exton, LINUX

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

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  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!

exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

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

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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)!

exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX KDE Plasma based on Debian testing/unstable with kernel 5.3.0-exton and Calamares Installer – “the real McCoy” – Build 190923

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Created with GIMP

NEWS 190923 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD – efi. It replaces version 190407. It’s a pure Debian system. (Unstable/Experimental). I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE Plasma uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 5:14 as Desktop environment. Kernel 5.3.0-exton (5.3) is used. I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. I have replaced Google Chrome with Iceweasel 52.9 (for Netflix). 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 190923. Study the full package list. MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE: I have added Calamares 3.2.13-1 Installer Framework. Now you can choose language when the installation starts. When it’s ready everything will be in your chosen language! You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers if you follow my INSTRUCTION for non-efi computers. You can also use Refracta Installer. Preferably in VirtualBox/VMware (non-efi computers).

MOVIE about Calamares Installer
Watch a movie about the Calamares installation process in VirtualBox.

What’s new in kernel 5.3?

THE REAL McCoy
DebEX KDE is a pure Debian system. I.e. no traces of Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc. New releases of Ubuntu are always based on Debian unstable. So is DebEX.

SCREENSHOTS
Root’s Desktop in version 190923 of DebEX KDE
User’s Desktop in version 190923 of DebEX KDE
Calamares Installer is running

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)!

Android, exton, Exton Linux distributions

Android-x86_64 Pie 9.0 with GAPPS (Google Play Store etc.), Aurora Store, F-Droid and Netflix – Build 190912

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NEWS 190912 about AndEX Pie 9.0 with GAPPS
A new build of AndEX Pie is ready. It has GAPPS (Google Play Store etc), Aurora Store, F-Droid, Netflix and many other apps pre-installed. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex_x86_64-pie-9.0-gapps-netflix-1600mb-190912.iso can be installed to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 9.0 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. The sound and video performance is generally very very good. Google Play Store works very well in this build of AndEX Pie. So does the Netflix and Spotify app. I’ve also included two extra app stores – Aurora Store and F-Droid. Use them if you can’t find the app you’re looking for using Google Play Store. NOTE: Doing a manual installation is not necessary as regards AndEX Pie Build 190912. The system’s install function work very well.

Screenshot – AndEX Pie Build 190912 – the Desktop with many nice apps pre-installed.

MORE ABOUT AndEX Pie
My new compiled Android-x86_64 system (Pie 9.0) can run and 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. You can (of course) also run AndEX in VirtualBox and/or VMware. I can also mention that I could run my new Pie version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. You can very easy do a “normal” or manual installation to hard drive. A manual installation can also be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 19.04) installed.

Android Pie 9.0 was released 180806.

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 Pie Build 190912 many new apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store, Aurora Store or F-Droid. You can even install very big games (of 1GB or so), but unfortunately almost all such games need a touchscreen. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Pie 9.0 Desktop 190912 with GAPPS
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Pie 9.0 running Google Play Store
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Pie 9.0 running Aurora Store
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Pie 9.0 running F-Droid
Screenshot 5 – AndEX Pie 9.0 running Netflix

READ MORE…

Android, exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspAnd Pie 9 for Raspberry Pi 3 B and B+ :: Build 190903 :: with Google Chrome, YouTube, Evie Launcher, Aurora Store and F-Droid. All working very well!

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RaspAnd Pie 9 for Raspberry Pi 3 B and B+ :: Build 190903 :: with Google Chrome,YouTube, Aurora Store and F-Droid – Free and Open Source Android App Repository. NOTE: Aurora and F-Droid are replacements for Yalp Store and Aptoide App Manager. Yalp doesn’t work anymore. Aptoide works very well in RaspAnd Pie, but I had no room for it in this build. You can, however, easily install Aptoide yourself.

About Raspberry Pi 4
This build (RaspAnd Pie 190903) doesn’t work on the new Raspberry Pi 4. You can also not yet find another build (with Android) which works on the Raspberry Pi 4 computer.

ABOUT RaspAnd Pie 9 Build 190903
RaspAnd Pie 9 runs very well on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and 3 Model B+. I.e. the system is pretty responsive if you use a micro SD card of good quality. RaspAnd Pie has the following apps pre-installed: Google Chrome, Aurora Store, F-Droid, Aida64, Rotation Control Pro, Evie Launcher, Termux, ES File Explorer. Unfortunately not Google Play Store, but Aurora and F-Droid work as good replacements for it.

About Aurora Store
Aurora Store is an alternate to Google’s Play Store, with an elegant design, using Aurora you can download apps, update existing apps, search for apps, get details about in-app trackers, spoof your location and much more. So Aurora Store works as a pretty good replacement for Google Play Store. I think.

About F-Droid
F-Droid is an installable catalogue of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications for the Android platform. The client makes it easy to browse, install, and keep track of updates on your device.

About GetJar
The worlds biggest Open App Store for Android. If you can’t find the app you want on at Aurora or F-Droid you can always try with GetJar. Just download the APK file and install it!

SCREENSHOTS
1. The new Desktop using Evie Launcher
2. Using Aurora Store
3. The Desktop after first boot
4. Changing wallpaper with ES File Manager
5. Installing Spotify with Aptoide – (Spotify works very well and you can install Aptoide if you want to)
6. Running Spotify
7. Running Termux – you can use Apt!
8. WiFi Settings – (WiFi works very well)
9. AIDA64 running showing the system info

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExTiX Deepin 19.8 live based on Deepin 15.11 (latest) with Skype, Spotify, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.3.0-rc6 (latest) :: Build 190828

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NEWS 190828 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (190828). This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 15.11 released by Deepin Technology 190719.

NEW FUNCTIONS etc
1.You can run ExTiX from RAM. Use boot alternative 3 (load to RAM) or Advanced. A wonderful way to run Linux if you have enough RAM. Everything will be super fast. When ExTiX has booted up you can remove the DVD or USB stick.
2. You will have the opportunity to choose language before you enter the Deepin 15.11 Desktop. All main languages are supported.
3. I have replaced Deepin Installer with the Reborn version of Deepin Installer. Better in every way.
4. I have replaced kernel 5.0.8-extix with kernel 5.3.0-rc6-exton. Kernel 5.3.0-rc6 was released 190826.
5. Spotify and Skype are pre-installed.
6. You can watch Netflix while running Google Chrome.

MORE NEWS 190828 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin 19.8
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.3.0-rc6-exton. Deepin 15.11 (latest version released 190719) is made in China. Deepin is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. Previous versions of ExTiX Deepin were based on Debian and Ubuntu. ExTiX 19.8 is a live build of Deepin 15.11, which is based on Debian unstable. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as of today. Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 19.8 Build 190828. So ExTiX 19.8 is based on Deepin 15.11 and Debian unstable. I may add that there is no other live version of Deepin 15.11 (as far as I know).

Replacement
ExTiX Deepin 19.8 replaces ExTiX 19.4.

The Ultimate Linux System
I’ve called my different versions of ExTiX The Ultimate Linux System for many years by now. As regards ExTiX 19.8 Deepin I feel it’s especially justified. Everything just works.

Refracta Snapshot
While running ExTiX Deepin 19.8 live or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Deepin/Debian system. A ten year child can do it!

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 5.3.0-rc6-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s latest kernel 5.3.0-rc6 released 190826.

What’s new in Linux kernel 5.3?

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX Deepin 15.11 Desktop
2. ExTiX Deepin being installed in VirtualBox using Refracta Installer
3. The installation in VirtualBox is completed
3. ExTiX Deepin login screen (LightDM)
4. Movie showing how to enable Window effects

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 (without GAPPS) and AndEX Oreo 8.1 (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)!

Chromium OS, exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ChromX (Chromium OS), Exton Build 190824, with Spotify, Gimp and a lot of other apps working fast and responsive (after you have installed Flatpak – “An app store and build service for Linux”)

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About ChromX
I have compiled Chromium OS from source for the fourth time. Chromium OS is an open-source project that aims to build an operating system that provides a fast, simple, and more secure computing experience for people who spend most of their time on the web. My Chromium OS Build 190824 is for all 64 bit “normal” Desktop computers and laptops. If you have unusual hardware you could check out ArnoldTheBat’s special Chromium OS builds.

Most important changes
This version (190824) replaces version 181218. You can now use Flatpak to install Spotify and many other nice/necessary apps. Read at my INFO site about how to use Flatpak.

The difference between Chromium OS and Google Chrome OS
Chromium OS is the open source project, used primarily by developers, with code that is available for anyone to checkout, modify, and build. Google Chrome OS is the Google product that OEMs ship on Chromebooks for general consumer use.

Why should I use ChromX?
They are many Chromium OS builds out there. Many more mature and ready to go than ChromX. For example CloudReady. ChromX Build 190824 is nevertheless more fun to use in my opinion. Using Flatpak you can tailor the Chromium OS system according to your needs.

SCREENSHOTS when ChromX is running
1. Installing Flatpak
2. Installing Linux BETA (a Debian system)
3. Installing Spotify
4. Installing Gimp
5. ChromX Desktop (you can use any picture you have on your computer as wallpaper)

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exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspEX Rpi4 – Build 190812 based on Ubuntu 19.10 – with OpenCPN 5.0.0 (navigation software)

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RaspEX Rpi4 – Build 190812 based on upcoming Ubuntu 19.10 – with OpenCPN 5.0.0 (latest stable version released 190323) – 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.

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 (190812) replaces build 181120. Ubuntu has been upgraded to version 19.10 and OpenCPN to version 5.0.0 – latest stable version. Build 190812 is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4, but can of course also be used on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

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 190812
RaspEX is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 3 Model B, Model B+ and Pi 2 model B. It is based on Debian Buster (Debian 10), Eoan Ermine (upcoming Ubuntu 19.10) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (190812) I’ve installed OpenCPN 5.0.0.

Read this OpenCPN Review….

Compatibility :: August 2019
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 (190812) only upgraded RaspEX, RaspEX Kodi, RaspArch and RaspEX with OpenCPN. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 4 .

SCREENSHOTS
1. RaspEX version 190812 running OpenCPN as the ordinary user raspex
2. RaspEX version 190812 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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exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspArch Rpi4 Build 190809 :: Run Arch Linux on your new Raspberry Pi 4 computer :: Install using Rufus, Win32 Disk Imager or Etcher in Windows!

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rasparch-logoRaspArch Build 190809 especially for the new Raspberry Pi 4 released 190624
This version (190809) 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, 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 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

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 – logged in as archpi
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – YouTube running
Screenshot 3 of RaspArch’s Desktop – Wicd running
Screenshot 4 – Yaourt running (while installing Geany)
Screenshot 5 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root

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