The very best OS for Raspberry Pi 4/3/2 – genpi64 :: gentoo-on-rpi-64bit

Yesterday I was thinking of building a Raspberry Pi OS based on Gentoo with all common Gentoo/Linux packages included. Only to find that this is already done! A girl called sakaki (unscary Gentoo girl) is behind genpi64 (gentoo-on-rpi-64bit). It’s a bootable 64-bit Gentoo image for the Raspberry Pi4B, 3B & 3B+, with Linux 4.19, OpenRC, Xfce4, VC4/V3D, camera and h/w codec support, weekly-autobuild binhost.

genpi64 performance
The system works so good that it’s hard to believe at first. After all Gentoo is a quite complicated Linux system. Some say it’s extremely difficult. If you think so I’m certain you will change your mind when you have tried genpi64! Everything works out of the box. The system also runs very fast if you use a Raspberry Pi 4. Your SD card will be resized automatically after first boot.

Study all included packages in genpi64…

Screenshot of the Desktop (after some customizing).

READ MORE about genpi64…

RaspEX Rpi4 based on upcoming Ubuntu 20.04 “Focal Fossa” with LXDE, kernel 4.19.108-exton-v7l+, Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth – Build 200324

NEWS 200324 ABOUT RaspEX
In RaspEX Build 200321 Bluetooth can’t be used without a Bluetooth dongle. Now I’ve added a script, which load the Bluetooth daemon at boot. I therefore had to upload a new version of RaspEX today. Bluetooth works very well in today’s version. Watch this screenshot.

NEWS 200321 about RaspEX with LXDE based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa. Works on the new Raspberry Pi 4
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 4.19.63-exton-v7l+ with kernel 4.19.108-exton-v7l+. RaspEX Build 200321 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 4, 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2. It is based on Debian, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). Both Firefox and Midori Private Browser are pre-installed. I have also installed Samba and RealVNC so you can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 3 or Pi 2 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). Furthermore some extra Network Tools, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube and RaspotifyRaspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi that just works. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 200321. NOTE: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will be supported until April 25, 2025!

Raspberry Pi 4: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?

Compatibility :: March 2020
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 4 computer. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspEX Kodi, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1, RaspAnd Pie, EXTON OpSuS Rpi, FedEX Rpi3 and RaspArch. I have until now (200321) only upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX Kodi, RaspArch and RaspEX with OpenCPN. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 4.

View all installed packages in RaspEX – Build 200321

THE IMPORTANCE of RaspEX LXDE now being based on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa (UNSTABLE/DEVELOPMENT)

I don’t think it is too important since RaspEX doesn’t use complicated Desktop Environments like KDE, Gnome or Unity. Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I haven’t discovered any bugs to report. Just upgrade your RaspEX installation regularly and you won’t have any problems. I think.

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Buster) and Snappy Ubuntu Core. RaspEX is faster (“fast as lightning”), more useful and more fun to use. (In my opinion). One member at this site thought that running RaspEX (for Raspberry Pi 2 Model B) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. If you use the new Raspberry Pi 4 RaspEX will run even faster!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – raspex’s Desktop 200321
Screenshot 2 – root’s Desktop 200321
Screenshot 3 – running YouTube in Firefox
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba
Screenshot 5 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy
Screenshot 6 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC-viewer
Screenshot 7 – RaspEX using Pavucontrol (for sound control)
Screenshot 8 – RaspEX running SMPlayer
Screenshot 9 – RaspEX running the Bluetooth Manager
Screenshot 10 – RaspEX running Raspotify
Screenshot 11 – Resizing system (SD card)

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Pie 9.0 (without GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (with GAPPS)!

 

Exton|OS 64 bit – based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 LTS – with Budgie Desktop 10.5, Gnome 3.36, Refracta Snapshot, Calamares Installer and kernel 5.6.0-rc6-exton – Build 200319

NEWS 200319 ABOUT Exton|OS with Budgie Desktop 10.5, Gnome 3.36 and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is Budgie 10.5. Budgie is focused on simplicity an elegance. Designed with the modern user in mind. Gnome 3.36 has also been installed. It was released 200311. Program content in build 200319: Refracta Snapshot, Calamares 3.2.20, Firefox, Gimp, SMPlayer, SMTube, and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Kernel 5.6.0-rc6-exton (corresponding Kernel.org‘s latest kernel 5.6-rc6) is used. Kernel 5.6-rc6 was released 200315. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at March 19, 2020 Study the NEW PACKAGE list. Google Chrome has been removed since it’s now possible to use Netflix in Firefox. Using Refracta Snapshot you can change everything to your liking and create your own live installable Ubuntu 20.04 system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 20.04 will be supported until April 25, 2025.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 200319
1. This Exton|OS version is for efi computers. You can nevertheless use the Calamares Installer in VirtualBox/VMware and thus install Exton|OS in any language. You can even use Calamares for installation to a USB stick and that way get persistence. Please read my instruction before you perform such an installation. Calamares Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Calamares Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed.
2. A brand new kernel – 5.6-rc6 – is used. With Windows exFAT file system support.
3. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.
I haven’t changed the wallpapers since it’s hard to find nicer ones.

What’s new in kernel 5.6? – The most exciting kernel in years!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|OS’s Budgie root Desktop
Screenshot 2 – Exton|OS’s Budgie live Desktop
Screenshot 3 – Exton|OS Gnome live Desktop
Screenshot 4 – Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop installing Spotify
Screenshot 5 – Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop running Calamares
Screenshot 6 – connection to a Windows computer with Samba
Screenshot 7 – Exton|OS running in VMware
Screenshot 8 – showing how to configure a wireless Network

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Pie 9.0 (without GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (with GAPPS)!

RaspArch Rpi4 Build 200304 :: Run Arch Linux on your new Raspberry Pi 4 computer :: Install using Rufus 3.9, Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher in Windows!

RaspArch Build 200304 especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4 released 190624
This version (200304) is especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 4, but it can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of about 230 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Samba, Firefox, Yaourt and NetworkManager the system has increased a lot. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

NEWS in RaspArch Build 200304
A new kernel – 4.19.106-1-ARCH. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 200304. I have added support for Yaourt – a Pacman Fronted. I have also installed PulseAudio. Finally the sound works very well in RaspArch. Nice if you like YouTube. I’ve also replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. Note1: To be able to install Yaourt I had to install a lot of development tools. Note2: Some people say that Yaourt is outdated. It should be replaced by Yay – yet another Yaourt.

Compatibility :: March 2020
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 4 computer. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspEX BunsenLabs, RaspEX Kodi, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1, RaspAnd Pie, EXTON OpSuS Rpi, FedEX Rpi3 and RaspArch. I have until now (200304) only upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX Kodi, RaspArch and RaspEX with OpenCPN. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 4.

WHO should run Arch Linux/RaspArch?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as archpi
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – YouTube running
Screenshot 3 – Yaourt running (while installing Geany)
Screenshot 4 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root
Screenshot 5 – Samba connection to a Windows computer
Screenshot 6 – some system INFO when running RaspArch
Screenshot 7 – showing that you can watch 4K videos using Firefox

READ MORE…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Pie 9.0 (without GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (with GAPPS)!

Run Android Pie on your PC :: AndEX Pie (Android-x86_64) with GAPPS (Google Play Store etc.), Spotify, Clash of Clans, Angry Birds, Brave Browser and Root Explorer :: Build 200301

NEWS 200301 about AndEX Pie 9.0 with GAPPS
A new build of AndEX Pie is ready. It has GAPPS (Google Play Store etc), Aptoide App Manager, Clash of Clans, Angry Birds, Root Explorer, Brave Browser, Spotify and many other apps pre-installed. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex-pie-x86_64-gapps-1360mb-200301.iso can be installed to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX Pie in compatibility mode (VESA) though. The sound and video performance is generally very very good. Google Play Store works very well in this build of AndEX Pie. I’ve also included one extra app store – Aptoide App Manager. Use Aptoide if you can’t find the app you’re looking for using Google Play Store. The very nice launcher 3D Live Launcher is used also in this AndEX version. Make it your standard Launcher.

Why this new AndEX Pie Build?
My first AndEX Pie build is from September 12, 2019. It is still very good and valid. Mainly because the Netflix app can run in Build 190912. My new Build 200301 is rooted, which prevents Netflix from running. The Android Project released Android-x86 9.0-r1 200227 – The Android-x86 project is glad to announce the 9.0-r1 release to the public. This is the first stable release for Android-x86 9.0 (pie-x86). The 9.0-r1 release is based on the latest Android 9.0.0 Pie release (android-9.0.0_r53). The features include: support both 64-bit and 32-bit kernel and userspace with latest LTS kernel 4.19.105; support OpenGL ES 3.x hardware acceleration for Intel, AMD, NVIDIA and QEMU (virgl) by Mesa 19.3.4; support OpenGL ES 2.0 via SwiftShader for software rendering on unsupported GPU devices; support hardware accelerated codecs on devices with Intel HD and G45 graphics family; support secure booting from UEFI and installing to UEFI disk; a text-based GUI installer; add theme support to GRUB-EFI; support multi-touch, audio, WiFi, Bluetooth, sensors, camera and Ethernet (DHCP only); simulate WiFi adapter on devices with Ethernet only to increase app compatibility; auto-mount external USB drive and SD card. I tried Android Project’s ISO the same day (200227). To my surprise it didn’t run well (at least on my computers). The system wouldn’t run/start at all or the computer/system froze or crashed when I reached the Android Pie Desktop. I therefore decided to build my own new Android Pie system using the same sources as the Android Project. The result is AndEX Pie Build 200301. It works very well. I.e. no freezes or crashes. Note: The Android Project’s build from 200227 is also rooted. So even if you manage to start the system you can’t run the Netflix app.

Kernel
Kernel 4.19.105-exton is used in AndEX Pie Build 200301.

Clash of Clans (pre-installed) and Angry Birds (pre-installed) and other popular games
Clash of Clans (a very popular epic strategy game) and Angry Birds (both pre-installed) work very very well. Perfect video quality and audio. If you have a touchscreen you can also (for example) run Wild Hunt, Flight Pilot, CSR Racing 2, Bowmasters and Shooting King. Watch a screenshot of the desktop when I have installed the just mentioned game apps (in AndEX Nougat).

About YouTube

YouTube works very well when running YouTube in Brave Browser. The YouTube app is therefore not pre-installed. You can, however, install the app via Google Play Store (for example).

About Facebook
The Facebook app works very well in AndEX Pie. Just go get it via Google Play Store.

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 Pie Build 200301 and 190912 many new apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store, Aurora Store or F-Droid. You can even install very big games (of 1GB or so), but unfortunately almost all such games need a touchscreen. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The AndEX Pie Desktop with 3D Live Launcher (pre-installed)
2. The standard AndEX Pie Desktop with 3D Live Launcher’s wallpaper. (You can of course change it)
3. Showing how to make a WiFi connection in VirtualBox
4. Using another launcher
5. Using yet another launcher. (Find the one you like on Google Play Store)

READ MORE ABOUT AndEX Pie Build 200301 and Build 190912…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Pie 9.0 (without GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (with GAPPS)!