Category Archives: LINUX

LINUX

Run your Ubuntu/Debian 64 bit system with the latest stable kernel – 4.9!

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linuxI have compiled yet another Ubuntu/Debian kernel for 64 bit systems. This time kernel 4.9.0-11-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.9 released 161211.

What’s new in Linux kernel 4.9?

Install kernel 4.9.0-11-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 8.6) and Debian Stretch (upcoming Debian 9). If you want to use my kernel 4.9.0-11-exton for 64 bit systems, you can DOWNLOAD it from here.

md5sum for ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.9.0-11-exton.zip which is of 71,5 MB.

Installation instructions
Open the zip-file with WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip. Or run this command: unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.9.0-11-exton.zip. Go into the folder ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.9.0-11-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 4.9.0-11-exton. Could be useful if you like to play games. 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 4.8 – 4.9 without “patches” etc. On the other hand it’s a fact that kernel 4.9 has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

A small clarification
“My” kernel 4.9.0-11-exton is compiled (almost) 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

DebEX LXQt (Debian Stretch) with LXQt 0.11, Refracta tools and kernel 4.9.0-9-exton (4.9.0-rc8)

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debex-lxqt-live-desktop-smallNEWS 161209 about DebEX LXQt – a Refracta Build
A new version of DebEX Barebone with LXQt 0.11 (released 160924) and kernel 4.9.0-9-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest kernel 4.9-rc8) is ready. You can download “my” new kernel if you want to use it in another Debian/Ubuntu system. I have also installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 375.20 in this new version of DebEX Barebone. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of December 9, 2016. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian testing – Stretch – (upcoming Debian 9) and Debian unstable – Sid. I have replaced Google Chrome with Tor Browser – it prevents somebody watching your Internet connection from learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are blocked.

What’s new in kernel 4.9?

Replacement
This version of DebEX with LXQt replaces version 161025, which used Xfce 4.12.1 as Desktop environment. Note: LXQt version 0.11 can’t be installed in Ubuntu 16.10 just yet.

About LXQt
Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. The Razor project has merged with LXDE and is now LXQt.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in DebEX LXQt) to create your own installable Debian Stretch Live DVD once you have installed DebEX LXQt to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian Stretch live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian 9 system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min!  You’ll find your new ISO in /home/snapshots.

Screenshot 1 – DebEX LXQt – root’s Desktop
Screenshot 2 – DebEX LXQt – live’s Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspArch Build 161205 :: Run Arch Linux on your Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 2 computer

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rasparch-logoThis version (161205) is my fourth build of RaspArch
The first version is from 150414. The second is from 151107. The third is from 160312 specially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3. This version (161205) and version 160312 of RaspArch can of course also run on the “old” Raspberry Pi 2. RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Yaourt and Gimp the system increased to 700 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 3 model B or Pi 2 computer.

NEWS in RaspArch Build 161205
A new kernel – 4.4.35-1-ARCH. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 161205. I have added support for Yaourt – a Pacman Fronted. I have also installed PulseAudio. Finally the sound works alright in RaspArch. Nice if you like YouTube. Note: To be able to install Yaourt I had to install a lot of development tools. In the first place I installed Yaourt to be able to install Google Chrome (only to learn that Google Chrome isn’t available for the ARM architecture).

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). RaspArch uses kernel 4.4.35-1-ARCH and the LXDE Desktop environment.

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 yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the PI 2.

Study all installed packages in RaspArch

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop – YouTube and PulseAudio Control running
Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop – YouTube and Alsamixer running

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExTiX Build 161203 for Intel Compute Sticks with LXQt 0.10.0 and kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom

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intel-compute-stick-extix-blackI have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.5 LXQt for the Intel Compute Stick. Build 161203 is only for Intel Compute Sticks. I.e. you can’t run the system on other computers. Build 161203 uses “my” kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom with special patches, which I have Linuxium to thank for.

NOTE 161203
Build 161119 – my first for the Intel Compute Stick – has been replaced by Build 161203. Some errors in the first build have been corrected. Occasionally crashes of Ubiquity when running the previous version of ExTiX (from 161119) was the main reason for the new release. I.e. in Build 161203 Ubiquity (and everything else) will work as expected.

About Intel Compute Sticks

ABOUT ExTiX for Intel Compute Sticks
ExTiX 16.5 LXQt 64 bit for the Intel Compute Stick is based on Debian 9 Stretch and Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Unity (Ubuntu). After removing Unity I have installed LXQt 0.10.0. 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 16.5 build 161203 with LXQt Desktop environment
1. ExTiX LXQt is based on Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak. LXQt 0.10.0 is used as Desktop environment. All packages have been updated to the latest version by 161203. Kernel 4.8.0-26-exton-IntelAtom is used. You can download it if you want to use it in another Ubuntu system which can run on the Intel Compute Stick.
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, 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.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot of ExTiX 16.5 Desktop – LXQt 0.10.0
Google Chrome with Netflix running
SMTube running
Spotify running
Reaching Windows computers with Samba

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

LFA 64bit LINUX Live DVD Build 161114 – Create you own Linux For All/Ubuntu 16.10 live installable system!

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lfa-refracta-tools-runningAbout Linux For All (LFA)
The system is based on Ubuntu 16.10, codenamed Yakkety Yak and Debian testing (Stretch – upcoming Debian 9). It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system. All installed packages have been updated to the latest version as of 161114. Kernel 4.4.0-19-exton is replaced by kernel 4.8.0-27-exton. (4.8.0-27 is the latest Ubuntu kernel). You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system. I have also installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 370.28. Most important: I have included Refracta Tools so you can create your own Linux For All/Ubuntu live installable system!

The system language is ENGLISH.

More news about LFA build 161114
One of my previous versions of LFA (build 141120) had four (4) Desktop environments installed. Namely Unity (Ubuntu), LXDE, Razor-qt and XBMC. LFA build 161114 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 1: LFA’s new Desktop
Screenshot 2: Refracta Installer running
Screenshot 3: Refracta Tools running

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in LFA Build 161114) to create your own installable Ubuntu Live DVD once you have installed LFA to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu 16.10 live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install LFA to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu live installable system while running LFA from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min! You can then install VirtualBox in LFA so you can test run your own created new Ubuntu ISO. Or do it in Windows. By the way: You can do the whole thing in VirtualBox. I mean install LFA in VirtualBox, change everything, create a new Ubuntu 16.10 system using Refracta tools and transfer your new ISO to your server using FileZilla, which is pre-installed.

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Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Android-x86_64 Nougat 7.0 – Build 161107 – with GAPPS and kernel 4.4.27-exton-android-x86_64

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andex-nougat-screenshot-20161107-1a-smallNEWS 161107: AndEX – Nougat 7.0 with kernel 4.4.27-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Nougat 7.0 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store 7.1.16.1-all, Gmail and YouTube. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify 6.30.882, Clash of Clans 8.551.24, File Manager 1.01, Google Earth 8.0.4.2346, Google Now Launcher 1.4 and Aptoide App Manager. The ISO is called android_x86_64-nougat-7.0-gapps-exton-build-870mb-161107.iso.

ABOUT Andex Nougat
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Nougat 7.0) can run live (from CD) on certain computers. It is best installed to a USB stick or to hard drive and running from there. The system can, however, be installed on almost all newer laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. I can also mention that I could run this Nougat version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. I could also run it very well live on the HP Desktop computer. 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 (DVD) before you can install AndEX Nougat to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. You can also download my Android Nougat system in the form of a zip-file (android_x86_64-nougat-7.0-gapps-exton-build-1110mb-161107.zip) and do a manual installation to hard drive. That can even be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 16.10) installed. That’s sort of a Frugal Installation (normally used by Puppy Linux). Read more about different installations of AndEX Nougat at the INFO site.

Android Nougat 7.0 was released 160822.

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 Nougat Build 161107 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store. 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
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Nougat Desktop
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Nougat – The Desktop at first boot
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Nougat – The beginning of your configuration – Give Google Play Services all permissions and you won’t see any error messages
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Nougat – Google Play Store running
Screenshot 5 – AndEX Nougat – Adding a Gmail account – must be done for Google Play Store to work
Screenshot 6 – AndEX Nougat – Aptoide App Manager running
Screenshot 7 – AndEX Nougat running in VMware
Screenshot 8 – AndEX Nougat running in VirtualBox

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Create your own Ubuntu 16.04.1/16.10 64 bit live installable system using MeX and Refracta tools (pre-installed)!

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NEWS/CHANGES 161030
Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 161030 is based only on Debian 8.6 and Ubuntu 16.04.1. I have replaced the original kernel with “my” special kernel 4.8.0-25-exton. All packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 161030. This version of MeX uses Cinnamon 3.0.7. Linux Mint 18 also uses Cinnamon 3.0.7 as Desktop environment.

mex-refracta-spotify-smallMORE MeX NEWS 161030
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 5 (load 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 1000 MB so MeX will run superfast from RAM!
3. The best thing with this new MeX build – Create your own installable Ubuntu Live DVD with Refracta tools (pre-installed)!

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in MeX Build 161030) to create your own installable Ubuntu Live DVD once you have installed MeX to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu 16.04 or 16.10 live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install MeX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu system while running MeX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min! You can then install VirtualBox in MeX so you can test run your own created new Ubuntu ISO. Or do it in Windows. Btw: You can do the whole thing in VirtualBox. I mean install MeX in VirtualBox, change everything, create a new Ubuntu 16.04.1/16.10 system using Refracta tools and transfer your new ISO to your server with FileZilla (sudo apt-get install filezilla).

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Refracta tools running
Screenshot 2 – Spotify running (install it with sudo apt-get install spotify-client)
Screenshot 3 – Cinnamon 3.0.7 Desktop with Samba
Screenshot 4 – Cinnamon 3.0.7 Desktop with Refracta2USB running
Screenshot 5 – Cinnamon 3.0.7 Desktop with SMPlayer running
Screenshot 6 – Google Chrome with Netflix running
Screenshot 7 – Boot screen

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX Xfce4 Build 161025 – Create your own installable Debian Stretch Live DVD with Refracta tools (pre-installed)!

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debex-refracta-start2-smallNEWS 161025 about DebEX Xfce4 – a Refracta Build
A new version of DebEX Barebone with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.8.0-21-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 4.8) is ready. I have installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 370.28 in this new version of DebEX Barebone. Read about how to use it. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of October 25, 2016. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian testing – Stretch – (upcoming Debian 9) and Debian unstable – Sid. I have replaced Google Chrome with Tor Browser – it prevents somebody watching your Internet connection from learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are blocked. Announcement about Xfce 4.12, released 150228: Today, after 2 years and 10 months of work, we are pleased to announce the release of the Xfce desktop 4.12, a new stable version that supersedes Xfce 4.10. This long period can only be explained by how awesome Xfce 4.10 was. But as all things, it needed some refreshing – and for that we saw lots of new contributors providing valuable feedback, features and bugfixes. As always, Xfce follows its steady pace of evolution without revolution that seems to match our users’ needs.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in DebEX Xfce4) to create your own installable Debian Stretch Live DVD once you have installed DebEX Xfce4 to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian Stretch live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian 9 system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min! I have also pre-installed VirtualBox in DebEX Xfce4 so you can test run your own created new Debian Stretch ISO.

New installed packages
I have added VirtualBox, Midori Private Browser, SMPlayer, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos) and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube. Study all installed packages.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot of the Boot menu in DebEX Xfce4 created with the Refracta tools
Screenshot of the Xfce4 Desktop in DebEX Barebone Xfce4 Build 161025

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|OS Light Build 161021 :: Based on Ubuntu 16.10 with kernel 4.8.0-25-exton (4.8.1)

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 161021 about Exton|OS Light Live DVD – ISO file of 970 MB
I’ve made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.10 (alias Yakkety Yak) 64 bit with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Google Chrome – so you can run Netflix), SMPlayer, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers), Audacious (a small and fast audio player which supports lots of formats) and Synaptic (Package Manager). I give you the pleasure of installing all extra packages you need after a hard disk installation of Exton|OS Light. Use Synaptic for that. You can of course also install new packages while running the system live (from DVD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction (under B) or used UNetbootin) and used Boot alternative 2 – Persistent when you have used UNetbootin. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from DVD. Exton|OS Light’s Window manager Openbox guarantees lightness and elegance.

Packages
All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at October 21, 2016. Study the full package list.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.8.0-25-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s kernel 4.8.1. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

SCREENSHOTS
See a screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop
See a screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop when Samba is used
See a screenshot when Google Chrome with Netflix is running
See a screenshot when Spotify is running – (install Spotify with: sudo apt-get install spotify-client)

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3/2 – Build 161019 – based on Ubuntu 16.10 with LXDE and kernel 4.4.21

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raspberry-logoNEWS 161019 about RaspEX LXDE for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 4.1.20 with kernel 4.4.21. RaspEX Build 161019 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.6), Ubuntu Yakkety Yak (Ubuntu 16.10, released 161013) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (161019) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager and replaced Chromium with Firefox with better support for YouTube. I have also installed Samba and VNC4Server so you can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network and/or control RaspEX on your Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 2 from your Windows computers with VNC Viewer and/or PuTTY (Telnet and SSH client). Furthermore some extra Network Tools, Midori Private Browser, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos) and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 161019.

The Raspberry Pi 3 is the third generation Raspberry Pi. It replaced the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B in February 2016.

Compatibility :: October 2016
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 2 will run on the new Pi 3. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX with LXDE, RaspEX with Kodi, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Lollipop and RaspArch. I have now (161019) upgraded all systems. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3…

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Jessie) 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) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. RaspEX Build 161019 and 160426 are (of course) even faster, especially if you run the systems on a Raspberry Pi 3 computer.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba
Screenshot 2 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy
Screenshot 3 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC-viewer
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX running Midori Private Browser
Screenshot 5 – RaspEX using Pavucontrol (for sound)
Screenshot 6 – RaspEX running SMTube (search and watch YouTube videos)

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