Category Archives: LINUX

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…

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 Note2: Some people say that Yaourt is outdated.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)!

AndEX 10 (Android-x86) runs very well on the Intel Compute Stick

AndEX 10 (Android-x86) Build 200108 with GAPPS (Google Play Store etc.) runs very well on the Intel Compute Stick. See how it looks (photo) when I use a 55 Inch TV.

Read about Intel Compute Sticks…

History
This is what I wrote on December 3, 2016: I 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. READ MORE…

Kernel patches isn’t needed anymore, which means that any Linux system can be installed to the stick. For example ExTiX LXQt and AndEX 10.

About AndEX 10
I knew from before that ExTiX runs very well on the Compute Stick. Today I decided to test it with AndEX 10. And guess what? Also AndEX works very well! You can run it live (from a USB stick) or install it (which I did). AndEX 10 Build 200108 has GAPPS (Google Play Store etc), Aptoide App Manager, F-Droid, SpotifyAngry Birds and many other apps pre-installed. Those apps are fun to run on a BIG TV screen.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The AndEX Desktop
2. Showing system INFO
3. AIDA64 running

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)!

ExTiX LXQt with kernel 5.5 and Kodi 18.5 runs very well on the Intel Compute Stick

ExTiX LXQt with LXQt 0.14.1 and Kodi 18.5 Leia runs very well on the Intel Compute Stick. Watch this screenshot.

Read about Intel Compute Sticks…

History
This is what I wrote on December 3, 2016: I 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. READ MORE…

Kernel patches isn’t needed anymore, which means that any Linux system can be installed to the stick. For example ExTiX LXQt.

Kernel 5.5
If you already have a Ubuntu/Debian system installed on your stick you can download and install “my” kernel 5.5.0-exton.

About Kodi 18.5
Kodi runs very well on the stick. On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 27 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds February 2020. I have tried four of them myself. Titanium Build, No Limits Magic, Diggz Xenon and Innovation. They are very easy to install and work very well. Perhaps you’ll find your own favorite!

SCREENSHOTS
1. Showing system INFO
2. The LXQt Desktop with Synaptic running
3. Kodi 18.5 and the Titanium Home screen

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)!

RaspEX Kodi for Rpi4, Rpi3 and Rpi2 with LXDE Desktop and Kodi 18.5 Media Center “Leia” with Netflix, YouTube, Plex and Amazon Video addons – Build 200210

ABOUT RaspEX Kodi
RaspEX Kodi Build 200210 with LXDE/Kodi Desktops can be downloaded from SourceForge.net for free.
The system is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4. RaspEX Kodi is based on Debian 10 Buster, Raspbian and Kodi Media Center. In RaspEX Kodi I’ve added the LXDE Desktop with many useful applications such as VLC Media Player and NetworkManager. Makes it easy to configure your wireless network. I’ve also upgraded Kodi to version 18.5 Leia, which makes it possible to include useful addons such as Netflix and Amazon Video. Which I’ve done. Study all included packages in RaspEX Kodi.

Performance
It runs very well on a the new Raspberry Pi 4. I.e. fast and responsive. Especially on the Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB RAM – released June 24, 2019. RaspEX Kodi Build 200206 can also run on Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Raspberry 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. I’ve included an extra kernel for that. The system will automatically determine which Raspberry Pi you are using and load the correct kernel.

Used kernels
1) 4.19.102-exton-v7l+ (for Rpi4)
2) 4.19.102-raspex-v7+ (for Rpi3 and Rpi2)
The system will automatically determine which Raspberry Pi you are using and load the correct kernel.

How do I install RaspEX Kodi in Windows?
Just like any other Raspberry Pi system. I.e.: Unpack the downloaded ZIP file (raspex-rpi4-kodi18.5-lxde-netflix-plex-amazon-video-2460mb-200210.zip) and transfer the IMAGE file (raspex-rpi4-kodi18.5-lxde-netflix-plex-amazon-video-6400mb-200210.img) to your Micro SD card of at least 8GB. For that you shall use Rufus 3.8 in Windows.

Install/experiment with extra Kodi Builds in RaspEX Kodi
On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 27 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds February 2020. I have tried three of them myself. No Limits Magic, Diggz Xenon and Innovation. They are very easy to install and work very well. Perhaps you’ll find your own favorite!

Compatibility :: February 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 (200206) only upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX Kodi, RaspArch and RaspEX with OpenCPN. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 4.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Running Kodi
2. The LXDE Desktop logged in as the ordinary user pi
3. Netflix running showing very good video quality
4. YouTube running showing very good video quality
5. Choosing program addons in Kodi
6. The LXDE Desktop logged in as root (super admin)
7. Kodi system info
8. VLC running showing very good video quality
9. Samba connection with a Windows computer

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)!

exGENT (Gentoo) 64bit Live DVD/USB with LXQt 0.14.1, Calamares Installer and kernel 5.3.7-aufs-exgent – Build 200119 – can be installed in 2 min!

NEWS 200119 about exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit
I’ve made a new version of exGENT with only a few necessary packages pre-installed. It uses LXQt 0.14.1 as Desktop environment and kernel 5.3.7-aufs-exgent. The ISO file is of 1720 MB. Despite this exGENT version 200119 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox and VMware. Faster than most other Linux live systems. I call my new version exGENT 2020 LXQt Live DVD/USB. It replaces version 180414, 170407 and 170412. Those versions were too old for upgrading. I had to start over and build version 200119 from “scratch”. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 200119. Study the full package list.

What’s new in exGENT Build 200119?
The boot loader Grub Legacy has been replaced by Grub2. In exGENT versions before 170309 the file system wasn’t writable when running exGENT live (from DVD). Now you can emerge (install) new programs/packages even while running the system from a DVD or USB stick. If you do that and later decide to install exGENT to hard drive all your changes will follow! (That is if you use the install scripts in /root/install). Furthermore you can install/transfer exGENT to a USB stick with the dd command in Linux or use Rufus or Etcher in Windows. Such installations were impossible before. NOTE: I have not installed Google Chrome. It’s not needed anymore, since Netflix nowadays runs very well in Firefox. About the LXQt Desktop environment: 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. MOST IMPORTANT: Now you can install exGENT to hard drive in two ways. You can still use the install scrips in /root/install. That is the best way to install exGENT on non UEFI computers for example VirtualBox and VMware. The second way is to use Calamares Installer- see below.

Calamares Installer

In exGENT Build 200119 I’ve also included the Calamares Installer version 3.2.17.1 (latest). Use it preferably if you need to install Grub on UEFI computers. You can, however, also use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware. See a slideshow below when I have used Calamares on a UEFI computer to install exGENT on a USB stick.



If you can’t watch the slideshow in your browser watch this animated GIF.

exGENT Build 200119 is a non Systemd system

exGENT uses OpenRC 0.42.1 init system instead of Systemd. Comparison of different init systems: Read this article.

exGENT Build 200119 unique?
If you have a look at Gentoo’s download site you will notice that the latest Gentoo live system is from 20160704 (!?). Furthermore there are only a few other distros based on Gentoo. The most well-known are Funtoo Linux and Sabayon Linux. Funtoo isn’t a live system. Sabayon is a live system distributed with different Desktops variants. (Not with LXQt though). I have tried some of them on the computers I have access to. None of Sabayon’s variants could run live. Not even in VirtualBox and VMware. My guess is that exGENT has better hardware recognition than Sabayon.

WHO IS exGENT/Gentoo FOR?
Experienced Linux users or those who really want to learn Linux. (Perhaps also for people who are bored with mainstream distributions like Ubuntu).

Screenshots

1. exGENT Build 200119 – root’s Desktop
2. exGENT running Spotify

3. exGENT running Calamares in VirtualBox
4. exGENT running in VirtualBox
5. exGENT running in VMware
6. exGENT Build 200119 – live’s Desktop

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)!

LFA (Linux For All) 64bit Build 191111 with LXDE, TeamViewer, Google Chrome, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.4.0-rc6-exton

About Linux For All (LFA) Build 191111
The system is based on Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS and Debian. It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system.

Why Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS?
Ubuntu 18.04 is supported until April 2023. Ubuntu 19.10 is supported until July 2020 only.

NEWS ABOUT LFA Build 191111

1. This is a very BIG system (2120MB). All packages the ordinary Linux user can wish for are pre-installed. Study the full packages list.
2. Kernel 5.4.0-rc6-exton is used.
3. I have installed Nvidia’s latest proprietary graphics driver 440.31.
4. The Desktop environment is LXDEDesigned to be user friendly and slim, while keeping the resource usage low.
5. The main Web Browser is Google Chrome. So you can watch Netflix! Another advantage with Google Chrome is that you will get all your bookmarks if you log in with your Gmail account.
6. I have included Refracta tools (Refracta Snapshot) to make it possible for you to create your own installable Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS Live DVD once you have installed LFA to hard drive. This is done in the easiest possible way!
7. Use TeamViewer (pre-installed) to control your Windows computers from LFA. Or control LFA from your Windows computers.

What’s new in kernel 5.4?

Using TeamViewer
Use TeamViewer (pre-installed) to control your Windows computers from LFA. Or control LFA from your Windows computers.
Screenshot 1 – LFA “running” Windows 10
Screenshot 2 – Windows 10 “running” LFA
How to use TeamViewer – A Complete Guide…

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – LFA “running” Windows 10 with TeamViewer
Screenshot 2 – Windows 10 “running” LFA with TeamViewer
Screenshot 3 – LFA running Samba to reach Windows computers
Screenshot 4 – LFA running Google Chrome and Netflix
Screenshot 5 – TeamViewer setup in LFA
Screenshot 6 – Running Nvidia Settings

READ MORE…

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

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Pie 9.0 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Oreo 8.1 (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)!

ExTiX 19.10, Build 191023, with LXQt 0.14.1, Refracta Snapshot, Nvidia 430.50 and kernel 5.3.7-extix

ExTiX 19.10 LXQt – Build 191023
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 19.10 LXQt Live DVD. (The previous LXQt version was 19.5 from 190508). The best thing with ExTiX 19.10 is that while running the system live (from DVD/USB) or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. So easy that a ten year child can do it! One other very good thing with this version of ExTiX is that it is quite light. The ISO file is of only 1200 MB, which means that you can run the system super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick. Use Boot alternative 2 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM. Nvidia’s proprietary Graphics driver 430.50 is pre-installed in ExTiX 19.10. It will automatically be used if your computer has support for it

ABOUT
ExTiX 19.10
LXQt DVD 64 bit is based on Debian and Ubuntu 19.10. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed LXQt 0.14.1. 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. NOTE: This ExTiX LXQt Build is for installation to UEFI-enabled computers. You shall use Refracta Installer for that.

The system language is ENGLISH.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX LXQt – root’s Desktop
2. ExTiX LXQt – live’s Desktop
3. Using Refracta Installer – chroot for installing Grub
4. live’s Desktop using the Nvidia Graphics driver
5. Connection with a Windows computer via PCManFM-Qt

READ MORE…

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

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Pie 9.0 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Oreo 8.1 (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)!

Create a bootable USB drive with persistence using Mkusb – only for Ubuntu

  OSTechNix has written an excellent article about How to create persistent live USB on Ubuntu.

I’ve tried Mkusb today and it works perfectly well. Unfortunately not on my derivatives of Ubuntu. I.e. all ExTiX versions.  That’s because they are made with Refracta Snapshot. You’ll have to use an Ubuntu original ISO image. I myself used eoan-desktop-amd64.iso (Ubuntu 19.10). As promised I could save all system changes directly on the stick. Persistence! Watch a slideshow below showing the install process.


So I can strongly recommend Mkusb!

SlackEX 14.2 64bit – Build 191007 – with Refracta Snapshot (so that you can create your very own live installable Slackware system)

About SlackEX 14.2, 64 bit, Build 191007

Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993. In comparison with for example Ubuntu and Linux Mint, many people believe that Slackware is “difficult”. Any novice can quickly learn to use Ubuntu they say. My remaster of Slackware Current (14.2), which I call SlackEX 14.2/Current 64 bit Linux Live DVD, is however just as easy to use as Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint. Some tend to complain that the Program Management in Slackware is awkward. That was perhaps earlier the case, but not anymore. Now we have the Application Managers Slackpkg and GSlapt – a GTK version of slapt-get. They are a piece of cake to use! Users of Synaptic will feel at ease with GSlapt.

New features in version 191007 of SlackEX
I have replaced kernel 4.14.8-x86_64-efi-exton with kernel 5.3.0-exton so that Refracta Snapshot can be used. Using Refracta Snapshot you can change everything and create your very own live installable Slackware system. Read more about Refracta below. Xfce 4 is used as Desktop environment.  Furthermore I have installed Grub2, which can be used as boot loader (if you want) after a hard drive install using Refracta Installer. A lot of other Slackware packages are pre-installed. Study the full package LIST. Note: I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better.

Watch Refracta Snapshot in action below.


Why Slackware?
Slackware is grossly underestimated (in my opinion). This article give you ten (10) reasons to choose Slackware.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop when Refracta Installer has started
Screenshot 2 – live’s Desktop with GSlapt running
Screenshot 3 – Refracta Snapshot has started
Screenshot 4 – Boot screen when running live
Screenshot 5 – Boot screen when running from hard drive
Screenshot 6 – SlackEX running from hard drive in VMware Workstation 15 Player when VMware Tools have been installed

READ MORE…

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

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Pie 9.0 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Oreo 8.1 (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)!