Exton Linux | Live Systems

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 15 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

MeX Linux based on Debian “Sid” and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with Ubuntu/GNOME 46/LXQt DE, kernel 6.12.8-amd64-mex and Kodi 21.1 “Omega” :: Build 250110

January 11, 2025 exton Leave a comment

ABOUT MeX Linux 250110
I’ve uploaded a new version of MeX, in which I’ve included Kodi Omega 21.1 – latest version, released 240910. Kodi is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub that can be installed on Linux, OSX, Windows, iOS, tvOS and Android. It is designed around a “10-foot user interface” for use with televisions and remote controls.

NOTE about Kodi
I have installed Kodi 21.1 using Flatpak. Kodi from the Ubuntu repositories does not work in Ubuntu 24.04. Kodi 21.1 runs very well in MeX. On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 30 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds for 2025. I’ve tried Doomzday today. Works very well. Otherwise MeX version 250110 works in the same way as previous versions.

NEWS/CHANGES 250110
Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 250110 is based only on Debian Sid and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat. I have replaced the original kernel (6.8) with “my” special kernel 6.12.8-amd64-mex. All installed packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 250110. This version of MeX uses the Ubuntu Desktop Minimal. I.e. GNOME 46 Kathmandu. Also Kodi 21.1 Omega and LXQt 1.4. Use the DE you prefer.

Used KERNEL
Kernel 6.12.8-amd64-mex
NOTE: I’ve kept the original Ubuntu kernel 6.8 (so that you can switch to that one if you like).

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Calamares Installer running
Screenshot 2 – The user Desktop
Screenshot 3 – The boot screen live
Screenshot 4 – System Info
Screenshot 5 – Showing some Kodi pre-installed addons
Screenshot 6 – MeX GDM3 Screen

exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

FedEX Rpi5 (Fedora 41 ARM64) for Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 4 with GNOME 47 :: Build 250105

January 5, 2025 exton Leave a comment

FedEX Rpi5 for Raspberry Pi 5 and 4 is a “remaster” of the Fedora Project’s Fedora 41 Workstation build for ARM64 (aarch64).

ABOUT
FedEX Rpi5 uses the GNOME 47 Desktop. (As the original system does). The original Fedora 41 ARM64 system can only run a Raspberry Pi 4 computer. You may be able to start it on a Rpi 5, but you can’t make the keyboard and mouse work. My Build works very well on a Raspberry Pi 5 computer though. You can also run FedEX Rpi5 on a Rpi 4 computer if you switch /boot/config.txt to /boot/config-rpi4.txt. Watch this screenshot…

PERFORMANCE
The system is quite fast and responsive. All included applications work very well.

WHO SHOULD RUN FedEX Rpi5 for Raspberry Pi 5 and 4?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user pi
2. The Desktop for root
3. Running YouTube showing very good video quality
4. Running dnf update 250105

exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspAnd 15 (Android 15) for Raspberry Pi 5 with GAPPS (Google Play Store), Spotify, Bluetooth, Aptoide App Store, F-Droid and Microsoft Launcher pre-installed :: Build 241221

December 21, 2024 exton Leave a comment

ABOUT RaspAnd 15 – Build 241221 – with GAPPS
RaspAnd 15 runs very well on a Raspberry Pi 5. I.e. the system is pretty responsive if you use a micro SD card of good quality. RaspAnd 15 has the following apps pre-installed: GAPPS (Google Play Store and other Google apps), Spotify, Aptoide App Store, Microsoft Launcher, Duck Duck Go Private Browser and F-Droid.

RASPBERRY Pi 5
RaspAnd 15 is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 5 released on October 23, 2023 (4GB and 8GB). You can’t run RaspAnd 15 on another Raspberry Pi model than Pi 5.
NOTE: A Raspberry Pi 5 is about twice as fast as the Raspberry Pi 4.

ABOUT Android 15, which was released 240903…
Read also an article about The Evolution of Android – List of Android Versions and Release Dates. As you can see Android 15 is the latest stable version of Android.

PERFORMANCE
Everything works! The System is responsive and quite fast.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop with GAPPS (Google Play Store), Aptoide App Store, F-Droid and Spotify pre-installed
2. The Desktop using Microsoft Launcher – pre-installed
3. Asphalt 8 running – not pre-installed
4. Google Play Store running
5. Spotify running
6. AIDA64 running showing the System specifications
7. F-Droid running
8. Aptoide running
9. Microsoft Launcher possibilities
10. Running YouTube in Duck Duck Go Private Browser (pre-installed)
11. Showing the File Manager

exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

RaspArch Rpi5 Build 241218 :: Run Arch Linux (aarch64) with the LXQt 2.1 DE on your new Raspberry Pi 5 computer :: Install using Rufus or Etcher in Windows!

December 18, 2024 exton Leave a comment

RaspArch Build 241218 for the “new” Raspberry Pi 5 (released on October 23, 2023)

RaspArch Build 241218 is a “ready-to-go” ARM (aarch64/arm64) system. It can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 computer. RaspArch Build 240302 can also run on a Raspberry Pi 4 computer. I have therefore kept version 240302 on the server. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 241218. The Desktop Environment is LXQt 2.1. You can log in to LXQt from SLiM as the normal user archpi or as root.

RASPBERRY Pi 5
This RaspArch version is made especially for the new Raspberry Pi 5 released on October 23, 2023 (4GB and 8GB).
NOTE: A Raspberry Pi 5 is about twice as fast as the Raspberry Pi 4.

KERNELS
6.6.66-exton-v8-16k+ for Rpi 5.
NOTE: You can use other 64bit kernels – for example linux-rpi-6.12.5-1-aarch64 – but the video performance will be bad and you can’t use a WiFi connection.

More about RaspArch
When you have installed RaspArch to your Micro SD Card you can use the system like any other Arch Linux system. I.e. install new programs etc. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).

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.

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 Yay). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 4. I.e. that was before Raspberry Pi 5 was released…

Study all installed packages in RaspArch…

PERFORMANCE
Everything works! The System is responsive and quite fast. The sound and video performance is very good.

UNIQUE
There is no other (good) Arch Linux ARM System for Raspberry Pi 5 (as far as I know). Not for downloading anyhow.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as archpi
Screenshot 2 of RaspArch’s Desktop – logged in as root
Screenshot 3 – showing a Bluetooth connection
Screenshot 4 – Samba connection to a Windows computer

READ MORE...

Exton|Defender fc41 (stable) with Cinnamon 6.2, Gnome 47, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 241210

December 11, 2024 exton Leave a comment

Exton|Defender SRS (Super Rescue System) is a Linux system available as a Live System based on Fedora 41, 64bit. Fedora 41 was released on October 29, 2024. Exton|Defender is 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: Special versions of Gnome 47 and Cinnamon 6.2 developed by Fedora.

Installing Exton|Defender fc41 to a USB stick and achieve persistence
You can install Exton|Defender Build 241210 to a USB stick with persistence! I.e. all your system changes will be saved directly on the USB stick. Even big system upgrades! That will make it unnecessary to install Exton|Defender to hard drive (which can be a bit tricky). Just run the System from a big enough USB stick and be happy!

CALAMARES INSTALLER
Calamares is very simple to use. Just start it from the menu and follow the instructions. If you are installing Exton|Defender on a UEFI computer you should read my general install instructions in advance. If you want to make your own Fedora distro (with Refracta Snapshot) you should install Exton|Defender on a partition of about 30 GB and use a SWAP space of about 2 GB. Do not create special home or boot partitions. When Calamares is running it will look like this.

Using Refracta Snapshot
As I said above you can create your own Fedora 41 System once you have installed Exton|Defender to hard drive. That can (of course) also be done in VirtualBox. Do it like this:
1. Be sure to run “my” kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton. Refracta Snapshot won’t work with Fedora’s original kernel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Actually you can run Fedora’s original kernel 6.11.10-300.fc41 and still use Refracta Snapshot. Just don’t uninstall/remove “my” kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton before running Refracta Snapshot. And don’t remove the links /vmlinuz and /initrd.img to my kernel. Your new ISO will then be created without problems. When running your new ISO live (i.e. from a USB stick/DVD or in VirtualBox/VMware) my kernel will be used. If you install your new Fedora/Exton|Defender System to hard drive Fedora’s kernel 6.11.10-300.fc41 can be used as an alternative.
2. Change everything to your liking. I.e. install/remove software, change wallpapers etc…
3. Open up Refracta Snapshot
4. Follow the instructions – watch this screenshot…
5. Sit back and relax. Your new ISO will be ready in a few minutes. You’ll find it in /home/snapshot. You can also use Refracta Snapshot while running Exton|Defender from a USB stick – see above!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|Defender running in full screen in VirtualBox
Screenshot 2 – Running Calamares
Screenshot 3 – Gnome 47 DE is used in VMware
Screenshot 4 – After an installation using Anaconda Installer in VMware

Exton|Defender fc42 with LXQt 2.0 DE, Calamares Installer, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.12.1-amd64-exton :: Build 241208

December 9, 2024 exton Leave a comment

ABOUT Exton|Defender Build 241208
Exton|Defender, based on Fedora Rawhide (upcoming Fedora 42), 64 bit, is an extra version built mainly because I finally found a way to install Calamares Installer in Fedora and make it work. This build is not really a “Defender SRS” system. You can, however, install all the rescue tools you may need also when running this version live. (I.e. from a USB stick or a DVD). The ISO file is off only 1400 MB, which means that you should be able to run the system in RAM also on older computers. Fedora 41 was released in a stable version on October 29, 2024. So Exton|Defender fc42 (being based on upcoming Fedora 42) should be very “unstable”. I have, however, not noticed anything special.

Study all installed packages in Exton|Defender Build 241208…

THE IMPORTANCE OF Exton|Defender Build 241208 being based on UPCOMING fc 42
Programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. And I haven’t noticed any “bugs”. That said you should of course be a bit careful. Version 241208 of Exton|Defender is for people who like to use “cutting-edge” software and the latest kernels etc. You will always have the latest Linux/Fedora software installed if you regularly run the command sudo dnf upgrade.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Calamares is starting
2. Calamares is ready
3. The liveuser Desktop
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. Calamares is reinstalled
6. Showing the SDDM site

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!

ArchEX 2025 (Arch Linux) Live with KDE Plasma 6.2.3-1, kernel 6.12.1-arch-1 and Calamares Installer 3.3.12 :: Build 241124

November 24, 2024 exton Leave a comment

ABOUT ArchEX 2025 Build 241124
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with KDE Plasma 6.2.3-1 – latest version released 241105. Plasma is made to stay out of the way as it helps you get things done. But under its light and intuitive surface, it’s a powerhouse. So you’re free to choose ways of usage right as you need them and when you need them. This ArchEX version uses kernel 6.12.1-arch-1. ArchEX can very easy be installed to hard drive (if you want) with Calamares Installer version 3.3.12 (latest). Installed (by me) from source. Finally.

Replacement
This ArchEX version replaces version 240509 and 240106.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2025 with KDE Plasma 6.2.3-1.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

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
ArchEX Plasma Desktop for user
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX running Calamares Installer
Showing SDDM Login Screen

READ MORE….

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live System with MATE 1.28.2-2 DE and kernel 6.11.7-arch :: Build 241117

November 17, 2024 exton Leave a comment

ABOUT ArchEX Build 241117
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with the MATE Desktop environment. This ArchEX version replaces version 240101, which had Pantheon as DE. At the moment (241117) Pantheon doesn’t work in Arch Linux. After a full system upgrade the Pantheon menu is gone and you can’t get it back.

ABOUT MATE: The MATE Desktop Environment is the continuation of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. MATE is under active development to add support for new technologies while preserving a traditional desktop experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ArchEX with MATE works very well when running live on my six computers. Calamares Installer is not installed in Build 241117. You can nevertheless install ArchEX Build 241117 to hard drive if you follow my instructions…
It is quite simple. Basically only ONE command is needed.

Study all installed packages in Build 241117…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The MATE Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Showing a WiFi connection
3. Showing a Samba connection
4. Showing a manual installation of ArchEX in VirtualBox

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!

A new version of PuppEX Jammy64 with ROX DE and kernel 6.11.7-exton :: Build 241109

November 9, 2024 exton Leave a comment

NEWS ABOUT PuppEX Jammy64 22.04 241109
This Puppy derivative is made by me. It is a replacement for Build 230222. It is built from Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy Jellyfish) packages and packages built from woof-CE Recipes. I’ve also compiled a brand new kernel – 6.11.7-exton. The reason for this new build is that I came to realize that Ubuntu 22.04 LTS will be supported until April 2027…

CHANGES
This build uses the standard Puppy Linux DE. I.e. ROX. I have added PCManFM File Manager and Samba so that you can reach your Windows computers in you home network. Watch this screenshot…

COMPATIBLE WITH Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
PuppEX Jammy64 is compatible with Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy Jellyfish), which means that Ubuntu packages for Ubuntu 22.04 can be installed and used in PuppEX. You can use the Synaptic Package Manager or the apt command. (apt update, apt upgrade, apt install MyUsefulPackage etc).

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop
2. Showing a Samba connection
3. Showing a Frugal Installation
4. Running in VirtualBox
5. Showing a WiFi connection

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 11 (with GAPPS), AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 14 (with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1
(also with GAPPS)!