Category Archives: LINUX

Android, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspAnd Marshmallow 6.0.1 Build 160915 for Raspberry Pi 3/2 – faster and more responsive than ever!

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raspand-marshmallow-desktop2-160915-smallRaspAnd Marshmallow Build 160915 is an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow system which can run on Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. Google Play Store and other GAPPS are included. This version of RaspAnd is faster and more responsive than RaspAnd Marshmallow 6.0.1 Build 160717 and (of course) RaspAnd Lollipop Build 150924/160315. Many other apps than GAPPS are pre-installed in Build 160915. I can mention Clash of Clans, Spotify, ES File Explorer, Rotation Control Pro,  Terminal Emulator, Aida64, WinZip and Vlc.

ABOUT RaspAnd Marshmallow Build 160915
This new version has about the same pre-installed apps and features as in RaspAnd Marshmallow Build 160717, but it looks better, runs faster and is more responsive. Watch the slideshow below. You can run also this build (160915) using a Raspberry Pi 2 computer, but for best performance you really should use a Raspberry Pi 3. Be sure also to use a class 10 Micro SD Card.

About Aptoide App Manager and Google Play Store
I have removed Aptoide in this build (160915). I could not get Aptoide to work properly in this RaspAnd build. Google Play Store works very well though. I.e.: A lot of apps can be found and installed.

About the need to upgrade from RaspAnd Build 160717 to RaspAnd Build 160915
If you have RaspAnd Build 160717 “up and running” and everything works alright there is no real need to upgrade. I mean both versions are based on Marshmallow 6.0.1 and all included apps (GAPPS and others) gets updated all the time. RaspAnd Build 160915 runs slightly faster and looks better than Build 160717. That’s all! Note: RaspAnd Build 160717 has even one advantage over Build 160915. Namely that Aptoide App Manager is installed. Aptoide can be used to install apps not found on Google Play Store.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – Google Play Store running
Screenshot 2 – RaspAnd’s new Desktop

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Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Android-x86_64 Nougat 7.0 with GAPPS and kernel 4.4.19-exton-android-x86_64

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andex-nougat-home-desktop-smallestNEWS 160904: AndEX – Nougat 7.0 with kernel 4.4.19-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My build of Android-x86_64 Nougat 7.0 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube and more apps. For example: Aptoide App Manager. The ISO is called android-x86_64-7.0-nougat-gapps-exton-build-689mb-160904.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 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_64-7.0-nougat-gapps-exton-build-731mb-160904.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 16.04) installed. Read more about different installations below.

Android Nougat 7.0 was released 160822.

More about AndEX Nougat
Nougat 7.0 is the latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Nougat. It uses “my” special kernel 4.4.19-exton-android-x86_64 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2016-02-14 will also cost you 9 $. It has two advantages over the Nougat and Marshmallow versions: The system can be used also on older laptops and it runs very well live in VirtualBox. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 160214 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

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 160904 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“.

NOTE1/WARNING1
You must use a fairly new/modern computer. Android-x86_64 Nougat won’t run (even start) on older computers. My other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 Build 160214 will run also on older computers.

NOTE2/WARNING2
Before you buy and download this version of AndEX Nougat you must be aware of that not all apps downloaded from Google Play Store can run in an Android-x86_64 system. Some very big (around 1GB) games for example won’t run. On the other hand I could run Pes Club Manager, which is of 866 MB and Traffic Rider of about the same size. You must also be aware of that some (many) games need a touchscreen.

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 Desktop with some extra apps installed – Firefox, Google Chrome, Spotify and Traffic Rider

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

PuppEX Xenial 32 bit Linux Live CD :: Build 160822

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puppy-linux-logo-smallMy newest Puppy derivative is built from LxPup with the LXDE Desktop environment. I have added Google Chrome (for Netflix), Gimp, VLC, Emacs and some development tools. If you want more you can download and load (Menu >> Setup >> SFS-Load-on-the-fly) devx_PuppEX_2016.sfs. I have compiled a new kernel – 4.7.1-x86-pae-puppex. Kernel 4.7.1 is the second lastest stable kernel available from Kernel.org as of 160822. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. PuppEX Xenial is compatible with Ubuntu 16.04, which means that Ubuntu packages for Ubuntu 16.04 can be installed and used in PuppEX. The PuppEX Xenial ISO is of 585 MB. The PuppEX system is superfast since it runs from RAM.

Study ALL installed packages in PuppEX Xenial…

Screenshot of the PuppEX Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExLight is very popular!

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exlight-enlightenment-desktopExLight Linux Live DVD has been downloaded about 2000 times per week the last two months. I have therefore made a new upgraded version of ExLight today (160810). I have also created a new special WordPress site for ExLight.

WHAT’S NEW IN VERSION 160810?
1. ExLight is now based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (alias Xenial Xerus) and Debian 8.5 Jessie.
2. I have upgraded the Desktop environment Enlightenment (Beauty at your fingertips) to version 0.20.99.0 (from 0.19.12).
3. I have replaced kernel 4.6.2-exlight with kernel 4.6.0-10-exlight. (Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.6.5). If you want to use “my” kernel in another Ubuntu/Debian system you can download it.
4. ExLight’s ISO file is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can then even run ExLight from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence!
5. Another big improvement is that ExLight 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 ExLight that way.
6. The installation program Ubiquity (live installer) is now working as intended in ExLight version 160810. I.e. a new user (your user) will be created during the installation process.
7. I have installed Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 367.35.
8. I have added seven animated wallpapers.

What’s new in kernel 4.6?

Some cool things to do in ExLight Linux…

Screenshots
ExLight running Google Chrome with Netflix
ExLight running Spotify

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LINUX

Run your Slackware installation with the latest kernel – 4.7.1!

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SlackwareNEWS 160817
Kernel 4.7.1-x86_64-exton is my newest Slackware kernel. Kernel 4.7.1 was released yesterday (160816).

I have compiled a very useful (as I think) 64 bit kernel for Slackware Current (14.2) 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 4.7.1-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.7.1 is the latest kernel available from Kernel.org. Released 20160816.

What’s new in kernel 4.7?

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

1. Download linux-kernel-4.7.1-x86_64-exton.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.7.1-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-4.7.1-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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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExTiX 16.4, Build 160731, with KDE 4.15 together with KDE Frameworks 5.18.0 and kernel 4.6.4

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extix-logo-black-white-bgI have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.4 KDE Live DVD. (The previous version was 16.2).

ABOUT
ExTiX 16.4 KDE DVD 64 bit is based on Debian 8.5 Jessie/Debian 9 Stretch and Ubuntu 16.04.1. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Unity (Ubuntu). After removing Unity I have installed KDE Frameworks 5.18.0 with KDE 4.15. 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.

The system language is ENGLISH.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.6.4. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system. Extract ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-9-exton.7z with the command 7za x ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-9-exton.7z.

Compatibility
A general truth: If an original system can run on a particular computer an Exton “remaster” of the same original system can run on the same computer. I never change a Linux system for the worse in terms of auto configuration and hardware detection, etc. It happens that I replace the original kernel, but always to a “better” one with even more native support for various hardware etc. (Which I have done in this case).

Screenshot of ExTiX 16.4 Desktop – KDE 4.15
Screenshot of ExTiX 16.4 when ArchEX is running in Virtualbox

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|OS Light Build 160728 :: Based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS with kernel 4.6.0-9-exton (4.6.4)

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 160728 about Exton|OS Light Live DVD – ISO file of 885 MB
I’ve made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (alias Xenial Xerus) 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), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers) 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.

Replacement
This version of Exton|OS Light from 160728 replaces version 160207 of Exton|OS Light. Exton|OS Light is now based on Debian Stretch/Sid and Ubuntu 16.04.1 (released 160721).

About
Exton|OS Light Live CD is based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 Xenial Xerus 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid. Exton|OS Light’s ISO file (of 885 MB!) is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to an USB pen drive. You can then even run Exton|OS from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my USB INSTRUCTION under B).

Packages
All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at July 28, 2016. Study the full package list.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s kernel 4.6.4. 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

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Run ArchEX (Arch Linux) 64/32 Bit dual Build 160724 with kernel 4.6.4 and LXDE superfast!

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archex-desktop-160724-smallWHAT IS ArchEX dual?
ArchEX 64bit/32bit dual is a new (160724) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 4.6.4-1-ARCH (latest) and the LXDE Desktop environment.

INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox, Gimp, GCC, Wicd and GParted – study this package LIST.

INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer. I.e. while running ArchEX live from the DVD. Read this INSTRUCTION.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

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
The new Desktop in Build 160724
ArchEX starting up live
ArchEX running Spotify – (Spotify installed with Yaourt – a Pacman frontend)
ArchEX running ArchEX Installer
ArchEX running Google Chrome and Netflix – (Chrome installed with Yaourt)

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Read also about RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2

Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspAnd 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2 Build 160717 (v. 3) with GAPPS, Wifi, Bluetooth and YouTube working

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raspand-20160625-clashofclans-smallRaspAnd Marshmallow Build 160717 is an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow system which can run on Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. I have finally managed to include Google Play Store and other GAPPS. This version of RaspAnd is faster and more responsive than RaspAnd Lollipop Build 150924/160315.

NEWS 160717 about RaspAnd Marshmallow
Build 160717 of RaspAnd Marshmallow replaces my first version from 160625 and my second build from 160711. The screen problems in build 160625 was corrected in my second build from 160711. In this third build from 160717 also YouTube works as expected.

More about the news in Build 160717
1. Build 160717 uses a new kernel – 4.4.15-exton.
2. Google Play Services has been upgraded from version 8.4.87 to 9.2.56. The latest version by 160717.
3. YouTube has been upgraded to version 1.3.11. The latest version by 160717. The video performance is far better in RaspAnd Marshmallow Build 3 than in previous versions. You can watch almost all movies in YouTube with acceptable quality.
4. Clash of Clans works even better in Build 3.
5. The sound quality is excellent in Build 3. Especially is you connect loudspeakers to your Rpi. Maybe because of the new kernel…
6. Bluetooth works as expected.
7. Most important: With Google Play Services in latest version (9.2.56) you are not dependent on Google Play Store. You can install almost all GAPPS and other apps via Aptoide App Manager.

Wifi and Bluetooth support
This new version of RaspAnd has support for Wifi and Bluetooth (on Raspberry Pi 3). RaspAnd runs very well on the new Raspberry Pi 3 computer. The system runs also on the “old” Raspberry Pi 2 computer.

Installed apps
The following useful apps are pre-installed in RaspAnd Marshmallow: Google Play Services 9.2.56, Google Play Store 6.0.2, Aptoide App Manager (as an alternative to Google Play Store), Terminal Emulator, Aida64, WinZip, ES File Explorer, Rotation Control Pro, Opera 36.2.2126, Spotify 5.6.0.674, Bluetooth File Transfer, YouTube 1.3.11 and the popular (?) game Clash of Clans 8.332.14.

YouTube performance
YouTube works alright in RaspAnd Marshmallow Build 3. You can watch almost all videos. I.e. normally you will hear the sound very well, but some the movies won’t play or play very slow with strange colors.

Spotify
Spotify works very well in RaspAnd Marshmallow. Just log in and play your favorite music!

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – Google Play Store running

Screenshot 2 – RaspAnd’s Desktop

Screenshot 3 – AIDA64 showing the system

Screenshot 4 – Clash of Clans running (very well)

Screenshot 5 – Wifi connection

Screenshot 6 – Bluetooth connection

Screenshot 7 – Setting permissions for Google Play Services

Screenshot 8 – Using ES File Explorer

Screenshot 9 – Using Opera Web Browser

Screenshot 10 –  Using a big TV (55″) as monitor – Home screen

Screenshot 11 – Using a big TV (55″) as monitor – Running Spotify

Screenshot 12 – Installing the app TuneIn Radio via Google Play Store

Screenshot 13 – Installing VLC 2.0.3 via Google Play Store

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

SlackEX (Slackware 14.2/Current) live USB with kernel 4.6.4 and KDE 4.14.21

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slackware_logoI have made yet another version of SlackEX. It has the latest kernel (4.6.4, released 160711) and the latest KDE (4.14.21) Desktop Environment.

New features in version 160714 of SlackEX
I have replaced kernel 4.5.1-x86_64-exton with kernel 4.6.4-x86_64-exton with support for “everything”. Most important is that I have changed repositories from Slackware 14.1 to Current. I.e. Slackware 14.2 (released 160701). KDE is upgraded to version 4.14.21 (latest KDE version). All other component software is also upgraded to the latest Slackware Current version by now. I may also mention in particular GParted 0.24.0 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), VirtualBox 5.1.0 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), Google Chrome 46.0.2490.86 (not in Slackware’s repositories), Gimp 2.8.10 (installed from source), GSlapt 0.5.3h, Firefox 47.0.1, Thunderbird 45.2.0, Samba 4.4.5 and GCC 5.3.0. 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. Note: I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. Most important: This version of SlackEX has to be installed to a USB Pen Drive!

What’s new in kernel 4.6.4?

Install SlackEX to hard drive
Use this INSTRUCTION. You can (if you want) use Grub2 (new GRUB) as boot loader.

Install SlackEX to a USB stick
Please read my INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS. NOTE: All system changes are PERSISTENT.

Screenshot 1 – SlackEX KDE 4.14.21 Desktop with Netflix running

Screenshot 2 – Samba running

Screenshot 3 – GSlapt running

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