Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspArch Build 160312 :: Run Arch Linux on your Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 2

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rasparch-logoThis version (160312) is my third build of RaspArch
The first version is from 150414. The second is from 151107. This version (160312) is especially made for the new Raspberry Pi 3. Version 160312 of RaspArch can of course also run on the “old” Raspberry Pi 2. RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, Firefox and Gimp the system increased to 558 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 3 model B  or Pi 2 computer.

UPGRADE RaspArch
If you have downloaded and installed my previous version of RaspArch from 151107 you can still use the Micro SD Card with RaspArch on the new Raspberry Pi 3 after a full upgrade of the system. Commands: pacman -Sy followed by pacman -Syu. Most important the old kernel will automatically be replaced by kernel 4.1.19-4-ARCH.

What is Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It is a capable little device that enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. It’s capable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, to making spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games.
Read more about Raspberry Pi…

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.

rasparch-screenshot-desktop-small

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

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspEX – Build 160308 – with OpenCPN pre-installed, now especially for Raspberry Pi 3

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raspex-opencpn-stockholm-uto-smallRaspEX – Build 160308 based on Ubuntu 15.10 – with OpenCPN – 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.

REPLACEMENT
This build (160803) replaces build 151029 which can run only on Raspberry Pi 2 computers. Build 160803 is made especially for Raspberry Pi 3, but can also be used on Raspberry Pi 2.

ABOUT RaspEX Build 160308
RaspEX is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.3), Ubuntu Wily Werewolf (Ubuntu 15.10, released 151022) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (160308) I’ve installed OpenCPN 4.1.915 from source.

Read this OpenCPN Review….

Screenshots
1. OpenCPN World Map
2. OpenCPN Florida – Cape Canaveral
3. OpenCPN New York – Approaches to New York
4. OpenCPN Stockholm archipelago

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

RaspEX – Build 160307 – for the new Raspberry Pi 3

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raspberry-logoNEWS 160307: A new version of RaspEX especially built for the new Raspberry Pi 3 is ready
The Raspberry Pi 3 is the third generation Raspberry Pi. It replaced the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B in February 2016.

Compared to the Raspberry Pi 2 it has:
A 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8 CPU
802.11n Wireless LAN
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

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.

Compatibility
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 and RaspArch. RaspEX Build 160307 with a new kernel runs very well on Raspberry Pi 3. You can (of course) also run the new RaspEX system on a “old” Raspberry Pi 2.

NEWS 160307 ABOUT RaspEX
My first version of RaspEX is from 150318, my second from 150706 and my third one from 151027. I have now upgraded the whole system and replaced the old kernel. RaspEX Build 160307 is a Linux ARM system for Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 2. It is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.3), Ubuntu Wily Werewolf (Ubuntu 15.10, released 151022) and Linaro (Open Source software for ARM SoCs). In this new version (160307) 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 and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube.

Screenshot 1 – RaspEX connected to Windows via Samba

Screenshot 2 – RaspEX connected to Windows via PuTTy

Screenshot 3 – RaspEX “running on” Windows with VNC Viewer

Softpedia review
RaspEX version 151001 was reviewed by Softpedia 151001.

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 on this site thought that running RaspEX (for Raspberry Pi 2) was like running Raspberry on “steroids“. RaspEX Build 160307 is (of course) even faster, especially if you run the system on a Raspberry Pi 3 computer.

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

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raspberry-logoNEWS from Raspberrypi.org
The Raspberry Pi 3 is the third generation Raspberry Pi. It replaced the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B in February 2016.

Compared to the Raspberry Pi 2 it has:
A 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8 CPU
802.11n Wireless LAN
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

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. I have (of course) bought one and from my experience I must agree.

Compatibility
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 and RaspArch. I will start with RaspEX.

raspberrypi3-20160304-small

Android, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

AndEX (Android-x86) 5.1.1 Lollipop with GAPPS and kernel 4.4.0 – Build 160215

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andex-5.1.1-desktop-160215-smallNEWS 160215: Build 151010 has been replaced by Build 160215, which is totally error-free and has some extra features.

MORE NEWS 160215
My new build of Android-x86 Lollipop 5.1.1 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Maps, YouTube and more apps. The ISO is called android-x86-lollipop-5.1.1-exton-kernel4.4-mesa-507mb-160215.iso. AndEX 160215 is totally error-free. For installing new apps you shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX Build 160215. Only use Aptoide App Manager (which is also pre-installed) if you can’t find the app you are searching for in Google Play Store.

Used kernel
4.4.0-exton-android-x86. The original Android-x86 Lollipop version uses kernel 4.0.9.

About AndEX
My compiled Android–x86 system (Lollipop 5.1.1) can run live (from CD or a USB stick) or be installed on almost all 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 version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500 Desktop Computer. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions.

Upgrade/Updates
This build of AndEX (160215) replaces Build 151010. No need to upgrade if you already have a working version of Build 151010 installed. All installed apps (GAPPS and others) will then be in the same version as in build 160215 of AndEX. I.e. if you install Andriod-x86 to hard drive or to a USB stick with persistence all installed apps will be automatically updated/upgraded via Google Play Store. The system will check for updates all the time or after a reboot. It works in the same way as on your Android phone. If, however, you need or want this new version (with a newer kernel) you can contact me so I can send you a download link. Please then show your receipt for AndEX Lollipop Build 151010 or 150916.

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 version 160215 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

NOTE/WARNING
You must use a fairly new/modern computer. Android-x86 Lollipop won’t run (even start) on older computers. My other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 Build 9 160214 will run also on older computers.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop
Screenshot 2 – AndEX running GT Racing 2 – 890 MB (!)
Screenshot 3 – AndEX running Trials Frontier
Screenshot 4 – AndEX running Stick Tennis
Screenshot 5 – AndEX with extra apps
Screenshot 6 – AndEX running 3D Chess
Screenshot 7 – AndEX running Pool Break 3D

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Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Build 9 with GAPPS, kernel 4.4.0-exton-android-x86, Bluetooth (working!) and Mesa 10.5.9

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android-x86-desktop-160214-smallAndroid-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build 160214, version 9, is a ready!
I’ve added Mesa (3D Graphics Library) 10.5.9 for better Graphic performance. The system can run live (from CD or a USB stick) on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. I can also mention that I could run this version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500 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 if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. You can easily install the system to your hard drive and install new apps. You can also install new apps while running the system live. Google Play Store  and Aptoide App Manager are pre-installed so you can just make your choices…

Used kernel
4.4.0-exton-android-x86. The original Android-x86 KitKat version uses kernel 4.0.9.

Replacement
This version (version 9) replaces all my previous (8) Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat builds. In version 9 (as in version 8) I’ve added GAPPS. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Maps, YouTube and more apps. Everything just works.

Updates
If you install Andriod-x86 to your hard drive or to a USB stick with persistence installed apps will be automatically updated/upgraded via Google Play Store. The system will check for updates all the time or after a reboot. It works in the same way as on your Android phone.

ATI Radeon compatibility
I can mention that this KitKat Build 9 works on my old Acer Aspire 5102WLMi AMD with ATI Radeon Xpress 1100. Many 3D games run just fine.

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. Read my article About how useful an Android-x86 system can be for the average computer user.

Need to upgrade?
Well, if you have installed any of my previous KitKat versions with GAPPS to your hard drive and the system is working alright you don’t “have to” upgrade. That’s because (as I say above) all included GAPPS will be upgraded automatically (just like your Android phone). Otherwise you can contact me so I can send you the new download link. Then please show your previous receipt.

Screenshots
The Airplane 3D Live Desktop pic 1
Showing all installed apps pic 2
Enable Bluetooth in Settings pic 3
Scanning for Bluetooth devices with Bluetooth File Transfer pic 4

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Android, Exton Linux distributions

Some interesting comments on my site about AndEX :: my Android-x86 builds

1 Comment

Android-Logo-215x382Since I only have six computers myself I was looking forward to hear from other testers about their experiences.

In connection with that I’d like to share with you some comments on my main Android-x86 site ANDEX.EXTON.NET.

One member had this question:

I would like to try AndEx on an old laptop, but since payment is required, I would like to know if this (Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow) run on an Intel Pentium-M processor without SSE3? In case this cannot be run on that platform, what do you recommend?

Another very positive/enthusiastic member (not me!) answered:

I simply bought all three versions to test with. All three work fine on most PCs/laptops, especially as long as the PC/laptop has an integrated/onboard graphics chip (like accellerated intel chipsets 3000, 5000, 6000 etc., and even older ones). If you have discrete graphics cards you may have some issues or it may even not work properly at all. If you really are reluctant to buy these very advanced versions you could try some of the free less capable Android-x86 versions first and only then buy the ANDEX versions (after testing your hardware with Android-x86).

After that the very same member gave this general comment on andex.exton.net about Andex Marshmallow 6.0.1:

This version works fine the newer hardware I tested it on. For older hardware I personally would recommend the Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Build 8 with GAPPS, kernel 4.0.9-exton-android-x86, Bluetooth (working!) and Mesa Exton Version. I have all 3 versions (Android 4/5 and 6) running great on several test systems and at least according to my testing, especially Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 works really great (and fast, graphics accellerated) on more systems than e.g. this latest version. Version 4.4.4 works on older and common Dell and Packard Bell PC’s. FWIW: I got the latest version 6.0.1 running 100% fine on a Dell Optiplex 7010 PC. That Dell has an onboard intel graphics chip. But is really not an old PC.

And he went on saying:

BTW: Easiest way AFAIK to test these releases is to simply plug an USB 2.0/3.0 stick with the (previously on another PC) Android-x86 installed version on into any PC. That way I just, in addition, installed and tested this latest Android-x86 ANDEX kernel 4.4 (Marshmallow 6.0.1) on additional Dell hardware and am pleased to report it works great, at least on the systems I tested it on, all with integrated/on-board graphics though. E.g. my Dell E6320 (a 4+ year old core i5 4GB RAM laptop) gained a new lease of life with a the blazing fast ANDEX 6.0.1 Android version on it!

My comment:

Your comments are so positive/enthusiastic that I like to use them to promote my Android-x86 builds.

He answered me:

But these comments are realistic, and were not really intended to be positive. I had no problems with any of your versions except for to be expected incompatibility with (especially) older systems and the latest Android-x86 builds. BTW: The only PC I did get lots of “Android App” errors on this could still be solved by disabling the discrete Nvidia graphics card and use the onboard graphics chips instead (solving the graphic driver/chip problems). That, of course, is not always the best option and that’s why that that one PC I installed the “Nox” version 3.1.0 Android Emulator for Windows. But make no mistake; native Android(-x86) like these AndEX versions are the only way (that I know of) to get optimum Android performance.

I wrote an article 150505 about How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user. I think the comments above prove my opinion.

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|OS Light build 160207 :: Based on upcoming Ubuntu 16.04 with kernel 4.4.0-3-exton (4.4.1)

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 160207 about Exton|OS Light Live DVD – ISO file of 912 MB
I’ve made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on upcoming Ubuntu 16.04 (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 160207 replaces version 151103 of Exton|OS Light. Exton|OS Light is now based on Debian Stretch/Sid and Ubuntu 16.04.

About
Exton|OS Light Live CD is based on Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid. Exton|OS Light’s ISO file (of 911 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 February 7, 2016. Study the full package list.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.4.0-3-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest stable kernel 4.4.1. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

What’s new in kernel 4.4.1?

The importance of Exton|OS Light now being based on Ubuntu 16.04 (unstable/development)
I don’t think it is too important since Exton|OS 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.

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

SlackEX (Slackware Current/14.2) with KDE 4.14.3 (latest) and kernel 4.4.1 (latest)

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slackware_logoSlackEX is based on Slackware Current/14.2. Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993. The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune or as we say in Sweden: Gammal är äldst.

New features in version 160203 of SlackEX
I have replaced kernel 4.3.1-x86_64-exton with kernel 4.4.1-exton-huge with support for “everything”. Most important is that I have changed repositories from Slackware 14.1 to Current. I.e. upcoming Slackware 14.2. KDE is upgraded to version 4.14.3 (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 5.0.14 (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 43.0.4, Thunderbird 38.5, Samba 4.3.2 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.

Used kernel
4.4.1-exton-huge with support for “everything”. Kernel 4.4.1 was released 160131.

What’s new in kernel 4.4.1?

Nvidia
 Nvidia’s proprietary Graphics driver 352.79 (latest driver) is installed.

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

Why Slackware?
Slackware is grossly underestimated (in my opinion). This article give you ten (10) reasons to choose Slackware.

Screenshot 1 – KDE 4.14.3 Desktop with Netflix running

Screenshot 2 – KDE 4.14.3 Desktop with VirtualBox running

Screenshot 3 – Samba running

Screenshot 4 – GSlapt running

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Run your Slackware 64 bit system with the latest stable kernel – 4.4.1!

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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 4.4.1-exton-huge has even more support for new hardware, etc. Kernel 4.4.1 is the latest stable kernel available from Kernel.org. Released 20160131.

What’s new in kernel 4.4.1?

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

1. Download linux-kernel-4.4.1-x86_64-exton-huge.txz – md5sum
2. Install it with the command installpkg linux-kernel-4.4.1-x86_64-exton-huge.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-4.4.1-x86_64-exton-huge.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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