Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

News 170309: Yet another version of exGENT (Gentoo) is out. The best version ever…

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NEWS 20170309 ABOUT exGENT
I’ve made yet a new version (20170309) of exGENT based on Gentoo Linux. It uses Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.9.12. It is for the 64 bit architecture. I call it exGENT 2017 Xfce4 Live DVD. It replaces version 20170303. The ISO file is of 2670 MB due to the fact that this version has a lot of packages pre-installed. Despite this exGENT version 170309 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox and VMware. Faster than most other Linux live systems. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 170309.

What’s new in exGENT Build 170309?
The boot loader Grub Legacy has been replaced by Grub2. I started this build in the hope that I should be able to implement a new independent installer program called Calamares. I wasn’t able to do it now though. (Many dependencies to satisfy). My old installer script will have to do until I find a solution. Anyway, I think exGENT Build 170309 can be of interest because of the change to Grub2 and the fact that it has one of the newest kernels installed. MOST IMPORTANT: In versions before this one (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! Furthermore you can install/transfer exGENT to a USB stick with the dd command in Linux or use Etcher and Rufus in Windows. Watch a screenshot when Etcher is running. Such installations were impossible before.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.9.12-aufs-gentoo-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.9.12.

Screenshots
exGENT running Nvidia config
exGENT running Brasero

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit Linux Live DVD with Xfce4, Grub2 and kernel 4.10.1-gentoo-exton – Build 170303

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NEWS 20170303 about exGENT
I’ve made yet a new version (20170303) of exGENT based on Gentoo Linux. Now with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.10.1. It is for the 64 bit architecture. I call it exGENT 2017 Xfce4 Live DVD. It replaces version 20170209. The ISO file is of 2760 MB due to the fact that this version has a lot of packages pre-installed. Despite this exGENT version 170303 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox and VMware. Faster than most other Linux live systems. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 170303.

What’s new in exGENT Build 170303?
The boot loader Grub Legacy has been replaced by Grub2. I started this build in the hope that I should be able to implement a new independent installer program called Calamares. I wasn’t able to do it now though. (Many dependencies to satisfy). My old installer script will have to do until I find a solution. Anyway, I think exGENT Build 170303 can be of interest because of the change to Grub2 and the fact that it has the newest kernel installed. 

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.10.1-gentoo-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.10.1. It’s the latest stable kernel as of now. (20170303).

What’s new in kernel 4.10?

Programs etc
The best thing with exGENT is the premier auto detection of hardware and the ability to easily install the system to hard drive during a live session. Installed programs: Among many others GParted, GNU Emacs, Firefox, Google Chrome, Vlc, Spotify, Thunderbird, Samba, AbiWord, Nvidia Graphics driver 378.09 and NetworkManager. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source the Gentoo way. (After the installation to hard drive).

Quick install to Hard Drive
exGENT Linux can be installed to hard drive in 3 – 10 min. (Depending on computer type). This means that all of you who might hesitate to perform a normal Gentoo installation – which can take up to a couple of days – now have the chance to get this great Linux system (Gentoo) installed on your computers very easy.

SPOTIFY
You can easy and quick install Spotify in exGENT. Just run the command emerge spotify. The installation takes about 1 min.
NOTE: Spotify is pre-installed in Build 170303.

Google Chrome
To be able to run Netflix in exGENT you’ll need Google Chrome. Just install it with the command emerge –ask www-client/google-chrome
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Screenshot 3 – Netflix is running
NOTE: Google Chrome is pre-installed in Build 170303.

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
exGENT running Nvidia config
exGENT running Brasero
exGENT running Samba
exGENT running Spotify
exGENT running in VirtualBox
exGENT running in VMware
exGENT running Google Chrome and Netflix

READ MORE about exGENT…

Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3/2 – Build 170221 – based on Ubuntu 16.10 with LXDE, kernel 4.4.49-exton-v7+

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NEWS 170221 about RaspEX for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2
I have upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel 4.4.21 with “my own” compiled kernel 4.4.49-exton-v7+. RaspEX Build 170221 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.7), Ubuntu Yakkety Yak (Ubuntu 16.10, released 161013) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (170221) I’ve installed Wicd Network Manager and replaced Chromium with Firefox with better support for YouTube. I have also installed Samba and VNC4Server 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) and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube. Study all installed packages in RaspEX Build 170221.

Raspberry Pi 3: How much better is it than the Raspberry Pi 2? Raspberry Pi 3 is performing 10 times faster than that of the Pi 1 and around 50 percent better than that of the Pi 2 according to testers.

Why shall I use RaspEX?
Eight Operating Systems are recommended by Raspberrypi.org. Among them Noobs, Raspbian (Debian Jessie) 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) was like running Raspberry Pi on “steroids“. RaspEX Build 170221 and 160703 (with OpenCPN) are (of course) even faster, especially if you run the systems on a Raspberry Pi 3 computer.

Compatibility :: February 2017
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, RaspAnd Nougat and RaspArch. I have now (170221) upgraded all systems. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3…

View all installed packages in RaspEX – Build 170221

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – RaspEX’s Desktop while Wicd is running (for configuration of a wireless connection)

Screenshot 2 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba

Screenshot 3 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy

Screenshot 4 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC-viewer

Screenshot 5 – RaspEX running Midori Private Browser

Screenshot 6 – RaspEX using Pavucontrol (for sound)

Screenshot 7 – RaspEX running SMTube (search and watch YouTube videos)

Screenshot 8 – RaspEX running the Bluetooth Manager

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|Defender fc25 (Fedora 25) Super Rescue System with Cinnamon 3.2.8 and kernel 4.9.9

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Description
Exton|Defender SRS is a Linux system available as a Live DVD (based on Fedora 25, 64bit – version 170218 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 3.2.8 in version 170218 (Fedora 25) 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 fc25), NetworkManager, Firefox, Thunderbird, Gimp, Samba, Java (JDK 7u9) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Emacs, Safecopy, kernel headers (Mageia 5 and Fedora 25) and many compilation tools. See a complete LIST of all installed packages 170218 (Fedora version) and 150701 (Mageia version).

NEWS 170218 re. Exton|Defender fc25 (Fedora 25)
I’ve made a new version of Exton|Defender 64 bit. Now based on Fedora 25, released 161122. It uses Cinnamon 3.2.8 and kernel 4.9.9. (Second latest stable kernel as of 170218).

VirtualBox and VMware
Exton|Defender fc25 runs very well in VirtualBox and VMware. Both live and installed to a virtual hard drive. Screenshots: Exton|Defender fc25 running in VirtualBox and VMware.

INSTALL Exton|Defender – FC25 (version 170218) on a USB stick of at least 4 GB
Use LinuxLive USB Creator (LiLi) in Windows. Works very good. All system changes are PERSISTENT. Be sure to choose “Recognized Linux: Fedora 22 Workstation (Gnome) 64-bit”. Watch this screenshot. You can also use Etcher. No persistence though. Watch this screenshot.

INSTALL Exton|Defender – FC25 (version 170218) to hard drive
Just use Anaconda (Fedora’s installer). Please read this INSTRUCTION. You can (if you want) use Grub2 as boot loader. Watch this screenshot when Anaconda has started (in fc24).

SCREENSHOTS
Exton|Defender´s Cinnamon 3.2.8 Desktop
Netflix is running in Google Chrome
Bluetooth Manager is running
Samba is running

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

CruxEX 3.3 (CRUX 3.3) live USB with LXDE and kernel 4.9.9-exton – Build 170216

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CruxEX 3.3 64 bit Linux Live USB is based on CRUX 3.3 (latest version, released 170212), which is all Linux enthusiasts/nerds favorite OS. (CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution for the x86-64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is keep it simple, which is reflected in a straightforward tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages. The secondary focus is utilization of new Linux features and recent tools and libraries. CRUX also has a ports system which makes it easy to install and upgrade applications). CruxEX 3.3 2017 uses the LXDE Desktop environment. I have replaced the original CRUX kernel with “my” special kernel 4.9.9-exton, with support for “extra everything”.

Kernel etc
Kernel 4.9.9 is the latest available stable kernel as of 170216. Among all installed and updated applications are Firefox 51.0, GParted 0.27, File Roller 3.22 (Archive Manager), Gimp 2.8.18, Nvidia Graphics driver 375.26 and Wicd 1.7.2. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source.

Unique
CruxEX 3.3 2017 build 170216 is – as my previous CRUX-remasters – unique in the world. I.e. there is no other CRUX Live CD/USB (as far as I know). In any case, not for downloading.

See a screenshot of the LXDE Desktop

Screenshot: Prt-get in action

Study ALL installed packages…

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Chromium OS, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Chromium OS – Exton Build 170212 – with YouTube and Spotify working fast and responsive

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About ChromX
I have compiled Chromium OS from source for the second time. My first compiled version of Chromium OS is from 160525. 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 170212 is for all 64 bit “normal” Desktop computers and laptops.

How do I run Chromium OS?
Normally you run Chromium OS from a USB stick, but the system can also be installed to hard drive. Could be useful if you want to bring new life to an old computer. Be aware of the fact that Chromium OS can’t be installed together with other Linux systems (or any other OS). It will “take” the whole disk.

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.

MANY APPS are pre-installed when ChromX is up and running
Showing installed apps – screenshot. As you can see it shows a lot of Android apps installed by me on my Android mobile phone using the same Gmail address as the one I’ve used to log in to Chromium in Chromium OS (ChromX). Even Google Play Store is there. All apps (for example Google Maps) work, but you can’t install new apps using Google Play Store. You can use the Chrome Web Store though.

Spotify is running – screenshot

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Install a Linux system to a USB stick and get perfect persistence!

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Linux to USB – Installation methods
Many people like to run/test a Linux system without touching/changing their hard drive. There are a lot of installations programs out there for both Linux and Windows. Most of them doesn’t offer persistence though. Very little is written about the fact that the “ordinary” installation program for installations to hard drive (in some cases) also can be used to install a Linux system to a USB stick. Using such an installation method will of course give you perfect persistence! Here are some examples.

1. ExTiX – based on Ubuntu
Installation with perfect persistence using the regular installation program Ubiquity. Read about how to do it (under B)).

2. exGENT – based on Gentoo Linux
Installation with perfect persistence using a script, which I call exGENT Installer. It is done in the same way as a hard drive installation. Read more…

3. SlackEX – based on Slackware
SlackEX has to be installed to a USB Stick. Read about how to do it. It can be done i Windows or Linux.

4. CruxEX – based on CRUX
Please read my INSTRUCTION for CruxEX. It can be done i Windows or Linux.

5. EXTON OpSuS – based on openSUSE
EXTON OpSuS has to be installed to a USB stick. It can be done i Windows or Linux. Read about how to do it.

6. ArchEX – based on Arch Linux
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit Linux Live DVD with kernel 4.9.8-gentoo-exton – Build 170209

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NEWS 20170209 about exGENT
I’ve made yet a new version (20170209) of exGENT based on Gentoo Linux. Now with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.9.8. It is for the 64 bit architecture. I call it exGENT 2017 Xfce4 Live DVD. It replaces version 20160123. The ISO file is of 2590 MB due to the fact that this version has a lot of packages pre-installed. Despite this exGENT version 170209 runs surprisingly fast from DVD or USB. Even in VirtualBox and VMware. Faster than most other Linux live systems. All installed packages in exGENT have been updated to the latest available version by 170209.

Build 170209 of exGENT replaces Build 170206
Today I discovered some errors in exGENT Build 170206. They were not important, but nevertheless annoying. Build 170209 is totally error-free (as far as I know). While I was at it I installed Google Chrome (for all Netflix addicts) and Spotify (for all music lovers).

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.9.8-gentoo-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.9.8. It’s the latest stable kernel as of now. (20170209).

What’s new in kernel 4.9.8?
Programs etc
The best thing with exGENT is the premier auto detection of hardware and the ability to easily install the system to hard drive during a live session. Installed programs: Among many others GParted, GNU Emacs, Firefox, Google Chrome, Spotify, Thunderbird, Samba, AbiWord, Nvidia Graphics driver 375.26 and NetworkManager. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source the Gentoo way. (After the installation to hard drive).

Quick install to Hard Drive
exGENT Linux can be installed to hard drive in 3 – 10 min. (Depending on computer type). This means that all of you who might hesitate to perform a normal Gentoo installation – which can take up to a couple of days – now have the chance to get this great Linux system (Gentoo) installed on your computers very easy.

SPOTIFY
You can easy and quick install Spotify in exGENT. Just run the command emerge spotify. The installation takes about 1 min.
NOTE: Spotify is pre-installed in Build 170209.

Google Chrome
To be able to run Netflix in exGENT you’ll need Google Chrome. Just install it with the command emerge –ask www-client/google-chrome
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Screenshot 3 – Netflix is running
NOTE: Google Chrome is pre-installed in Build 170209.

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
exGENT running Nvidia config
exGENT running Brasero
exGENT running Samba
exGENT running Spotify
exGENT running in VirtualBox
exGENT running in VMware
exGENT running Google Chrome and Netflix

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Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Android-x86_64 Nougat 7.1.1 – Build 170201 – with GAPPS and kernel 4.4.40-exton-android-x86_64

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NEWS 170201: AndEX – Nougat 7.1.1 with kernel 4.4.40-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Nougat 7.1.1 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services 3.9.08, Google Play Store 7.4.12.L-all, Gmail 7.1.1 and YouTube 12.01.55. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify 7.5.0.1076, Clash of Clans 8.709.16, File Manager 2.0.0.355, Google Earth 8.0.5.2351, SnapTube 4.3.0.8333, Firefox 50.1.0, Google Chrome 55.0.2883.91 and Aptoide App Store 8.1.0.2. The ISO is called android-x86_64-nougat-7.1.1-gapps-exton-build-939mb-170201.iso.

ABOUT Andex Nougat 7.1.1
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Nougat 7.1.1) can run live (from CD) on certain computers. It is best installed to a USB stick or to hard drive and running from there. The system can, however, be installed on almost all newer laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. I can also mention that I could run this Nougat version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. I could also run it very well live on the HP Desktop computer. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a CD before you can install AndEX Nougat to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. You can also download my Android Nougat system in the form of a zip-file (android-x86_64-7.1.1-nougat-gapps-exton-build-1220mb-170201.zip) and do a manual installation to hard drive. That can even be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 16.10) installed. That’s sort of a Frugal Installation (normally used by Puppy Linux). Read more about different installations of AndEX Nougat at the INFO site.

Android Nougat 7.1.1 was released 170106.
What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Also: In AndEX Nougat Build 170201 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store. 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“.

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

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

KNOWN ISSUES
1. You can run AndEX Nougat 7.1.1 in VirtualBox and VMware, but sound won’t work. I have therefore kept my previous Build AndEX Nougat 7.0 161107 since you can run Build 161107 in VirtualBox or VMware with sound working.
2. Bluetooth won’t work.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Nougat (ISO) Desktop
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Nougat (ZIP) Desktop
Screenshot 3 – Spotify running
Screenshot 4 – Google Earth running
Screenshot 5 – Google App running
Screenshot 6 – Google Play running 1
Screenshot 7 – Google Play running 2
Screenshot 8 – Aptoide App Store running
Screenshot 9 – Google Maps running

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Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.1 for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2 – Build 170127 – with GAPPS and Kodi 17.0-RC4

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ABOUT
RaspAnd Nougat 7.1.1 Build 170127 is an Android 7.1.1 Nougat system which can run on Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. I have included the following apps:
1) GAPPS (latest by 170125)
2) Kodi 17.0-RC4 (with YouTube enabled and working!)
3) Firefox 51.0
4) Spotify 1.0.0
5) Rotation Control Pro 1.1.9
6) AIDA64 1.44
7) Aptoide App Store 8.0.1.2
8) YouTube 1.3.11 (sound, but no video. If you, however, use SnapTube you can download videos/movies from YouTube and replay them in Windows or Linux with perfect video quality)
9) ES File Explorer Pro 1.0.8
10) Gmail 7.1.1
11) Google Play Services 10.2.91
12) Google App 6.10.37.21
13) Google Play Store 7.4.12.L-all (not working, but since Google Play Services work very well you can install many new GAPPS using Aptoide App Store).
14) SnapTube 4.11.0.8.8655

ABOUT KODI
Kodi (an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media center for playing videos, music, pictures, games, and more) works very well in RaspAnd. You can enable a lot of Add-ons. Most important is that the YouTube Add-on is enabled by default and that it works very well. I.e. both the sound and the video performance when running YouTube in Kodi is satisfying.

KNOWN ISSUES
1. The screen can flicker sometimes on certain monitors. In the worst cases it can look like this. Fix: Click on the screen or wait a moment.
2. Google Play Store won’t run. Nothing to do about it (right now). Aptoide is a good replacement since you can install most Google apps using Aptoide.
3. You can’t watch videos/movies using the YouTube app. The sound is very good though. Nothing to do about it (right now). Please note that you can run YouTube in Kodi with good video and sound quality.
4. Not all apps will run in RaspAnd Nougat. You can for example run the popular (?) Clash of Clans, but not Angry Birds. Many many apps will run without problems though.
5. You may have to reconnect to your Wifi Network after every reboot of RaspAnd. Sort of a “bug”.

PLEASE NOTE that the installation to a Micro SD Card has to take place in Linux.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Aptoide App Store running
Screenshot 2 – RaspAnd’s Desktop
Screenshot 3 – Kodi running
Screenshot 4 – Kodi running (choosing Add-ons)
Screenshot 5 – ES File Explorer running
Screenshot 6 – Spotify running
Screenshot 7 – AIDA64 running
Screenshot 8 – SnapTube running
Screenshot 9 – SnapTube running and downloading from YouTube
Note: The “screenshots” are taken with my mobile phone camera. The colors are therefore not perfect. I.e. when running RaspAnd on your Raspberry Pi the screen colors are much better!

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About all Exton Linux distributions