Category Archives: Raspberry Pi systems

exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX Kodi Rpi3 with LXDE/OSMC Desktops and Kodi 18 RC5 Media Center “Leia” with Netflix, Plex and Amazon Video addons – Build 190117

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ABOUT RaspEX Kodi
RaspEX Kodi Build 190117 with LXDE/OSMC Desktops is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. OSMC is based on Debian and Kodi Media Center. In RaspEX Kodi I’ve added the LXDE Desktop with many useful applications such as Wicd and NetworkManager. Makes it easy to configure your wireless network. I’ve also upgraded OSMC to a BETA version (Kodi 18 RC5 Leia), which makes it possible to include useful addons such as Netflix, Plex and Amazon Video. Which I’ve done. Kodi 18 RC5 was released 190114. Study all included packages in RaspEX Kodi.

Kernel
Kernel 4.20.1-exton is used.

RaspEX Kodi performance
RaspEX Kodi is a very fast and responsive Rpi system. Much due to very low memory (RAM) usage. About 100 MB as this screenshot shows. I’ve said that RaspEX LXDE Build 181015 is very fast. RaspEX Kodi with OSMC Desktop is even faster especially if you use the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ to run it. The video and sound quality is also very very good. Even while running RaspEX Kodi on big TV screens. I.e. you can really enjoy Netflix and YouTube running on your Rpi mini computer!

SCREENSHOTS
1. Running Kodi
2. The LXDE Desktop logged in as the ordinary user osmc
3. The LXDE Desktop logged in as root (superadmin)
4. Netflix running showing very good video quality – 1
5. Netflix running showing very good video quality – 2
6. YouTube running showing very good video quality
7. Choosing program addons in Kodi
8. RaspEX Kodi OSMC running INFO

DOWNLOAD
This RaspEX build can’t be downloaded anymore. I have, however, made a replacement for Build 190117.
RaspEX Kodi Build 190124 is a replacement for RaspEX Kodi with OSMC, which was released 190117. Sam Nazarko (founder of OSMC) contacted me 190118 claiming that I was “violating” his rights to the trademark OSMC and the rules in GPLv2. I don’t think I did, but I’m also very tired. Therefore I made a new version of RaspEX Kodi without any traces of OSMC. I would say that my new version is as good as the old one. I.e. excellent video and sound performance both in Kodi and LXDE.

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX OSMC Rpi3 with LXDE Desktop and Kodi 18 Media Center “Leia” with Netflix, Plex and Amazon Video addons – Build 181223

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ABOUT RaspEX OSMC
RaspEX OSMC Build 181223 is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. OSMC is based on Debian and Kodi Media Center. In RaspEX OSMC I’ve added the LXDE Desktop with many useful applications such as Wicd and NetworkManager. Makes it easy to configure your wireless network. I’ve also upgraded OSMC to a BETA version (Kodi 18 Leia), which makes it possible to include useful addons such as Netflix, Plex and Amazon Video. Which I’ve done. Study all included packages in RaspEX OSMC.

About OSMC (short for Open Source Media Center) and the difference between RaspEX OSMC and OSMC original
OSMC is based on Debian and Kodi Media Center. It is an embedded, minimal, self updating Linux distributing which ships a Kodi front-end for a variety of devices. The project was founded by Sam Nazarko in 2014 and is maintained by a group of volunteers in their spare time. OSMC can be downloaded for free for all supported platforms on their official Download page. So OSMC has no real Linux Desktop. After the boot process and some configurations are ready you will end up directly in Kodi. Running RaspEX OSMC you will immediately end up at LightDM‘s login page – see below how it will look. From there you can log in to the LXDE Desktop as the ordinary user osmc or as root. Passwords: osmc/root. As user osmc you can alternatively log in directly to Kodi 18. After the first boot you should, however, chose to log in to the LXDE Desktop and use Wicd and/or NetworkManager for configuring your network connection. The big difference between OSMC and RaspEX OSMC is that Kodi 18 Leia is pre-installed in RaspEX OSMC together with some really useful addons (Netflix, Plex and Amazon Video). Those addons need Widevine to run. While you are logged in to the LXDE Desktop you can use Synaptic Package Manager to install all extra packages you may need. Since OSMC/RaspEX OSMC is based on Debian you’ll have about 30000 packages to chose between.

Kodi 18 in action – see below…


RaspEX OSMC performance
RaspEX OSMC is a very fast and responsive Rpi system. Much due to very low memory (RAM) usage. About 100 MB as this screenshot shows. I’ve said that RaspEX LXDE Build 181015 is very fast. RaspEX OSMC is even faster especially if you use the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ to run it. The video and sound quality is also very very good. Even while running RaspEX OSMC on big TV screens. I.e. you can really enjoy Netflix and YouTube running on your Rpi mini computer!

SCREENSHOTS
1. Running Kodi
2. The LXDE Desktop logged in as osmc
3. The LXDE Desktop logged in as root
4. Wicd running before entering Kodi
5. Netflix running showing very good video quality – 1
6. Netflix running showing very good video quality – 2
7. YouTube running showing very good video quality
8. Choosing video addons in Kodi

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

FedEX Rpi3 (Fedora 29) for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Model B+ :: Build 181206

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NEWS 181206: FedEX Rpi3 for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Model B+ is a “remaster” of the Fedora Project’s Fedora 29 build for ARM

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized ARM based single board computer (SBC). Fedora supports the the Raspberry Pi Model B versions 2 and 3 in all current Fedora releases, the 3+ is supported in Fedora 29 without any requirement of third party kernels or scripts to adjust official images.

FAQ
The documentation on Fedora Project ARM includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about what is supported and what isn’t.

Why a remaster of the original Fedora 29 image?
The original Fedora 29 system uses the Gnome desktop. Since the Raspberry Pi 3 computer only has 1GB RAM Gnome is way to “heavy” to run smoothly. I have therefore in my remaster FedEX removed most of the Gnome applications and replaced the Gnome desktop environment with LXDE. LXDE, which stands for Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment, is a desktop environment which is lightweight and fast. It is designed to be user friendly and slim, while keeping the resource usage low. LXDE uses less RAM and less CPU while being a feature rich desktop environment. Furthermore I have “blacklisted” newer kernels than the one installed now, which is 4.18.16-300-fc29. Using newer Fedora kernels you won’t have a Wifi connection no matter what you do.

Study all installed packages in FedEX…

FedEX PERFORMANCE
Despite using LXDE the FedEX system is not very fast. When running YouTube in Firefox you’ll even have to be a bit patient. For some unknown reason the system performs slightly better when logged in as root. The original Fedora 29 Rpi 3 system has the same problem. If you want to run a real fast system on your Rpi 3 Model B+ computer you should go for RaspEX with BunsenLabs Build 181010 or RaspEX with LXDE Build 181022. A member on raspex.exton.se wrote this “review” the other day: In three days I´ve tried out different Linux distros on a laptop and on my rpi3b, “pure Ubuntu”, Kali, RaspArch, Arch and yours. Finally it feels right on my Rpi with RaspEX, easy to install and with only “2 problems” you get 9/10 (rootfs.sh and no_pubkey). After spending like 14 hours yesterday trying to install Arch on a HP-laptop, with both manual tutorial and some git-hub-pro-script, failing Big Time, this was a relief. Took me like 15min. Kali + HP = nice. RPI + RaspEX = love!

WHO SHOULD RUN FedEX Rpi3/Fedora 29 for Raspberry Pi 3?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

Compatibility :: December 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ 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, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1, EXTON OpSuS Rpi, FedEX Rpi3 and RaspArch. I have until now (181126) upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspArch, EXTON OpSuS Rpi, FedEX Rpi3 and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

SCREENSHOTS
FedEX’s LXDE Desktop
DNF running
Firefox and Conky running

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

EXTON OpSuS Rpi (openSUSE Tumbleweed) for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ with XFCE and kernel 4.19.1-1 – Build 181126

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News 181126 about EXTON OpSuS Rpi
I’ve made a “remaster” of openSUSE’s Tumbleweed image  for Raspberry Pi 3 with the XFCE Desktop and many other more or less necessary packages. Study the full package list.

The Raspberry Pi 3 is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It’s a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video.

Why a remaster of the original openSUSE image?
I did it mostly because it’s fun. My version has one big advantage though since you can enjoy sound. Good if you like YouTube for example. I’ve also added some “necessary” packages and prevented installations of all KDE packages. Watch this screenshot. KDE is way to heavy to run on the Rpi computer.

EXTON OpSuS Rpi Tumbleweed’s performance
The system is not very fast. When running YouTube in Firefox you’ll even have to be a bit patient. Especially if you don’t create a SWAP partition as I’ve described on the INFO site. With a SWAP partition the system will function better. It will still not be fast, but faster. For some unknown reason the system performs slightly better when logged in as root. The original openSUSE Rpi system has the same problem. If you want to run a real fast system on your Rpi 3 Model B+ computer you should go for RaspEX with BunsenLabs Build 181010 or RaspEX with LXDE Build 181022. A member on raspex.exton.se wrote this “review” the other day: In three days I´ve tried out different Linux distros on a laptop and on my rpi3b, “pure Ubuntu”, Kali, RaspArch, Arch and yours. Finally it feels right on my Rpi with RaspEX, easy to install and with only “2 problems” you get 9/10 (rootfs.sh and no_pubkey). After spending like 14 hours yesterday trying to install Arch on a HP-laptop, with both manual tutorial and some git-hub-pro-script, failing Big Time, this was a relief. Took me like 15min. Kali + HP = nice. RPI + RaspEX = love!

About openSUSE Tumbleweed
The Tumbleweed distribution is a pure rolling release version of openSUSE containing the latest stable versions of all software instead of relying on rigid periodic release cycles. The project does this for users that want the newest stable software.

WHO should run EXTON OpSuS Rpi/openSUSE?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

Compatibility :: November 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ 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, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1, EXTON OpSuS Rpi and RaspArch. I have until now (181126) upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspArch, EXTON OpSuS Rpi and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

SCREENSHOTS
The XFCE Desktop when logged in as the ordinary user live
The XFCE Desktop when logged in as root (superadmin)

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX especially for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ – based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – with OpenCPN 4.8.8 pre-installed ::: Build 181120

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raspex-16.04-opencpn-4.4.0-touchscreen-20160702-smallRaspEX – Build 181120 based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – with OpenCPN 4.8.8 (latest stable version released 181107) – especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but it can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

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.

Replacement
This build (181120) replaces build 180331. Ubuntu has been upgraded to version 18.04 LTS and OpenCPN to version 4.8.8 – latest stable version released 181107. RaspEX Build 181120 is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

ABOUT RaspEX Build 181120
RaspEX is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Model B+ and Pi 2 model B. It is based on Debian Stretch (Debian 9), Bionic Beaver (Ubuntu 18.04 LTS) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (181120) I’ve installed OpenCPN 4.8.8 from source.

Read this OpenCPN Review….

Kernel
Kernel 4.14.80-v7 is used.

About SSH, PuTTY, Samba, VNC4Server and VNC Viewer
SSH, Samba and VNC4Server are pre-installed in RaspEX Build 181120. You need to install PuTTy and and VNC Viewer in your Windows system if you want to connect to RaspEX/Raspberry Pi 3/2 from Windows. (Please read the developers information about how to configure PuTTy and VNC Viewer).

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”.

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Stretch) 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 Model B) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. RaspEX Build 181022, 181010 (with BunsenLabs Desktop) and 181120 (current with OpenCPN) are of course even faster, especially if you run the systems on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer.

SCREENSHOTS
1. RaspEX version 181120 running OpenCPN as the ordinary user raspex
2. RaspEX version 181120 running OpenCPN as root
3. OpenCPN 4.4.0 running on the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi (old version OpenCPN)
4. OpenCPN 4.4.0 – Boston (old version OpenCPN)
5. OpenCPN World Map (old version of OpenCPN)
6. OpenCPN Florida – Cape Canaveral (old version of OpenCPN)
7. OpenCPN New York – Approaches to New York (old version of OpenCPN)
8. OpenCPN Stockholm Archipelago (old version of OpenCPN)

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Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!

exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspArch Build 181117 :: Run Arch Linux on your new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer :: Install using Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher in Windows!

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This version (181117) is my seventh build of RaspArch
The first version is from 150414. The second is from 151107. The third is from 160312 specially made for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. The fourth version is from 161205. The fifth version is from 171102. The sixth version is from 180402. This version (181117) is especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, but it can of course also be used on a 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 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Yaourt and Gimp the system increased a lot. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

Most important change in version 181117: Use Win32 Disk Imager
This version can be installed in Windows using Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher. Previous versions could only be installed when running a Linux system. Using Win32 Disk Imager has one disadvantage though. Only about 1GB can be used as data storage no matter which card you use. The system is of 3GB and the system partition of 4GB. If you use a card of 32GB about 28GB will be unused. Yesterday a member on this site wrote about how to get rid of the 1GB limit after Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher has been used:
– write the image with Win32 Disk Imager
– start up Ubuntu or another Linux system – you can also use a Linux Live CD/USB stick
– start GParted – screenshot before resizing
– screenshot during resizing
– resize the DATA partition – screenshot after resizing
– done!
This screenshot shows that RaspArch now has about 25GB free storage.

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 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…

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of RaspArch’s Desktop – YouTube running
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – Wicd running
Screenshot 3 – Yaourt running (while installing Geany)
Screenshot 4 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX based on Ubuntu 18.10 with LXDE, kernel 4.14.76-v8+ (64 bit), Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth – Build 181022

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NEWS 181022
I’ve made an extra version of RaspEX LXDE. RaspEX Build 181022 uses a 64 bit kernel – 4.14.76-v8+. You can very easy switch back to the original 32 bit kernel (4.14.74-v7+) if you don’t find the 64 bit kernel useful. Since the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and B+ only have 1GB RAM it’s perhaps useless to run a 64 bit kernel, but who knows…

View all installed packages in RaspEX – Build 181022

First things to do after installing RaspEX Build 181022
1. You won’t be automatically logged in to LXDE because the system is “full” (100 %). Log in to LXDE from Slim’s login page as root with password root.
2. Start up a terminal and run the command sh resize_rootfs.sh. Before that you can’t do anything because the system is full as this screenshot shows. After that all the space on the SD card will be used. Everything will be alright then.
3. Run the command dphys-swapfile setup
A SWAP file of 2 GB will be created. Then run the command dphys-swapfile swapon. Very useful if you want to run many programs at the same time.

When you have done step 1 – 3 you can use RaspEX Build 181022 in the same way as Build 181015. If you (for some reason) don’t like the 64 bit kernel (4.14.76-v8+) you can very easy change back to the original 32 bit kernel. Just edit /boot/config.txt to look like this (in relevant parts) and reboot your Raspberry Pi.

#####################################################
### 64 bit exton 181022
#device_tree=dtbs/4.14.76-v8+/broadcom/bcm2710-rpi-3-b-plus.dtb
#overlay_prefix=dtbs/4.14.76-v8+/overlays/
#kernel=kernel8.img
### end exton

### 32 bit exton 181022
kernel=kernel7.img
# end exton
#####################################################

Another good thing is that Ubuntu 18.10 now has been released in a stable version. All packages in RaspEX Build 181022 are (of course) in latest version as of 181022.

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX based on Ubuntu 18.10 with LXDE, kernel 4.14.74, Raspotify, RealVNC, PuTTy, Samba and Bluetooth – Build 181015

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NEWS 181015 about RaspEX with LXDE based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 18.10
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 4.14.30-v7+ with kernel 4.14.74-v7+. RaspEX Build 181015 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2. It is based on Debian 9 Stretch, (upcoming) Ubuntu 18.10 Cosmic Cuttlefish and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (181015) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager. Both Firefox ESR and Chromium are pre-installed. I have also installed Samba and RealVNC 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), PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube and Raspotify – Raspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi  that just works. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 181015.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model 3 B+: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B? The tiny computer is supposed to be faster and better in every way, including upgraded processor speed, wireless internet, and Ethernet connections.

Softpedia review
RaspEX version 181010 with BunsenLabs was reviewed by Softpedia 181010.

Compatibility :: October 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ 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, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 and RaspArch. I have until now (181015) upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspArch and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

How to use Raspotify
Raspotify (Raspotify is a Spotify Connect client for Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi
that just works) is pre-installed and immediately ready for connections. You’ll need a
Spotify Premium account in order to connect to for example your mobile phone running Spotify.
1. Screenshot of my mobile phone showing Devices available when RaspEX is running
2. Screenshot of my mobile phone showing the possibility to connect to Raspotify
3. Screenshot of my mobile phone when Raspotify is connected and running

THE IMPORTANCE of RaspEX LXDE now being based on Ubuntu 18.10 (UNSTABLE/DEVELOPMENT)
I don’t think it is too important since RaspEX doesn’t use complicated Desktop Environments like KDE, Gnome or Unity. Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I haven’t discovered any bugs to report. Besides Ubuntu 18.10 will be released 181018 in a stable version. The FinalFreeze was already 181011 though.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop 181015
Screenshot 2 – raspex’s Desktop 181015
Screenshot 3 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy
Screenshot 5 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC-viewer
Screenshot 6 – RaspEX using Pavucontrol (for sound control)
Screenshot 7 – RaspEX running SMPlayer
Screenshot 8 – RaspEX running the Bluetooth Manager
Screenshot 9 – RaspEX running Raspotify
Screenshot 10 – Resizing system and creating SWAP space

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exton, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX Build 181010 especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ with the very fast BunsenLabs Helium Desktop

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NEWS 181010 about RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2
I’ve made a new extra version of RaspEX with BunsenLabs Helium Desktop. BunsenLabs Linux is a distribution offering a light-weight and easily customizable Openbox desktop. The project is a community continuation of CrunchBang Linux. The current release is Helium, derived from Debian 9 (Stretch). My new RaspEX BunsenLabs Build is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 2. It is based on Debian 9 Stretch, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). BunsenLabs Openbox Desktop is even faster than LXDE, which is used as Desktop environment in RaspEX Build 180328. In this new version (181010) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager and replaced Firefox with the Chromium Web Browser and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube.

Study all installed packages in RaspEX BunsenLabs Build 181010.

Compatibility :: October 2018
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 3 and 2 will run on the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ 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, RaspAnd Marshmallow, RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.2, RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 and RaspArch. I have until now (181010) upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspArch and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+…

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Stretch) 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 Model B) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. If you use the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ it will be even faster! Especially if you run RaspEX Build 181010 with BunsenLabs and Openbox.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop 181010
Screenshot 2 – raspex’s Desktop 181010
Screenshot 3 – RaspEX running YouTube
Screenshot 4 – RaspEX choosing wallpaper

READ MORE…

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

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!

exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 180928 with Refracta Tools (so you can create your own Debian Pixel system)

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NEWS 180928 about Raspberry Pi Debian Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
My second Debian Pixel Build from is from 170428 . My third build is from 180316. Study all included packages – latest by 180928. I’ve added NetworkManager and also Wicd, which makes it easier to configure wireless connections. Choose the one which works for you.

NEWS 180920 – a YouTube video about Debian Pixel
I’ve discovered a YouTube video about my Debian Pixel Build 170425. The video is called Debian Pixel..Exton forks it for you..
This video is of course also valid for Build 180928. By watching the video you can learn a lot about Debian Pixel’s features.

Most important changes in Build 180928
This build replaces version 161223 , 170425 and 180316 . I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Jessie to Stretch – Debian stable. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 3.16.0-4-686-pae to 4.9.0-9-686-pae. I’ve also included kernel 4.9.0-9-686, which shall be used on older computers. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. Firefox have been installed so you’ll have a browser when logged in as root. You can’t run Chromium as root. Another good thing about Firefox is that you can use it to watch Netflix movies.

OLD NEWS FROM 161223
On December 22, 2016 I read that the Raspberry Pi Foundation had announced the release of a new PIXEL image that can be booted on a PC or Mac. Study this site. I saw immediately that there was no installer included, which I thought was a little disappointing. Come to think of Refracta tools, which work very well in Debian and Ubuntu. I quickly made a “remix” of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. My remix thus include Refracta tools. This means that you can easily install the system to hard drive and you can just as easily make your own remix of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. I’ve added a few packages. Most important Synaptic, which I find essential.

About the PIXEL Desktop
Raspbian had its biggest update ever in September, 2016, thanks to a dazzling new desktop environment called PIXEL. Raspbian with PIXEL (which stands for “Pi Improved Xwindow Environment, Lightweight”) is a huge software update to the desktop environment. It introduces a crisp new interface, and is brimming with new programs and features.

VirtualBox and VMware
My build/image works very well in VirtualBox and VMware. I.e. you can run the system directly from the ISO file and also install it to a virtual hard drive. You can of course also make your own Raspbian/Debian system with the the PIXEL Desktop using Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed).

KERNEL
Kernel 4.9.0-9-686-pae is used in Build 180928. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. If you want to run the system (which is 32bit) on older computers you shall use kernel 4.9.0-9-686, which also is included.

Login and passwords
Log in to the PIXEL Desktop as the ordinary user pi or as root. The passwords are raspberrypi respectively root. When logged in as pi you can use Sudo to become root. (Command: sudo su). When running Debian Pixel live (from a DVD or a USB stick) you’ll end up (after the boot process) logged in automatically as the user pi in X (PIXEL Desktop).

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that this build can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run the system that way. I.e. superfast!

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed) to create your own installable Debian PIXEL system once you have installed my build to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. Start Refracta from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta snapshot. You don’t even have to install my build to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian PIXEL system while running my build from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO file) will only take 20 – 60 min! Please edit the configuration file /etc/refractasnapshot.conf first. Change line 45 and 46. I.e. decide where you want the ISO file to be build. The whole thing is very simple. NOTE: You can also do everything in VirtualBox or VMware. Use FileZilla (pre-installed) to transfer your new ISO file to your server.

Install to Debian PIXEL hard drive
Just start Refracta Installer from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta Installer and follow the instructions. Very simple.

Install Debian PIXEL to a USB stick
You can use Rufus in Windows. Persistence can’t be enabled though. You can also use UNetbootin in Windows or Linux. The best way to do it is to burn Debian PIXEL to a DVD, start up the system from the DVD and then use Refracta Installer for the installation. Choose to install Grub in MBR on /dev/sdb. (Normally your USB stick, but check it carefully!) I.e. you will get a chance to choose between /dev/sda and /dev/sdb. This method will (of course) give you perfect persistence.

Watch the slideshow below showing the Refracta installation process in Debian PIXEL.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 2 – Refracta Snapshot has started
Screenshot 3 – Refracta Installer has started in VMware
Screenshot 4 – Wireless connection with NetworkManager and Wicd (installed in Build 170425, 180316 and 180928)
Screenshot 5 – Wifi connection using NetworkManager – in detail

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This build of Debian PIXEL has been replaced by Build 190705…
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