Category Archives: Exton Linux distributions

exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspArch Rpi5 Build 241218 :: Run Arch Linux (aarch64) with the LXQt 2.1 DE on your new Raspberry Pi 5 computer :: Install using Rufus or Etcher in Windows!

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RaspArch Build 241218 for the “new” Raspberry Pi 5 (released on October 23, 2023)

RaspArch Build 241218 is a “ready-to-go” ARM (aarch64/arm64) system. It can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 computer. RaspArch Build 240302 can also run on a Raspberry Pi 4 computer.  I have therefore kept version 240302 on the server. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 241218. The Desktop Environment is LXQt 2.1. You can log in to LXQt from SLiM as the normal user archpi or as root.

RASPBERRY Pi 5
This RaspArch version is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 5 released on October 23, 2023 (4GB and 8GB).
NOTE: A Raspberry Pi 5 is about twice as fast as the Raspberry Pi 4.

KERNELS
6.6.66-exton-v8-16k+ for Rpi 5.
NOTE: You can use other 64bit kernels – for example linux-rpi-6.12.5-1-aarch64 – but the video performance will be bad and you can’t use a WiFi connection.

More about RaspArch
When you have installed RaspArch to your Micro SD Card you can use the system like any other Arch Linux system. I.e. install new programs etc. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).

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.

BENEFITS of Arch Linux/RaspArch
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. A member on this site recently wrote this about RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yay). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 4. I.e. that was before Raspberry Pi 5 was released…

Study all installed packages in RaspArch…

PERFORMANCE
Everything works! The System is responsive and quite fast. The sound and video performance is very good.

UNIQUE
There is no other (good) Arch Linux ARM System for Raspberry Pi 5 (as far as I know). Not for downloading anyhow.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as archpi
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root
Screenshot 3 – showing a Bluetooth connection
Screenshot 4 – Samba connection to a Windows computer

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 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 14 (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 fc41 (stable) with Cinnamon 6.2, Gnome 47, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 241210

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Exton|Defender SRS  (Super Rescue System) is a Linux system available as a Live System based on Fedora 41, 64bit. Fedora 41 was released on October 29, 2024. 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 environments: Special versions of Gnome 47 and Cinnamon 6.2 developed by Fedora.

Installing Exton|Defender fc41 to a USB stick and achieve persistence
You can install Exton|Defender Build 241210 to a USB stick with persistence! I.e. all your system changes will be saved directly on the USB stick. Even big system upgrades! That will make it unnecessary to install Exton|Defender to hard drive (which can be a bit tricky). Just run the System from a big enough USB stick and be happy!

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 distro (with Refracta Snapshot) you should install Exton|Defender on a partition of about 30 GB and use a SWAP space of about 2 GB. Do not create special home or boot partitions. When Calamares is running it will look like this.

Using Refracta Snapshot
As I said above you can create your own Fedora 41 System once you have installed Exton|Defender to hard drive. That can (of course) also be done in VirtualBox. Do it like this:
1. Be sure to run “my” kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton. Refracta Snapshot won’t work with Fedora’s original kernel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Actually you can run Fedora’s original kernel 6.11.10-300.fc41 and still use Refracta Snapshot. Just don’t uninstall/remove “my” kernel 6.12.1-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 6.11.10-300.fc41 can be used as an alternative.
2. Change everything to your liking. I.e. install/remove software, change wallpapers etc…
3. Open up Refracta Snapshot
4. Follow the instructions – watch this screenshot…
5. Sit back and relax. Your new ISO will be ready in a few minutes. You’ll find it in /home/snapshot. You can also use Refracta Snapshot while running Exton|Defender from a USB stick – see above!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|Defender running in full screen in VirtualBox
Screenshot 2 – Running Calamares
Screenshot 3 – Gnome 47 DE is used in VMware
Screenshot 4 – After an installation using Anaconda Installer in VMware

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 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 14 (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 with LXQt 2.0 DE, Calamares Installer, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton :: Build 241208

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ABOUT Exton|Defender Build 241208
Exton|Defender, based on Fedora Rawhide (upcoming Fedora 42), 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). The ISO file is off only 1400 MB, which means that you should be able to run the system in RAM also on older computers. Fedora 41 was released in a stable version on October 29, 2024. So Exton|Defender fc42 (being based on upcoming Fedora 42) should be very “unstable”. I have, however, not noticed anything special.

Study all installed packages in Exton|Defender Build 241208…

THE IMPORTANCE OF Exton|Defender Build 241208 being based on UPCOMING fc 42
Programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. And I haven’t noticed any “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. Version 241208 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 starting
2. Calamares is ready
3. The liveuser Desktop
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. Calamares is reinstalled
6. Showing the SDDM site

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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

ArchEX BUILD 241128 with LXQt 2.1, Calamares Installer 3.3.12 and kernel 6.12.1-arch-1

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I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with the LXQt 2.1 Desktop Environment. LXQt 2.1 was released 241105. 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.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX LXQt…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXQt Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Calamares Installer is running
3. Running in full screen in VirtualBox (VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed)
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. The SLiM Login Screen

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RaspArch Build 240302 for Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4
RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM (aarch64/arm64) system. It can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi 4 computer.  All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 240302. The Desktop Environment is LXQt 1.4.

A member on RaspEX wrote this about an old version of RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

ArchEX 2025 (Arch Linux) Live with KDE Plasma 6.2.3-1, kernel 6.12.1-arch-1 and Calamares Installer 3.3.12 :: Build 241124

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ABOUT ArchEX 2025 Build 241124
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with KDE Plasma 6.2.3-1 – latest version released 241105. Plasma is made to stay out of the way as it helps you get things done. But under its light and intuitive surface, it’s a powerhouse. So you’re free to choose ways of usage right as you need them and when you need them. This ArchEX version uses kernel 6.12.1-arch-1. ArchEX can very easy be installed to hard drive (if you want) with Calamares Installer version 3.3.12 (latest). Installed (by me) from source. Finally.

Replacement
This ArchEX version replaces version 240509 and 240106.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2025 with KDE Plasma 6.2.3-1.

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.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX 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).

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
ArchEX Plasma Desktop for user
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX running Calamares Installer
Showing SDDM 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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live System with MATE 1.28.2-2 DE and kernel 6.11.7-arch :: Build 241117

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ABOUT ArchEX Build 241117
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with the MATE Desktop environment. This ArchEX version replaces version 240101, which had Pantheon as DE. At the moment (241117) Pantheon doesn’t work in Arch Linux. After a full system upgrade the Pantheon menu is gone and you can’t get it back.

ABOUT MATE: The MATE Desktop Environment is the continuation of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. MATE is under active development to add support for new technologies while preserving a traditional desktop experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ArchEX with MATE works very well when running live on my six computers. Calamares Installer is not installed in Build 241117. You can nevertheless install ArchEX Build 241117 to hard drive if you follow my instructions…
It is quite simple. Basically only ONE command is needed.

Study all installed packages in Build 241117…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The MATE Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Showing a WiFi connection
3. Showing a Samba connection
4. Showing a manual installation of ArchEX 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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

A new version of PuppEX Jammy64 with ROX DE and kernel 6.11.7-exton :: Build 241109

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NEWS ABOUT PuppEX Jammy64 22.04 241109
This Puppy derivative is made by me. It is a replacement for Build 230222. It is built from Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy Jellyfish) packages and packages built from woof-CE Recipes. I’ve also compiled a brand new kernel – 6.11.7-exton. The reason for this new build is that I came to realize that Ubuntu 22.04 LTS will be supported until April 2027…

CHANGES
This build uses the standard Puppy Linux DE. I.e. ROX. I have added PCManFM File Manager and Samba so that you can reach your Windows computers in you home network. Watch this screenshot…

COMPATIBLE WITH Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
PuppEX Jammy64 is compatible with Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy Jellyfish), which means that Ubuntu packages for Ubuntu 22.04 can be installed and used in PuppEX. You can use the Synaptic Package Manager or the apt command. (apt update, apt upgrade, apt install MyUsefulPackage etc).

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop
2. Showing a Samba connection
3. Showing a Frugal Installation
4. Running in VirtualBox
5. Showing a WiFi 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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!



exton, Exton Linux distributions

Exton|OS 64 bit – based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS – with KDE Plasma 5.27.11, Android Studio with an excellent Android Emulator and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 241103

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NEWS 241103 ABOUT Exton|OS with KDE Plasma Desktop, Android Studio and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is KDE Plasma 5.27.11. Plasma is made to stay out of the way as it helps you get things done. But under its light and intuitive surface, it’s a powerhouse. So you’re free to choose ways of usage right as you need them and when you need them. Program content in build 241103: Most important are Refracta Snapshot and Android Studio 2024.2.1 with an excellent Android Emulator. You can run several Android systems directly in Exton|OS. Also with GAPPS (Google Play Services and Google Play Store) pre-installed. Watch a screenshot when Android 14 is running with Google Play Store enabled. Other pre-installed programs are Firefox, Gimp and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Kernel 6.11.6-amd64-exton is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at November 3, 2024. 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 then create your own live installable Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat system with Android Studio included. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Live System once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will be supported until June, 2029…

What’s new in kernel 6.11?

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|OS’s KDE Plasma Desktop with Android Studio running
Screenshot 2 – Running an AVD with Google Play Store included
Screenshot 3 – Running Spotify in an AVD
Screenshot 4 – Running Google Maps in an AVD
Screenshot 5 – Google Play Store running in an AVD
Screenshot 6 – 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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

TWO NEW PuppEX Noble64 (Puppy Linux) Builds with Mate respective KDE Plasma Desktop Environment – 241031/241029

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Those new Puppy Linux derivatives are made by me. They are built from Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) packages and packages built from woof-CE Recipes. I’ve also compiled a brand new kernel – 6.11.5-exton.

COMPATIBLE WITH Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
PuppEX Noble64 Mate/KDE is compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat), which means that Ubuntu packages for Ubuntu 24.04 can be installed and used in PuppEX. You can use the Synaptic Package Manager or the Apt command. (apt update, apt upgrade, apt install MyUsefulPackage etc).

NOTE: PuppEX Noble64 Mate/KDE uses the original Ubuntu 24.04 repositories. Ubuntu 24.04 will be supported until April 2029…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Mate Desktop 1
2. The Mate Desktop 2
3. Synaptic running
4. The KDE Desktop 1
5. The KDE Desktop and 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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

PuppEX Slack64 (Puppy Linux) compatible with Slackware 15 :: Build 241018

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NEWS ABOUT PuppEX Slack64 15.0 241018
This Puppy Linux derivative is built using Puppy Linux Woof-CE Builder. It is compatible with Slackware 15.0 and uses kernel 6.10.13-exton. This Puppy system works very well on UEFI and non-UEFI computers. You can build your own Puppy Linux Slackware 15 compatible system using PuppEX as “groundwork”. Just start the remaster tool (Remaster Puppy) and follow the instructions given by the remaster script. I’ve included devx_puppex-slack64.sfs in the ISO file. Load it if you need it. Study all installed packages in this PuppEX build.

A NEW VERSION of PuppEX Slack64 – 241018
This PuppEX Slack64 Build from 241018 runs very well on ALL “normal” computers. Build 241016 was missing a lot of firmware. Therefore X couldn’t be auto-configured on some computers.

SCREENSHOTS
1. First screen after boot
2. A Frugal install running from a USB stick
3. Puppy Linux info
4. Light Browser is outdated
5. Installing Firefox
6. Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions
7. Running in full screen in VirtualBox
8. Running the lspci command
9. 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 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 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!