for me to abandon Gnome 3.14 (which was used in the previous version of ExTiX) is that Gnome 3.14 won’t run together with Nvidia’s proprietary drivers.

Who is ExTiX for?
All who like Ubuntu/Debian. In addition, anyone who wants to run a Linux system from a USB stick and save system changes on the stick. A hard disk installation thus becomes “unnecessary”. Especially as you also can run ExTiX superfast from RAM. (You’ll need then at least 2 GB of RAM). Furthermore, anyone who wants a “ready to go” Linux system. “All” necessary programs are pre-installed in ExTiX.

Screenshot of the live Desktop – ExTiX 15.1.1 with LXQt 0.8.0

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