Tag Archives: Debian stretch

exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX, Raspberry systems

Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 180316 with Refracta Tools

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NEWS 180316 about Raspberry Pi Debian Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
My second Debian Pixel Build from is from 170425 . My third build is from 180316. Study all included packages – latest by 180316. I’ve added NetworkManager and also Wicd, which makes it easier to configure wireless connections. Choose the one which works for you.

NEWS 180920 – a YouTube video about Debian Pixel
I’ve discovered a YouTube video about my Debian Pixel Build 170425. The video is called Debian Pixel..Exton forks it for you..
This video is of course also valid for Build 180316. By watching the video you can learn a lot about Debian Pixel’s features.

Most important changes in Build 180316
This build replaces version 161223 and 170425. I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Jessie to Stretch – Debian stable. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 3.16.0-4-686-pae to 4.9.0-9-686-pae.
I’ve also included kernel 4.9.0-9-686, which shall be used on older computers. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. Firefox have been installed so you’ll have a browser when logged in as root. You can’t run Chromium as root. Another good thing about Firefox is that you can use it to watch Netflix movies.

OLD NEWS FROM 161223
On December 22, 2016 I read that the Raspberry Pi Foundation had announced the release of a new PIXEL image that can be booted on a PC or Mac. Study this site. I saw immediately that there was no installer included, which I thought was a little disappointing. Come to think of Refracta tools, which work very well in Debian and Ubuntu. I quickly made a “remix” of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. My remix thus include Refracta tools. This means that you can easily install the system to hard drive and you can just as easily make your own remix of the Raspberry Pi Foundation PIXEL image. I’ve added a few packages. Most important Synaptic, which I find essential.

About the PIXEL Desktop
Raspbian had its biggest update ever in September, 2016, thanks to a dazzling new desktop environment called PIXEL. Raspbian with PIXEL (which stands for “Pi Improved Xwindow Environment, Lightweight”) is a huge software update to the desktop environment. It introduces a crisp new interface, and is brimming with new programs and features.

VirtualBox and VMware
My build/image works very well in VirtualBox and VMware. I.e. you can run the system directly from the ISO file and also install it to a virtual hard drive. You can of course also make your own Raspbian/Debian system with the the PIXEL Desktop using Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed).

KERNEL
Kernel 4.9.0-9-686-pae is used in Build 180316. PAE (Physical Address Extension) increases the physical memory addressable by the system from 4 GB to 64 GB. If you want to run the system (which is 32bit) on older computers you shall use kernel 4.9.0-9-686, which also is included.

Login and passwords
Log in to the PIXEL Desktop as the ordinary user pi or as root. The passwords are raspberrypi respectively root. When logged in as pi you can use Sudo to become root. (Command: sudo su). When running Debian Pixel live (from a DVD or a USB stick) you’ll end up (after the boot process) logged in automatically as the user pi in X (PIXEL Desktop).

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that this build can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run the system that way. I.e. superfast!

Spotify
You may want to install Spotify. Just go ahead. It’s very easy. When running my PIXEL image live or from hard drive you can just install Spotify with the command sudo apt-get install spotify-client. Watch a screenshot when Spotify is running.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed) to create your own installable Debian PIXEL system once you have installed my build to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live system. Start Refracta from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta snapshot. You don’t even have to install my build to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian PIXEL system while running my build from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO file) will only take 20 – 60 min! Please edit the configuration file /etc/refractasnapshot.conf first. Change line 45 and 46. I.e. decide where you want the ISO file to be build. The whole thing is very simple. NOTE: You can also do everything in VirtualBox or VMware. Use FileZilla (pre-installed) to transfer your new ISO file to your server.

Install to Debian PIXEL hard drive
Just start Refracta Installer from Menu >> System tools >> Refracta Installer and follow the instructions. Very simple.

Install Debian PIXEL to a USB stick
You can use Rufus in Windows. Persistence can’t be enabled though. You can also use UNetbootin in Windows or Linux. The best way to do it is to burn Debian PIXEL to a DVD, start up the system from the DVD and then use Refracta Installer for the installation.  Choose to install Grub in MBR on /dev/sdb. (Normally your USB stick, but check it carefully!) I.e. you will get a chance to choose between /dev/sda and /dev/sdb. This method will (of course) give you perfect persistence.

Watch the slideshow below showing the Refracta installation process in Debian PIXEL.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Spotify running
Screenshot 2 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 3 – Refracta Snapshot has started
Screenshot 4 – Refracta Installer has started in VMware
Screenshot 5 – Wireless connection with NetworkManager and Wicd (installed in Build 170425 and 180316)
Wifi connection using NetworkManager – in detail

DOWNLOAD
This build of Debian Pixel has been replaced by Build 180928.
Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Foundation

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!
Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX LXQt (Debian Stretch) with LXQt 0.11, Refracta tools and kernel 4.9.0-9-exton (4.9.0-rc8)

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debex-lxqt-live-desktop-smallNEWS 161209 about DebEX LXQt – a Refracta Build
A new version of DebEX Barebone with LXQt 0.11 (released 160924) and kernel 4.9.0-9-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest kernel 4.9-rc8) is ready. You can download “my” new kernel if you want to use it in another Debian/Ubuntu system. I have also installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 375.20 in this new version of DebEX Barebone. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of December 9, 2016. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian testing – Stretch – (upcoming Debian 9) and Debian unstable – Sid. I have replaced Google Chrome with Tor Browser – it prevents somebody watching your Internet connection from learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are blocked.

What’s new in kernel 4.9?

Replacement
This version of DebEX with LXQt replaces version 161025, which used Xfce 4.12.1 as Desktop environment. Note: LXQt version 0.11 can’t be installed in Ubuntu 16.10 just yet.

About LXQt
Historically, LXQt is the product of the merge between LXDE-Qt, an initial Qt flavour of LXDE, and Razor-qt, a project aiming to develop a Qt based desktop environment with similar objectives as the current LXQt. The Razor project has merged with LXDE and is now LXQt.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in DebEX LXQt) to create your own installable Debian Stretch Live DVD once you have installed DebEX LXQt to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian Stretch live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian 9 system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min!  You’ll find your new ISO in /home/snapshots.

Screenshot 1 – DebEX LXQt – root’s Desktop
Screenshot 2 – DebEX LXQt – live’s Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX Xfce4 Build 161025 – Create your own installable Debian Stretch Live DVD with Refracta tools (pre-installed)!

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debex-refracta-start2-smallNEWS 161025 about DebEX Xfce4 – a Refracta Build
A new version of DebEX Barebone with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.8.0-21-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 4.8) is ready. I have installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 370.28 in this new version of DebEX Barebone. Read about how to use it. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of October 25, 2016. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian testing – Stretch – (upcoming Debian 9) and Debian unstable – Sid. I have replaced Google Chrome with Tor Browser – it prevents somebody watching your Internet connection from learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are blocked. Announcement about Xfce 4.12, released 150228: Today, after 2 years and 10 months of work, we are pleased to announce the release of the Xfce desktop 4.12, a new stable version that supersedes Xfce 4.10. This long period can only be explained by how awesome Xfce 4.10 was. But as all things, it needed some refreshing – and for that we saw lots of new contributors providing valuable feedback, features and bugfixes. As always, Xfce follows its steady pace of evolution without revolution that seems to match our users’ needs.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta tools (pre-installed in DebEX Xfce4) to create your own installable Debian Stretch Live DVD once you have installed DebEX Xfce4 to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian Stretch live system. When you start Refracta it will look like this. You don’t even have to install DebEX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Debian 9 system while running DebEX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min! I have also pre-installed VirtualBox in DebEX Xfce4 so you can test run your own created new Debian Stretch ISO.

New installed packages
I have added VirtualBox, Midori Private Browser, SMPlayer, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos) and PulseAudio for better sound in YouTube. Study all installed packages.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot of the Boot menu in DebEX Xfce4 created with the Refracta tools
Screenshot of the Xfce4 Desktop in DebEX Barebone Xfce4 Build 161025

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX Barebone (Debian) Live DVD with Xfce 4.12.1, kernel 4.8 and Tor Browser – Build 161009

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debex-live-tor-browser-smallAbout DebEX Barebone, DebEX Gnome and DebEX KDE Linux 64 bit
All three systems/distributions are a based on Debian. DebEX KDE is based on Debian Jessie (Debian 8.6). DebEX Barebone and DebEX Gnome are based on Debian testing (Stretch) and Debian unstable (Sid). Xfce 4.12 (released 150228 after about three years work!) is used as Desktop environment in DebEX Barebone. Gnome 3.22 and Mate 1.16 are used in DebEX Gnome. KDE 4.14.2 and KDE Plasma Desktop 5:84 are used in DebEX KDE. DebEX Barebone Xfce4 and DebEX Gnome use my special kernel 4.8.0-21-exton. (Kernel 4.8). DebEX KDE uses my special kernel 4.8.0-18-exton. (Kernel 4.8-rc8). The system language is English (in all three versions of DebEX).

NEWS 161009 about DebEX Xfce4
A new version of DebEX Barebone with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.8.0-21-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 4.8) is ready. I have also installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 370.28 in this new version of DebEX Barebone. Read more about how to use it. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of October 9, 2016. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian testing – stretch – (upcoming Debian 9) and Debian unstable – sid. I have replaced Google Chrome with Tor Browser – it prevents somebody watching your Internet connection from learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are blocked. The size of the ISO file has therefore increased from 1460 MB to 1620 MB. Announcement about Xfce 4.12, released 150228: Today, after 2 years and 10 months of work, we are pleased to announce the release of the Xfce desktop 4.12, a new stable version that supersedes Xfce 4.10. This long period can only be explained by how awesome Xfce 4.10 was. But as all things, it needed some refreshing – and for that we saw lots of new contributors providing valuable feedback, features and bugfixes. As always, Xfce follows its steady pace of evolution without revolution that seems to match our users’ needs.

Runs from RAM
All three DebEX systems can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (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 DebEX from RAM. I.e. superfast! It’s absolutely the best way to enjoy a Linux live system. Especially if it is a “big” system and you have lots of RAM. (DebEX Barebone, Gnome and KDE ISO files are of 1620 MB, 1830 MB respectively 1510 MB).

SCREENSHOTS
Tor Browser running when I’m logged in as the ordinary user live. (You can’t run Tor Browser as root).
Using Samba to connect to my Windows computers

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|OS 64 bit with Mate 1.14.0 and kernel 4.5.3-exton :: Build 160514

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 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.

WHAT’S NEW in MATE 1.14?

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.

See a screenshot of Exton|OS’s Mate 1.14.0 Desktop

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

Exton|OS 64 bit with Mate 1.12.7 and kernel 4.5.3-exton :: Build 160512

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exton-os-logo-worldExton|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.

What’s new in Linux kernel 4.5.3?

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX Barebone with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.3.3 – Build 160109 based on Debian Stretch and Sid

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debex-barebone-installer-160109-smallNEWS 160109 about DebEX Barebone
A new version of DebEX Barebone with Xfce 4.12.1 and kernel 4.3.0-5-exton (equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 4.3.3) is ready. I have installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphics driver 352.63. All packages have been updated to the latest version as of January 9, 2016. DebEX Barebone is now based on Debian testing – Stretch – (upcoming Debian 9) and Debian unstable – Sid. I have now installed Google Chrome to make it possible to watch Netflix movies. No Linux system is complete without it. The size of the ISO file has therefore increased from 1150 MB to 1460 MB. Announcement about Xfce 4.12, released 150228: Today, after 2 years and 10 months of work, we are pleased to announce the release of the Xfce desktop 4.12, a new stable version that supersedes Xfce 4.10. This long period can only be explained by how awesome Xfce 4.10 was. But as all things, it needed some refreshing – and for that we saw lots of new contributors providing valuable feedback, features and bugfixes. As always, Xfce follows its steady pace of evolution without revolution that seems to match our users’ needs.

Three DebEX Linux systems
There are now three new DebEX systems. Namely DebEX Barebone 160109, DebEX Gnome 160105 and DebEX KDE 160102. All three use kernel 4.3.0-5-exton.

Runs from RAM
All three systems can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (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 DebEX from RAM. I.e. superfast! It’s absolutely the best way to enjoy a Linux live system. Especially if it is a “big” system and you have lots of RAM. (DebEX Barebone, Gnome and KDE ISO files are of 1460 MB, 1720 MB respectively 1490 MB).

The importance of the fact that DebEX Barebone is based on Debian testing and Debian unstable
I don’t think it matters too much. I.e. programs won’t crash or anything like that. I haven’t discovered any errors. Maybe you will if you do a full test of the system. Please let me know in that case.

Screenshot 1 – DebEX Barebone running DebEX Installer

Screenshot 2 – DebEX Barebone running Samba

Screenshot 3 – DebEX Barebone running Google Chrome with Netflix

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Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

DebEX Build 160105 with Gnome 3.18.3 and Mate 1.12.1

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debex-gnome-desktop-synaptic-160105-smallNEWS 160105 about DebEX
I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live DVD. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (stretch) and unstable (sid) repositories. Two Desktop Environments are pre-installed. Gnome 3.18.3 – latest version – (Gothenburg) and Mate 1.12.1 (latest version). About Gnome 3.18: This release brings significant improvements to many of our core applications, from better Google Drive integration in Files to a list view in Boxes to firmware updates in Software, and several entirely new applications. I have also installed Nvidia’s proprietary graphic driver 352.63 in this new version of DebEX. To be able to enjoy Gnome 3.18.3 while running DebEX live (from DVD or a USB stick) you’ll need to have a new Nvidia Graphics card installed. You can see which cards are supported here. Otherwise you’ll have to settle for Mate 1.12.1. (Not a bad choice btw). Furthermore I have installed Google Chrome to make it possible to watch Netflix movies. All other installed packages have also been updated to the latest version as of 160105. DebEX Gnome uses kernel 4.3.0-5-exton.

Runs from RAM
DebEX Gnome can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (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 DebEX from RAM. I.e. superfast! It’s absolutely the best way to enjoy a Linux live system. Especially if it is a “big” system and you have lots of RAM. (DebEX Gnome’s and KDE’s ISO files are of 1720 MB respectively 1490 MB).

KERNEL
DebEX Gnome uses kernel 4.3.0-5-exton equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 4.3.3. (Latest as of 160105).

About Nvidia’s proprietary Graphics driver 352.63 
 The Nvidia driver has support for the following GPUs (among others): GeForce 800A, GeForce 800M, GeForce GTX 970M and GeForce GTX 980M. Note: I DebEX Gnome version 160105 your Nvidia card will be automatically used (if it is supported). You can then log in to Gnome 3.18.3 from LightDM login page as root with password root. If your card isn’t supported you will get the dreaded error message saying Oh no! Something has gone wrong. Then log out and change Desktop Environment to Mate 1.12.1 before you go on and log in again. You simply can’t log in to Gnome. Perhaps you can fix it yourself after a hard drive installation of DebEX Gnome!?

The importance of the fact that DebEX Gnome is based on Debian testing and Debian unstable
I don’t think it matters too much. I.e. programs won’t crash or anything like that. I haven’t discovered any errors. Maybe you will if you do a full test of the system. Please let me know in that case.

Screenshot of the Gnome Desktop in version 160105 of DebEX Gnome

Screenshot of the Mate Desktop in version 160105 of DebEX Gnome

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