NEWS 160629 about RaspEX with OpenCPN pre-installed
The system is now based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. I’ve also upgraded OpenCPN to version 4.4.0. (Latest version). To my great joy also this version of RaspEX worked together with the 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi “out of the box”.
NOTE: Today’s version of RaspEX hasn’t been distributed yet.
SCREENSHOTS
OpenCPN 4.4.0 running
Samba (connection with my Windows computers in my network) running
Great news 160627 about RaspEX Build 160426
I got the official 7″ Touchscreen Monitor for Raspberry Pi today. I started immediately to test the touchscreen running RaspEX. To my great pleasure (and surprise) the touchscreen worked perfectly out of the box! I.e. I didn’t have to install any extra packages to make it work. According to raspberrypi.org only Raspbian OS is supposed to give full functionality without a physical keyboard or mouse.
Screenshot – RaspEX running a video in Kodi Media Center
RaspAnd Build 160625 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.
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 Store, 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 and the popular (?) game Clash of Clans.
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
WHAT’S NEW IN VERSION 160612?
1. ExLight is now based on Ubuntu 16.04 (alias Xenial Xerus) and Debian 8.5 Jessie.
2. I have upgraded the Desktop environment Enlightenment (Beauty at your fingertips) to version 0.20.99.0 (from 0.19.12).
3. I have replaced kernel 4.2.0-16-exton with kernel 4.6.2-exlight.
4. ExLight’s ISO file is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can then even run ExLight from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence!
5. Another big improvement is that ExLight can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run ExLight that way.
6. The installation program Ubiquity (live installer) is now working as intended in ExLight version 160612. I.e. a new user (your user) will be created during the installation process.
7. I have pre-installed Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 361.45.11.
8. I have added three animated wallpapers.
Installed packages
The Desktop Environment is Enlightenment 0.20.99.0 (Beauty at your fingertips). Kernel 4.6.2-exlight is used. (Kernel.org‘s latest stable kernel 4.6.2). Program content: Libre Office, Synaptic, GParted, Wicd, PCManFM, Google Chrome (for watching Netflix movies) and Gimp. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source. I have also included Nvidia Graphics driver 361.45.11. It has support for the following GPUs (among others): GeForce 900, GeForce 800A, GeForce 800M, GeForce 700, Quadro Series, GeForce GTX 970M and GeForce GTX 980M. Study the full ExLight program LIST. All programs have been updated to the latest available version as at June 12, 2016.
Screenshots
See three screenshots of the Enlightenment 0.20.99.0 Desktop – pic 1 – pic 2 – pic 3 (animated wallpaper)
NEWS 160604 about DebEX KDE
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Live DVD. It replaces version 160102. It’s a pure Debian 8.4 system. I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE uses KDE 4.14.2 and KDE Plasma Desktop 5:84 as Desktop environment and kernel 4.6.1-debex. Kernel 4.6.1 is the latest stable kernel by 160604. I have installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 361.45.11. Furthermore Google Chrome to make it possible to watch Netflix movies. 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 160604. Study the full package list.
Install DebEX to hard drive
It’s now very easy to install DebEX (all three versions) to hard drive. Just start DebEX Installer and follow the installer instructions. You’ll have to use Boot alternative 1 – live then. See this screenshot. You can (if you want) use Grub2 as boot loader. If you already are using Grub2 or Grub Legacy as bootloader you can skip this part of the installation. Watch a SLIDESHOW of the installation process. The installation is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.
Screenshot of the KDE Plasma Desktop in version 160604 of DebEX KDE – pic1
Screenshot of the KDE Desktop with Netflix running in version 160604 of DebEX KDE – pic2
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 16.3 LXQt Live DVD. (The previous version was 16.1).
ABOUT
ExTiX 16.3 LXQt DVD 64 bit is based on Debian 8.4 Jessie/Debian 9 Stretch and Ubuntu 16.04. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Unity (Ubuntu). After removing Unity I have installed LXQt 0.10.0. LXQt is the Qt port and the upcoming version of LXDE, the Lightweight Desktop Environment. It is the product of the merge between the LXDE-Qt and the Razor-qt projects: A lightweight, modular, blazing-fast and user-friendly desktop environment. All packages have been updated to the latest version by 160530.
The system language is ENGLISH.
Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.6.0-extix corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.6. It’s the latest stable kernel as of now. Ubuntu 16.04 uses kernel 4.4.
NVIDIA
I have pre-installed the Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 361.45.11 in ExTiX LXQt. It has support for the following GPUs: Quadro K1200, Quadro M6000, GeForce 920M, GeForce 930A, GeForce 930M, GeForce 940M, GeForce GTX 950M, GeForce GTX 960M and GeForce GTX TITAN X. This driver will be used automatically if your card is supported.
I have compiled yet another Ubuntu/Debian kernel for 64 bit systems. This time kernel 4.6.0-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.6 released 160515.
What’s new in Linux kernel 4.6?
Install kernel 4.6.0-exton in Ubuntu/Debian based distributions
My self-compiled Ubuntu kernels can be used in all types of modern Ubuntu systems, including Mint. They can even be used in Debian Jessie (Debian 8.4) and Debian Stretch (upcoming Debian 9). If you want to use my kernel 4.6.0-exton for 64 bit systems, you can DOWNLOAD it from here.
md5sum for ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-exton.zip which is of 53,4 MB.
Installation instructions
Open the zip-file with WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip. Or run this command: unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-exton.zip. Go into the folder ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.6.0-exton and run this command:
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
Then: Run command sudo update-grub (if you use Grub2).
Nvidia
It is possible to install Nvidia’s proprietary drivers if you use “my” kernel 4.6.0-exton. Could be useful if you like to play games. Please read this instruction. The Nvidia drivers in for example Ubuntu’s repositories – “Current” etc. – can’t be used. It is supposed to be “impossible” to install Nvidia’s latest drivers when running kernel 4.0 – 4.6 without “patches” etc. On the other hand it’s a fact that kernel 4.6 has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.
A small clarification
“My” kernel 4.6.0-exton is compiled (almost) the same way as all official Ubuntu kernels. That is, The Ubuntu Way. If not, the kernel would not function in a Ubuntu/Debian system.
Good luck!
About ChromX
I have compiled Chromium OS from source. Just for fun. 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 160525 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.
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.
Used kernel
4.4.4
Install my Build 160525 to a USB stick of at least 6 GB
A. In Windows you can use Win32DiskImager. It will look like this. (Unzip chromiumos-amd64-base-exton-454mb-160525.zip first).
B. In Windows you can also use an app (Chromebook Recovery Utility) in Google Chrome. Do it like this.
1. Start by downloading your Chromium OS (chromiumos-amd64-base-exton-454mb-160525.zip) installation file. Do not unzip the file, this may cause issues with the USB creation process.
2. Open the Chrome web browser and install the Chromebook Recovery Utility plug-in from the Google Chrome Web Store. To install it, visit the link and click “Add to Chrome.”
3. After the plug-in has installed, click “Launch” from the Web Store page to open the Chromebook Recovery Utility.
4. In the Recovery Utility, click the gear icon on the upper right-hand side and select “Use Local Image”.
5. Find and select the chromiumos-amd64-base-exton-454mb-160525.zip file that you located in Step 1.
6. When prompted, insert an 8 or 16 GB USB device that you want to turn into a Chromium OS installer. Make sure it has no important files on it, as it will be completely erased. Select your USB drive from the drop-down menu and click “Continue” and then “Create Now.”
7. The process of creating your Chromium OS USB installer will take around 20 minutes. Some Windows installations may display a security prompt, click “allow” to let the process proceed. Note: The progress bar in the Chrome Recovery Utility may go over 100% and show incorrect time estimates. This is not a problem.
8. When the process has completed you will see a green check box – you can now remove your Chromium OS USB installer and use it! You can create as many additional USB installers as you want using the process above.
USB installation in Linux
In Linux you shall open up a terminal and run this command: sudo dd if=chromiumos-amd64-base-exton-3600mb-160525.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M
(You shall of course replace /dev/sdX with for example /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc. Check it carefully before you run the above command).
Notes about USB sticks
It appears that not all USB sticks are suitable for topical purposes. I.e. they can not be made bootable. I myself have experience of brands Kingston DataTraveler, SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0, SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 and Sony Micro Vault. The first three works (for me). You shall not use USB sticks of older model. They may work, but mostly bad. If you – after the installation of Chromium OS to the USB stick – get different error messages when you try to run the system from the stick it is often because the stick is not “good enough”.
Install to hard drive
If you want to install the system to your hard drive, follow the instructions here and here. Beware of the warnings noted in the links! When prompted for a password for the chronos user, use “exton” (without the quotes!).
USB persistence
All your system changes will (of course) be automatically saved directly on the USB stick.
Updates/upgrades
You do not have to take any action in order to keep your system up to date. Chromium OS will itself check for updates each time it is launched and automatically install them.
Enable Spotify
Flash has to be installed. Do it like this. Leave the Chromium OS Desktop by pressing the keys Ctrl Alt F2 simultaneously. Log in as user chronos with password exton. Become root with sudo su (password exton). The run the following (magic) command: curl -L http://www.brash.ca/flash.sh | bash
It will look like this – screenshot 1 and this – screenshot 2.
Netflix
Unfortunately you can’t run Netflix in the Chromium Browser. Silverlight/Widevine is impossible to install for many reasons.
Screenshots when Chromium OS is running
Showing installed apps – screenshot 3. 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.
Spotify is running – screenshot 4
Chromium OS GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
DOWNLOAD
This build of ChromX has been replaced by Build 170212
NEWS 160514 ABOUT Exton|OS with Mate 1.14.0
After the 160512 Build with Mate 1.12.7 I “discovered” that Mate 1.14.0 was released in April 2016. The new 1.14.0 Mate packages are yet not available from the Ubuntu repositories so I had to install them from source. While I was at it I upgraded Vlc from version 2.1.3 to 2.2.3. Vlc is also installed from source to make it possible to run it as root. Study the NEW PACKAGE list.
The headline changes in MATE 1.14 are:
Improved GTK+3 support across the entire MATE Desktop.
Full GTK 3.20 support in all MATE themes.
Client Side Decorated applications render correctly in all themes.
Touchpad configuration now supports edge and two-finger scrolling independently.
Python extensions in Caja can now be managed separately.
All three window focus modes are selectable.
MATE Panel now has the ability to change icon sizes for menubar and menu items.
MATE NetSpeed Applet has been merged into the MATE Applets package.
MATE Terminal support VTE 2.91 API when built for GTK+3.
Volume and Brightness OSD can now be enabled/disabled.
Translations are updated.
NOTE: Exton|OS Mate is unique. I.e. there is no other Linux live system out with Mate 1.14.0 pre-installed.
Exton|OS build 160512 is based on Ubuntu 16.04 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid (upcoming Debian 9). Exton|OS’s ISO file is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can then even run Exton|OS from a USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my INSTRUCTION. For persistence please read under B) or use UNetbootin in Windows or Linux.
NEWS 160512
A new and much better version of Exton|OS is ready. I have replaced kernel 4.2.0-16-exton with kernel 4.5.3-exton. With kernel 4.5 there is no real need to use Nvidia proprietary graphic drivers since this kernel has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel. The Mate Desktop is upgraded to version 1.12.7 have also replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity with Exton|OS Installer, which is a clone of Debian Live Installer. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. Watch a SLIDESHOW of the hard drive installation process.
