LINUX

Run your Slackware installation with the latest kernel – 4.7.1!

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SlackwareNEWS 160817
Kernel 4.7.1-x86_64-exton is my newest Slackware kernel. Kernel 4.7.1 was released yesterday (160816).

I have compiled a very useful (as I think) 64 bit kernel for Slackware Current (14.2) and/or all Slackware derivatives. For example Slax, Zenwalk and SlackEX. The kernel is compiled exactly the same way as Slackware’s latest kernel huge. “My” kernel 4.7.1-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.7.1 is the latest kernel available from Kernel.org. Released 20160816.

What’s new in kernel 4.7?

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

1. Download linux-kernel-4.7.1-x86_64-exton.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.7.1-x86_64-exton.txz
(The kernel is packed just like Slackware’s original kernels so that everything ends up in the right place)
4. If necessary, change your Grub Legacy/Grub2 configuration
5. If you have an Nvidia graphics card in your computer, you may need to look over your files in /etc/modprobe.d before restarting the computer. That is remove the “blacklisting” of Nouveau’s kernel module in the appropriate files blacklist.conf and nvidia-installer-disable-nouveau.conf. With “my” kernel functions the Nouveau “free” driver works just fine.

NOTE: When you run the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.7.1-x86_64-exton.txz vmlinuz will be “created” in /boot. If you have /boot/vmlinuz already that file will be overwritten. In case you want to switch back to your old kernel you should make a backup of /boot/vmlinuz before you run the just mentioned command.

Restart your computer and enjoy!

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExTiX 16.4, Build 160731, with KDE 4.15 together with KDE Frameworks 5.18.0 and kernel 4.6.4

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extix-logo-black-white-bgI have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.4 KDE Live DVD. (The previous version was 16.2).

ABOUT
ExTiX 16.4 KDE DVD 64 bit is based on Debian 8.5 Jessie/Debian 9 Stretch and Ubuntu 16.04.1. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Unity (Ubuntu). After removing Unity I have installed KDE Frameworks 5.18.0 with KDE 4.15. KDE Frameworks are 60 addon libraries to Qt which provide a wide variety of commonly needed functionality in mature, peer reviewed and well tested libraries with friendly licensing terms.

The system language is ENGLISH.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.6.4. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system. Extract ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-9-exton.7z with the command 7za x ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-9-exton.7z.

Compatibility
A general truth: If an original system can run on a particular computer an Exton “remaster” of the same original system can run on the same computer. I never change a Linux system for the worse in terms of auto configuration and hardware detection, etc. It happens that I replace the original kernel, but always to a “better” one with even more native support for various hardware etc. (Which I have done in this case).

Screenshot of ExTiX 16.4 Desktop – KDE 4.15
Screenshot of ExTiX 16.4 when ArchEX is running in Virtualbox

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|OS Light Build 160728 :: Based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS with kernel 4.6.0-9-exton (4.6.4)

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 160728 about Exton|OS Light Live DVD – ISO file of 885 MB
I’ve made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (alias Xenial Xerus) 64 bit with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Google Chrome – so you can run Netflix), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers) and Synaptic (Package Manager). I give you the pleasure of installing all extra packages you need after a hard disk installation of Exton|OS Light. Use Synaptic for that. You can of course also install new packages while running the system live (from DVD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction (under B) or used UNetbootin) and used Boot alternative 2 – Persistent when you have used UNetbootin. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from DVD. Exton|OS Light’s Window manager Openbox guarantees lightness and elegance.

Replacement
This version of Exton|OS Light from 160728 replaces version 160207 of Exton|OS Light. Exton|OS Light is now based on Debian Stretch/Sid and Ubuntu 16.04.1 (released 160721).

About
Exton|OS Light Live CD is based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 Xenial Xerus 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid. Exton|OS Light’s ISO file (of 885 MB!) is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to an USB pen drive. You can then even run Exton|OS from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my USB INSTRUCTION under B).

Packages
All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at July 28, 2016. Study the full package list.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s kernel 4.6.4. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

SCREENSHOTS
See a screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop
See a screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop when Samba is used
See a screenshot when Google Chrome with Netflix is running

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Run ArchEX (Arch Linux) 64/32 Bit dual Build 160724 with kernel 4.6.4 and LXDE superfast!

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archex-desktop-160724-smallWHAT IS ArchEX dual?
ArchEX 64bit/32bit dual is a new (160724) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 4.6.4-1-ARCH (latest) and the LXDE Desktop environment.

INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox, Gimp, GCC, Wicd and GParted – study this package LIST.

INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer. I.e. while running ArchEX live from the DVD. Read this INSTRUCTION.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
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 ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
The new Desktop in Build 160724
ArchEX starting up live
ArchEX running Spotify – (Spotify installed with Yaourt – a Pacman frontend)
ArchEX running ArchEX Installer
ArchEX running Google Chrome and Netflix – (Chrome installed with Yaourt)

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Read also about RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2

Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspAnd 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2 Build 160717 (v. 3) with GAPPS, Wifi, Bluetooth and YouTube working

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raspand-20160625-clashofclans-smallRaspAnd Marshmallow Build 160717 is an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow system which can run on Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. I have finally managed to include Google Play Store and other GAPPS. This version of RaspAnd is faster and more responsive than RaspAnd Lollipop Build 150924/160315.

NEWS 160717 about RaspAnd Marshmallow
Build 160717 of RaspAnd Marshmallow replaces my first version from 160625 and my second build from 160711. The screen problems in build 160625 was corrected in my second build from 160711. In this third build from 160717 also YouTube works as expected.

More about the news in Build 160717
1. Build 160717 uses a new kernel – 4.4.15-exton.
2. Google Play Services has been upgraded from version 8.4.87 to 9.2.56. The latest version by 160717.
3. YouTube has been upgraded to version 1.3.11. The latest version by 160717. The video performance is far better in RaspAnd Marshmallow Build 3 than in previous versions. You can watch almost all movies in YouTube with acceptable quality.
4. Clash of Clans works even better in Build 3.
5. The sound quality is excellent in Build 3. Especially is you connect loudspeakers to your Rpi. Maybe because of the new kernel…
6. Bluetooth works as expected.
7. Most important: With Google Play Services in latest version (9.2.56) you are not dependent on Google Play Store. You can install almost all GAPPS and other apps via Aptoide App Manager.

Wifi and Bluetooth support
This new version of RaspAnd has support for Wifi and Bluetooth (on Raspberry Pi 3). RaspAnd runs very well on the new Raspberry Pi 3 computer. The system runs also on the “old” Raspberry Pi 2 computer.

Installed apps
The following useful apps are pre-installed in RaspAnd Marshmallow: Google Play Services 9.2.56, Google Play Store 6.0.2, Aptoide App Manager (as an alternative to Google Play Store), Terminal Emulator, Aida64, WinZip, ES File Explorer, Rotation Control Pro, Opera 36.2.2126, Spotify 5.6.0.674, Bluetooth File Transfer, YouTube 1.3.11 and the popular (?) game Clash of Clans 8.332.14.

YouTube performance
YouTube works alright in RaspAnd Marshmallow Build 3. You can watch almost all videos. I.e. normally you will hear the sound very well, but some the movies won’t play or play very slow with strange colors.

Spotify
Spotify works very well in RaspAnd Marshmallow. Just log in and play your favorite music!

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – Google Play Store running

Screenshot 2 – RaspAnd’s Desktop

Screenshot 3 – AIDA64 showing the system

Screenshot 4 – Clash of Clans running (very well)

Screenshot 5 – Wifi connection

Screenshot 6 – Bluetooth connection

Screenshot 7 – Setting permissions for Google Play Services

Screenshot 8 – Using ES File Explorer

Screenshot 9 – Using Opera Web Browser

Screenshot 10 –  Using a big TV (55″) as monitor – Home screen

Screenshot 11 – Using a big TV (55″) as monitor – Running Spotify

Screenshot 12 – Installing the app TuneIn Radio via Google Play Store

Screenshot 13 – Installing VLC 2.0.3 via Google Play Store

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

SlackEX (Slackware 14.2/Current) live USB with kernel 4.6.4 and KDE 4.14.21

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slackware_logoI have made yet another version of SlackEX. It has the latest kernel (4.6.4, released 160711) and the latest KDE (4.14.21) Desktop Environment.

New features in version 160714 of SlackEX
I have replaced kernel 4.5.1-x86_64-exton with kernel 4.6.4-x86_64-exton with support for “everything”. Most important is that I have changed repositories from Slackware 14.1 to Current. I.e. Slackware 14.2 (released 160701). KDE is upgraded to version 4.14.21 (latest KDE version). All other component software is also upgraded to the latest Slackware Current version by now. I may also mention in particular GParted 0.24.0 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), VirtualBox 5.1.0 (latest, not in Slackware’s repositories), Google Chrome 46.0.2490.86 (not in Slackware’s repositories), Gimp 2.8.10 (installed from source), GSlapt 0.5.3h, Firefox 47.0.1, Thunderbird 45.2.0, Samba 4.4.5 and GCC 5.3.0. Furthermore I have installed Grub2, which can be used as boot loader (if you want) after a hard drive install. Study the full package LIST. Note: I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. Most important: This version of SlackEX has to be installed to a USB Pen Drive!

What’s new in kernel 4.6.4?

Install SlackEX to hard drive
Use this INSTRUCTION. You can (if you want) use Grub2 (new GRUB) as boot loader.

Install SlackEX to a USB stick
Please read my INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS. NOTE: All system changes are PERSISTENT.

Screenshot 1 – SlackEX KDE 4.14.21 Desktop with Netflix running

Screenshot 2 – Samba running

Screenshot 3 – GSlapt running

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LINUX

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

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SlackwareI have compiled a very useful (as I think) 64 bit kernel for Slackware Current (14.2) and/or all Slackware derivatives. For example Slax, Zenwalk and SlackEX. The kernel is compiled exactly the same way as Slackware’s latest kernel huge. “My” kernel 4.6.4-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.6.4 is the latest stable kernel available from Kernel.org. Released yesterday (20160711).

What’s new in kernel 4.6.4?

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

1. Download linux-kernel-4.6.4-x86_64-exton.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.6.4-x86_64-exton.txz
(The kernel is packed just like Slackware’s original kernels so that everything ends up in the right place)
4. If necessary, change your Grub Legacy/Grub2 configuration
5. If you have an Nvidia graphics card in your computer, you may need to look over your files in /etc/modprobe.d before restarting the computer. That is remove the “blacklisting” of Nouveau’s kernel module in the appropriate files blacklist.conf and nvidia-installer-disable-nouveau.conf. With “my” kernel functions the Nouveau “free” driver works just fine.

NOTE: When you run the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.6.4-x86_64-exton.txz vmlinuz will be “created” in /boot. If you have /boot/vmlinuz already that file will be overwritten. In case you want to switch back to your old kernel you should make a backup of /boot/vmlinuz before you run the just mentioned command.

Restart your computer and enjoy!

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

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

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

Exton|Defender SRS is a Linux system available as a Live DVD (based on Fedora 24, 64bit – version 160705 and on Mageia 5, 32bit – version 150701) for administrating or repairing your system and data after a crash. Exton|Defender aims to provide an easy way to carry out admin tasks on your computer, such as creating and editing the hard disk partitions. It comes with a lot of Linux software such as system tools and basic tools (editors, Midnight Commander, network tools). Exton|Defender can, however, also be used as a normal Linux Desktop System. It requires no hard drive installation, but can easily be installed to hard drive if you want. Desktop environments: Cinnamon 3.0.6 in version 160705 (Fedora 24) and Cinnamon 2.4.5 in version 150701 (Mageia 5).

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

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

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

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

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

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

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

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

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

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

Read this OpenCPN Review….

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

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

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

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

Compatibility :: July 2016
Unfortunately not all systems made for Raspberry Pi 2 will run on the new Pi 3. They need to be upgraded with a new kernel. I therefore have to upgrade the systems I distribute. I.e. RaspEX, RaspEX with OpenCPN, RaspAnd Lollipop, RaspAnd Marshmallow  and RaspArch. I have now (160703) upgraded all systems. Read about the new Raspberry Pi 3…

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

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

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

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

Screenshot 1 – Cinnamon 3.0.5 Desktop with Samba

Screenshot 2 – Cinnamon 3.0.5 Desktop with Synaptic running

Screenshot 3 – Cinnamon 3.0.5 Desktop with SMPlayer running

Screenshot 4 – Boot screen

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