Category Archives: LINUX

LINUX

Run your Slackware installation with the latest stable kernel – 4.6.4!

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SlackwareI 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 4.6.4-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.6.4 is the latest stable kernel available from Kernel.org. Released yesterday (20160711).

What’s new in kernel 4.6.4?

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

1. Download linux-kernel-4.6.4-x86_64-exton.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.6.4-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-4.6.4-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

Exton|Defender – Fedora 24 version – with Cinnamon 3.0.6 and kernel 4.6.3 (latest)

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exton-defender-logo-smallAbout Exton|Defender SRS (in two versions)

Exton|Defender SRS is a Linux system available as a Live DVD (based on Fedora 24, 64bit – version 160705 and on Mageia 5, 32bit – version 150701) 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: Cinnamon 3.0.6 in version 160705 (Fedora 24) and Cinnamon 2.4.5 in version 150701 (Mageia 5).

System Tools included
NTFS-3g, GParted, PartImage, Shred, Sfdisk (util-linux-ng), Rsync, Ddrescue, FSArchiver, TestDisk and Midnight Commander. Other programs (among many others): Google Chrome (in both versions) for watching Netflix movies, LibreOffice (in fc24), NetworkManager, Firefox, Thunderbird, Gimp, Samba, Java (JDK 7u9) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Emacs, Safecopy, kernel headers (Mageia 5 and Fedora 24) and many compilation tools. See a complete LIST of all installed packages 160705 (Fedora version) and 150701 (Mageia version).

NEWS 160705 re. Exton|Defender fc24 (Fedora 24)
I’ve made a new version of Exton|Defender 64 bit. Now based on Fedora 24, released 160621. It uses Cinnamon 3.0.6 and kernel 4.6.3. (Latest stable kernel as of 160705).

Screenshot of Exton|Defender´s Cinnamon 3.0.6 Desktop – Fedora 24 version

Screenshot of Exton|Defender´s running Yum Extender – Fedora 24 version

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3/2 Build 160703 – based on Ubuntu 16.04 – with OpenCPN 4.4.0 pre-installed

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raspex-16.04-opencpn-4.4.0-touchscreen-20160702-smallRaspEX – Build 160703 based on Ubuntu 16.04 – with OpenCPN 4.4.0 (latest version) – especially made for Raspberry Pi 3

OpenCPN is a free software (GPLv2) project to create a concise chart plotter and navigation software, for use underway or as a planning tool. OpenCPN is developed by a team of active sailors using real world conditions for program testing and refinement. Read about the new features in OpenCPN 4.4.0 (released 160613)…

Replacement
This build (160703) replaces build 160308. Ubuntu has been upgraded to version 16.04 and OpenCPN to version 4.4.0 – latest. Build 160703 is made especially for Raspberry Pi 3, but can also be used on Raspberry Pi 2. The Desktop environment LXDE is used. The “Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment” is an extremely fast-performing and energy-saving desktop environment. LXDE uses less CPU and less RAM than other environments. It is especially designed for cloud computers with low hardware specifications, such as netbooks, mobile devices (e.g. MIDs) or older computers.

ABOUT RaspEX Build 160703
RaspEX is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.5), Xenial Xerus (Ubuntu 16.04) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (160703) I’ve installed OpenCPN 4.4.0 from source.

Read this OpenCPN Review….

Watch a YouTube video that shows the performance of OpenCPN on a Raspberry Pi…
NOTE: Please don’t ask me technical questions about how to use OpenCPN. I’m no expert on OpenCPN. You can search the Internet for answers. There is a lot written about OpenCPN and Raspberry Pi. The Cruisers Forum (World Cruising and Sailing Wiki) is a good starting point.

The 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi
To my great joy also this version of RaspEX work together with the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi “out of the box”. Watch this screenshot.

Installed packages
Besides from LXDE and OpenCPN a lot of ordinary Debian/Ubuntu packages are pre-installed. I can mention Firefox, Chromium Web Browser, Synaptic Package Manager and Gimp. Study the full package list of 160703…

SCREENSHOTS
1. RaspEX Build 160703 with OpenCPN 4.4.0 running using  the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi
2. RaspEX Build 160703 with OpenCPN 4.4.0 – Boston
3. RaspEX Build 160703 with Spotify and a virtual keyboard
4. RaspEX Build 160703 showing the Desktop and Network connections
5. RaspEX Build 160703 using Samba (connection with my Windows computers in my network) running
6. OpenCPN World Map (old version of OpenCPN)
7. OpenCPN Florida – Cape Canaveral (old version of OpenCPN)
8. OpenCPN New York – Approaches to New York (old version of OpenCPN)
9. OpenCPN Stockholm Archipelago (old version of OpenCPN)

Compatibility :: July 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, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspAnd Lollipop, RaspAnd Marshmallow  and RaspArch. I have now (160703) upgraded all systems. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3…

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

MeX 64 bit Linux based on Ubuntu 16.04 with Cinnamon 3.0.5 and kernel 4.6.0-7-exton

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mex-logo-smallMeX NEWS/CHANGES 160630
Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX build 160630 is based only on Debian 8.5 and Ubuntu 16.04. I have replaced the original kernel with “my” special kernel 4.6.0-7-exton. All packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 160630. This version of MeX uses Cinnamon 3.0.5. Linux Mint 18 (to be released “later this week”) will also use Cinnamon 3.0.5 as Desktop environment.

Program content etc
To make it possible to run MeX from RAM I have kept down the number of installed packages. The MeX ISO file is of 960 MB. The ISO size has increased a bit because of me installing Google Chrome (to make it possible to watch Netflix movies). All packages have been updated to the latest available stable version as of June 30, 2016. See a complete list of all installed packages.

Screenshot 1 – Cinnamon 3.0.5 Desktop with Samba

Screenshot 2 – Cinnamon 3.0.5 Desktop with Synaptic running

Screenshot 3 – Cinnamon 3.0.5 Desktop with SMPlayer running

Screenshot 4 – Boot screen

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 with openCPN 4.4.0

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raspex-16.04-opencpn-4.2.1-touchscreen-20160629-smallNEWS 160629 about RaspEX with OpenCPN pre-installed

The system is now based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. I’ve also upgraded OpenCPN to version 4.4.0. (Latest version). To my great joy also this version of RaspEX worked together with the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi “out of the box”.

NOTE: Today’s version of RaspEX hasn’t been distributed yet.

SCREENSHOTS
OpenCPN 4.4.0 running
Samba (connection with my Windows computers in my network) running

Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

The 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi works in RaspEX Build 160426, based on Ubuntu 16.04, with Kodi Media Center 16.0

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raspex-kodi-touchscren-20160627-1-smallGreat news 160627 about RaspEX Build 160426
I got the official  7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi today. I started immediately to test the touchscreen running RaspEX. To my great pleasure (and surprise) the touchscreen worked perfectly out of the box! I.e. I didn’t have to install any extra packages to make it work. According to raspberrypi.org only Raspbian OS is supposed to give full functionality without a physical keyboard or mouse.

Screenshot – RaspEX running a video in Kodi Media Center

READ MORE ABOUT RaspEX with Kodi…

Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspAnd 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2 Build 160625 with GAPPS, Wifi and Bluetooth working

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raspand-20160625-clashofclans-smallRaspAnd Build 160625 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.

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 Store, 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 and the popular (?) game Clash of Clans.

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

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExLight 64 bit Linux Live DVD with Enlightenment 0.20.99.0 and kernel 4.6.2-exlight

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exlight-change-to-animated-wallpaper-smallWHAT’S NEW IN VERSION 160612?
1. ExLight is now based on Ubuntu 16.04 (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 4.2.0-16-exton with kernel 4.6.2-exlight.
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 160612. I.e. a new user (your user) will be created during the installation process.
7. I have pre-installed Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 361.45.11.
8. I have added three animated wallpapers.

What’s new in kernel 4.6?

Installed packages
The Desktop Environment is Enlightenment 0.20.99.0 (Beauty at your fingertips). Kernel 4.6.2-exlight is used. (Kernel.org‘s latest stable kernel 4.6.2). Program content: Libre Office, Synaptic, GParted, Wicd, PCManFM, Google Chrome (for watching Netflix movies) and Gimp. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source. I have also included Nvidia Graphics driver 361.45.11. It has support for the following GPUs (among others): GeForce 900, GeForce 800A, GeForce 800M, GeForce 700, Quadro Series, GeForce GTX 970M and GeForce GTX 980M. Study the full ExLight program LIST. All programs have been updated to the latest available version as at June 12, 2016.

Screenshots
See three screenshots of the Enlightenment 0.20.99.0 Desktop – pic 1 – pic 2 – pic 3 (animated wallpaper)

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX Live DVD (based on Debian 8.4) with KDE 4.14.2 and kernel 4.6.1-debex

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debex-kde-desktop-160604-smallNEWS 160604 about DebEX KDE
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Live DVD. It replaces version 160102. It’s a pure Debian 8.4 system. I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE uses KDE 4.14.2 and KDE Plasma Desktop 5:84 as Desktop environment and kernel 4.6.1-debex. Kernel 4.6.1 is the latest stable kernel by 160604. I have installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 361.45.11. Furthermore Google Chrome to make it possible to watch Netflix movies. I’ve also added SMPlayer – an alternative to Vlc. (SMPlayer is a free media player for Windows and Linux with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats. It doesn’t need any external codecs. Just install SMPlayer and you’ll be able to play all formats without the hassle to find and install codec packs). All other installed packages have also been updated to the latest version of 160604. Study the full package list.

Install DebEX to hard drive
It’s now very easy to install DebEX (all three versions) to hard drive. Just start DebEX Installer and follow the installer instructions. You’ll have to use Boot alternative 1 – live then. See this screenshot. You can (if you want) use Grub2 as boot loader. If you already are using Grub2 or Grub Legacy as bootloader you can skip this part of the installation. Watch a SLIDESHOW of the installation process. The installation is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

Screenshot of the KDE Plasma Desktop in version 160604 of DebEX KDE – pic1
Screenshot of the KDE Desktop with Netflix running in version 160604 of DebEX KDE – pic2

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExTiX 16.3 LXQt DVD 64 bit – Build 160530 – with LXQt 0.10.0 and kernel 4.6.0-extix

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extix-logo-black-white-bgI have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.3 LXQt Live DVD. (The previous version was 16.1).

ABOUT
ExTiX 16.3 LXQt DVD 64 bit is based on Debian 8.4 Jessie/Debian 9 Stretch and Ubuntu 16.04. 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. All packages have been updated to the latest version by 160530.

The system language is ENGLISH.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.6.0-extix corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.6. It’s the latest stable kernel as of now. Ubuntu 16.04 uses kernel 4.4.

What’s new in kernel 4.6?

NVIDIA
I have pre-installed the Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 361.45.11 in ExTiX LXQt. It has support for the following GPUs: Quadro K1200, Quadro M6000, GeForce 920M, GeForce 930A, GeForce 930M, GeForce 940M, GeForce GTX 950M, GeForce GTX 960M and GeForce GTX TITAN X. This driver will be used automatically if your card is supported.

Screenshot of ExTiX 16.3 Desktop – LXQt 0.10.0

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