Monthly Archives: December 2015

Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

My new MeX Linux can run superfast from RAM – Build 151217

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mex-logo-smallMeX 64 bit Linux based on Linux Ubuntu 15.10 with Cinnamon 2.6.13

NEWS/CHANGES 151217
Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX build 151217 is based only on Debian 8.2 and Ubuntu 15.10. I have replaced the original kernel with “my” special kernel 4.3.0-4-exton. All packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 151217.

MORE NEWS 151217
1. The MeX ISO is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive.
2. Another big improvement is that MeX now can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (Copy to RAM). When the system has booted up you can eject the disc (DVD)/USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run MeX that way. The ISO file is of only 748 MB so MeX will run superfast from RAM!

Why not Linux Mint?
Latest Linux Mint (17.3 Rosa) is based on Ubuntu 14.04. I simply think the system it’s too old, even though I’m aware of that some people think that Ubuntu 14.04 is “better” than Ubuntu 15.10.

Why not Cinnamon 2.8?
Cinnamon, developed by the Linux Mint team, can be installed in version 2.8 also in Ubuntu 15.10. I decided not to do it since version 2.8 not yet is included in Ubuntu’s repositories. I guess there is a reason for it. Also the ISO file would have increased considerably in size if I had done it. Anyway you can do it yourself if you follow this instruction. The process is quite simple.

Used KERNEL (4.3.2)
The best thing with kernel 4.3 is that it has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

What’s new in kernel 4.3?

Screenshot 1 – Cinnamon 2.6.13 Desktop with Samba running

Screenshot 2 – Cinnamon 2.6.13 Desktop with Netflix running

Screenshot – Boot screen

READ MORE…

 

LINUX

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

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linuxI have compiled yet another Ubuntu/Debian kernel for 64 bit systems. This time kernel 4.3.0-4-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.3.2 released 151210.

What’s new in kernel 4.3?

Install kernel 4.3.0-4-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 (Debian 8.2). If you want to use my kernel 4.3.0-4-exton for 64 bit systems, you can DOWNLOAD it from here.

md5sum for ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.3.0-4-exton.zip which is of 65,7 MB.

Installation instructions
Open the zip-file with WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip. Or run this command: unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.3.0-4-exton.zip. Go into the folder ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.3.0-4-exton and run this command:
sudo dpkg -i *.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 4.3.0-4-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 4.0 – 4.3 without “patches” etc. On the other hand it’s a fact that kernel 4.3 has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

A small clarification
“My” kernel 4.3.0-4-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, LINUX

SlackEX (Slackware 14.1) Live DVD Build 151211 with KDE and kernel 4.3.1-x86_64-exton

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slackware_logoSlackEX is based on Slackware 14.1. Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993.

New features in version 151211 of SlackEX
I have replaced kernel 4.1.1-x86_64-exton with kernel 4.3.1-x86_64-exton with support for “everything”. KDE is downgraded to version 4.10.5 from version 4.11.1. All other component software is also upgraded to the latest Slackware version by now. I may mention in particular GParted 0.24.0 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), VirtualBox 5.0.10 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), Google Chrome 46.0.2490.86 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories),  AbiWord 2.8.6 (not in Slackware’s repositories), Gimp 2.8.10 (installed from source), GSlapt 0.5.3h, Firefox 31.7, Thunderbird 31.6, Samba 3.6.8 and GCC 4.8.2. Furthermore I have installed Grub2, which can be used as boot loader (if you want) after a hard drive install. Study the full package LIST.

Why Slackware?
Slackware is grossly underestimated (in my opinion). This article give you ten (10) reasons to choose Slackware.

Screenshot 1 – KDE 4.10.5 Desktop

Screenshot 2 – KDE 4.10.5 Desktop

Screenshot 3 – Netflix running

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LINUX

Run your Slackware 64 bit system with the latest stable kernel – 4.3.1!

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SlackwareI have compiled a very useful (as I think) 64 bit kernel for Slackware 14.1 and/or all Slackware derivatives. For example Slax, Zenwalk and SlackEX. The kernel is compiled exactly the same way as Slackware’s latest kernel huge. “My” kernel 4.3.1-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.3.1 is the latest stable kernel available from Kernel.org. Released yesterday (20151209).

What’s new in kernel 4.3.1?

If you want to install my kernel in your Slackware 64 bit system, do this:

1. Download linux-kernel-4.3.1-x86_64-exton.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.3.1-x86_64-exton.txz
(The kernel is packed just like Slackware’s original kernels so that everything ends up in the right place)
4. If necessary, change your Grub Legacy/Grub2 configuration
5. If you have an Nvidia graphics card in your computer, you may need to look over your files in /etc/modprobe.d before restarting the computer. That is remove the “blacklisting” of Nouveau’s kernel module in the appropriate files blacklist.conf and nvidia-installer-disable-nouveau.conf. With “my” kernel functions the Nouveau “free” driver works just fine.

NOTE: When you run the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.3.1-x86_64-exton.txz vmlinuz will be “created” in /boot. If you have /boot/vmlinuz already that file will be overwritten. In case you want to switch back to your old kernel you should make a backup of /boot/vmlinuz before you run the just mentioned command.

Restart your computer and enjoy!

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Android, Exton Linux distributions

AndEX Marshmallow 6.0 with GAPPS and kernel-4.0.9-exton – Build 151206

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andex-marshmallow-desktop-apps-20151206-smallNEWS 151206 – AndEX – Marshmallow 6.0 with kernel 4.0.9-exton and GAPPS
My build of Android-x86 Marshmallow 6.0 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Maps, Gmail, YouTube and more apps. For example: Aptoide, Spotify, Facebook, Google Chrome and OfficeSuite 8. The ISO is called android-x86-6.0-marshmallow-kernel-4.0.9-exton-GAPPS-692mb-151206.iso. AndEX Marshmallow Build 151206 is totally error-free (as far as I know). Google Chrome was installed as a replacement for the original Browser, which didn’t work properly. (Nothing could be downloaded).

ABOUT
My compiled Android-x86 system (Marshmallow 6.0) can run live (from CD) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a CD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong.

More about AndEX Marshmallow
Marshmallow 6.0 is the latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Marshmallow Live CD. It uses “my” special kernel 4.0.9-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-07-21 will also cost you 9 $. I has one advantage over the Marshmallow and Lollipop versions: The system can be used also on older laptops. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150721 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing new apps in AndEX Marshmallow
Use Google Play Store or Aptoide Apps Store, which are pre-installed. Just make your choices! One suggestion: HD Camera ULTRA.

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Also: In AndEX Marshmallow Build 151206 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop with Beach Real Live Wallpaper (pre-installed)
Screenshot 2 – AndEX – The Desktop at first boot
Screenshot 3 – AndEX – The beginning of your configuration

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