Tag Archives: Grub

How to make a simple Frugal install (Puppy Linux like) of many major Linux distributions :: 241025

Recently I found a way to make a simple Frugal install (Puppy Linux like) of many major Linux distributions.  The method is called FirstRibIT. It was announced by wiak at the Puppy Linux Discussion Forum 240630.  At the moment the following Linux distributions are supported:
1 FirstRib anypup (default BookwormPup64_10.0.6.iso; rough shutdown) firstribed using FR wiak initrd
2 PopOS64
3 EndeavourOS
4 Manjaro
7 MakuluLinux-Shift-x64-Ubuntu
8 MX Linux X64
13 Zorin
14 NeonKDE
15 Garuda (warning: Cancel out of disk partitioning install)
16 Bodhi
17 MassOS
18 TinyCoreLinux64
20 Intel Clear Linux
21 Ubuntu_live
23 linux-lite
24 bunsen-lithium
25 LXLE-Focal
26 tails-amd64
27 Debian_live
28 Regata_OS
29 Kodachi
30 SysLinuxOS
31 4MLinux
33 Fedora
34 Xubuntu
35 Lubuntu
36 Mabox
37 Sparky
38 Spiral
44 Linux Mint
98 Generic Arch Linux based
99 Generic Debian/Ubuntu based

NOTE1: To be able to use FirstRibIT you’ll have to have one Linux system installed and use Grub as boot loader.

If you want to try out FirstRibIT you shall follow these steps:
1. Create a folder in the root of your Linux system (/). Name it for example KL-ZORIN.
2. Download a script called firstribit.sh with the command
wget -c https://gitlab.com/firstrib/firstrib/-/raw/master/latest/build_system/firstribit-latest.sh -O firstribit.sh && chmod +x firstribit.sh
3. Put the script firstribit.sh into the folder KL-ZORIN.
4. Download the ISO file Zorin-OS-17.2-Core-64-bit.iso
5. Put the ISO file into the folder KL-ZORIN.
6. Go into the folder KL-ZORIN (cd /KL-ZORIN).
7. Run the command./firstribit.sh optional_f_it_plugname
After a few minutes everything is ready. The only thing left to do is to configure Grub so that Zorin can start – see below.

Add the following lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom (depending on how you have configured your Grub installation):
menuentry ‘MX Linux ::WORK:: (sda2-Samsung_T5)’ –class mxlinux –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os $menuentry_id_option ‘osprober-gnulinux-simple-3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205
fi
linux /boot/vmlinuz-6.4.0-1mx-ahs-amd64 root=UUID=3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205 rw quiet acpi_backlight=vendor splash acpi_rev_override=1
initrd /boot/initrd.img-6.4.0-1mx-ahs-amd64
}

menuentry ‘KL-ZORIN (FRUGAL – sdb2 – SAMSUNG) 241025’ –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os $menuentry_id_option ‘osprober-gnulinux-simple-3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205
fi
linux /KL-ZORIN/vmlinuz w_bootfrom=UUID=3ec7ea01-8e4f-491e-879f-335560d44205=/KL-ZORIN w_changes=RAM2
initrd /KL-ZORIN/initrd.gz
}

NOTE2: MX Linux is my main Linux system where the frugal installation of Zorin is made. As you can see the UUID is the same for both systems. You shall of course change the UUID to suit your installation.

Now you can just reboot your computer and enjoy Zorin (or any other Linux system of the ones I’ve listed above). I myself have tested FirstRibIT also for Fedora and Manjaro. Works very well as expected.  The Grub lines (configuration) is the same for all Linux systems supported.

When running Zorin or any of the other Linux systems, which are supported, you can of course change the system to your liking and upgrade the whole system. To make your system changes permanent you shall run the command sudo save2flash before power off or rebooting your computer.

NOTE3: You may have to install Yad before running the command sudo save2flash.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Using save2flash
2. The Zorin Desktop (after some changes)
3. Upgrading the Zorin system

################################################

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)!

PuppEX (Puppy Linux) Bookworm64 with LXQt as DE :: Build 240924

NEWS ABOUT PuppEX Bookworm64 Build 240924
My new Puppy Linux derivative is built using the Bookworm Build Script. Latest from 240924. The system is compatible with Debian Bookworm – Debian 12. This version of PuppEX uses LXQt as Desktop environment (DE). It is for UEFI computers and non-UEFI computers. This PuppEX version runs very well in VirtualBox/VMware. You can run it in full screen in VirtualBox, since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot…

Debian 12
Compatible with Debian 12
means that you can use the apt command. (apt update, apt upgrade, apt install MyUsefulPackage etc) and Synaptic for installing thousands of new Debian packages in PuppEX. Both PuppEX Bookworm64 versions can easily be installed manually to hard drive if you have at least one Linux system installed. You must also use Grub as boot loader. Read more about how to do that at the INFO site.

SCREENSHOTS
1. PuppEX Bookworm64 running in full screen in VirtualBox
2. Connection to a wireless network
3. root’s desktop – LXQt
4. Showing a frugal installation
5. The apt command in action

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)!

AndEX Oreo 8.1 (Android-x86_64) – Build 180103 – with GAPPS, Aptoide App Manager and Win 10 Launcher

NEWS 180103 about AndEX Oreo 8.1
My new build of Android x86_64 – andex-x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-aptoide-windows-1280mb-180103.iso can be installed to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180103 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and video performance is generally very very good.

WARNING
Google Play Store doesn’t work in AndEX Oreo 8.1 because you can’t sign in to Google. Aptoide App Manager is a good replacement though, since Google Play Services work. I.e. you can install Google apps via Aptoide. If you want to install AndEX Oreo 8.1 to hard drive you’ll have to do it manually. Please read my INSTRUCTION.

Screenshot – AndEX Build 180103 – the Desktop with Win 10 Launcher for Android 8.1 Oreo

MORE NEWS 180103: AndEX – Oreo 8.1 with kernel 4.9.54-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS

My new build of Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 have GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store 8.5.39.W-all, Aptoide App Manager 8.6.02, Google Play Games, Gmail and YouTube 12.45.56. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify 8.4.31.723, File Manager 2.2.0.199, Firefox 57.0.1, Google Chrome 63.0.32, Clash of Clans 9.434.4 and Popcorn Time 2.8.0.2.

Android Oreo 8.1 was released 171205.

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 Oreo Build 180103 almost all apps and games can be installed NOT via Google Play Store, but via Aptoide App Manager. You can even install very big games (of 1GB or so), but unfortunately almost all such games need a touchscreen. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Win 10 Launcher
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – Aptoide App Manager running
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – Boot animation
Screenshot 5 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – Desktop with Win 10 Launcher
Screenshot 6 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – AndEX Oreo running Google Maps
Screenshot 7 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – AndEX Oreo first screen after boot – choose launcher

READ MORE…

AndEX (Android-x86) 5.1.1 Lollipop with GAPPS and kernel 4.0.3 – Build 150611

andex-apps-20150610-smallNEWS 150611 – AndEX – Lollipop 5.1.1 with kernel 4.0.3 and GAPPS
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. For example: Facebook, OfficeSuite 8 and Pool Break Lite (3D game). The ISO is called android-x86-5.1.1-lollipop-kernel-4.0.3-exton-GAPPS-556mb-150611.iso. AndEX 150611 is totally error-free. (This Lollipop version was released April 27, 2015). When running AndEX live you will get some error messages during the setup of your wireless connection and logging into your Google account, but nothing serious. For installing new apps you shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX build 150611. 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.

About AndEX

My compiled Androidx86 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. 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.

More about AndEX
Lollipop 5.1.1 is the latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Lollipop Live CD. It uses “my” special kernel 4.0.3-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-06-06 will also cost you 9 $. I has two advantages over the Lollipop version: You can run the system in VirtualBox and the system can be used also on older laptops. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150606 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing 3D games
I wrote an article 150608 about installing 3D games in my KitKat 4.4.4 Build 6. The same games can be installed in AndEX Build 150611. I have also tested Cars: Fast as Lightning and Trials Frontier in AndEX. Those apps ran without problems.

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 150611 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 150606 will run also on older computers.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop with Rain Live wallpaper (pre-installed)
Screenshot 2 – AndEX showing all apps
Screenshot 3 – AndEX running Pool Break Lite in 3D
Screenshot 4 – AndEX running Cars: Fast as Lightning
Screenshot 5 – AndEX running Trials Frontier

READ MORE…

AndEX (Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2) with GAPPS and kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86

lollipop-desktop-20150520-1-smallNEWS 150520 about AndEX – The Absolute Ultimate Edition
My new build of Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google+, Maps, YouTube and more apps. The ISO is called android-x86-5.0.2-lollipop-GAPPS-kernel4-exton-687mb-150520.iso. I call it The Absolute Ultimate Edition because AndEX build 150520 is totally error-free. Google Maps is the only app you’ll have to update. (Just start Google Play Store and do it!). All other included apps work perfectly well! You shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX version 150520. 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.

About AndEX
My compiled Androidx86 system (Lollipop 5.0.2) 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. 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 (DVD) 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.

More about AndEX

Lollipop 5.0.2 is the second latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Lollipop Live DVD. It uses “my” special kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers and NTFS read/write support. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-05-04 will also cost you 9 $. It has one advantage over the Lollipop version: You can run the system in VirtualBox. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150504 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing new apps in AndEX Lollipop
Use Google Play Store or Aptoide App Manager, which are pre-installed. Just make your choices. Normally you should always use Google Play Store, but if you can’t find the app you are looking for you can try Aptoide.

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android Lollipop on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android Lollipop. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android Lollipop. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

USB installation
Read my instruction. Learn how you can run AndEX from a USB stick with persistence. Read under A).

VirtualBox

Unfortunately you cannot (normally) run/test the system in VirtualBox. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox. That can however be done if you use one of my other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 version 150504.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop without modifications
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Desktop with modifications

NOTE2/WARNING2
Before you buy and download this version of AndEX you must be aware of that not all apps downloaded from Google Play Store can run in an Android-x86 system. Some very big (around 1GB) games for example won’t run. Note about version 150520: While running The Absolute Ultimate Edition you won’t get any error messages.

READ MORE…

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

AndEX (Android-x86) Lollipop 5.0.2 with Google Play Store and other GAPPS – now (almost) error-free

andex-lollipop-5.0.2-20150426-360NEWS 150505 about AndEX – The Ultimate Edition
My new build of Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google+, Maps, YouTube and more apps. The ISO is called android-x86-5.0.2-lollipop-GAPPS-exton-782mb-150505.iso. I call it The Ultimate Edition because AndEX 150505 is (almost) error-free. I finally managed to install Google Play Services, which is needed for Google Play Store to run. You shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX version 150505. 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.

Unique?
As far as I know there is no other Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2 version out there with GAPPS pre-installed.

View the boot process >> SLIDESHOW

About AndEX
My compiled Androidx86 system (Lollipop 5.0.2) 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 Ausus laptops. 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 (DVD) 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.

Replacement
This Ultimate Edition of AndEX replaces version 150426, which also had GAPPS pre-installed.

READ MORE…

AndEX (Android-x86) Lollipop 5.0.2 with Google Play Store and other GAPPS

andex-lollipop-5.0.2-20150426-360NEWS 150426 ABOUT AndEX Lollipop 5.0.2
My new build of Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google+, Maps, YouTube and more apps. The ISO is called android-x86-5.0.2-lollipop-exton-kernel-GAPPS-721mb-150426.iso. I finally managed to install Google Play Services, which is needed for Google Play Store to run. You shall always use Google Play Store in AndEX version 150426. 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.

Unique?
As far as I know there is no other Android-x86 Lollipop 5.0.2 version out there with GAPPS pre-installed.

View the boot process >> SLIDESHOW

About AndEX
My compiled Androidx86 system (Lollipop 5.0.2) 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 Ausus laptops. 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 (DVD) 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.

More about AndEX
Lollipop 5.0.2 is the second latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Lollipop Live DVD. It uses “my” special kernel 3.10.58-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers and NTFS read/write support. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 builds from 2015-03-21 will cost you 8 $ and my Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-03-30 7 $. They have two advantages over the Lollipop version: A newer kernel (3.18.8 respectively 3.18.2) is used and you can run the systems in VirtualBox. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150321 or DOWNLOAD it instantly. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150330 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing new apps in AndEX Lollipop
Use Google Play Store or Aptoide App Manager, which are pre-installed. Just make your choices. Normally you should use Google Play Store, but if you can’t find the app you are looking for you can try Aptoide.

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android Lollipop on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android Lollipop. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android Lollipop. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

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 150426 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Desktop without modifications
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Desktop with modifications
Screenshot 3 – AndEX installed apps
Screenshot 4 – AndEX preventing rotation
Screenshot 5 – AndEX using Google Maps

READ MORE or download the ISO file instantly…

AndEX (Android) x86 5.0.2 Lollipop Live CD with kernel 3.10.58-exton-android-x86

Android logoI have compiled an Android x86 system (Lollipop 5.0.2), which can run live (from CD) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. 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.

About AndEX
Lollipop 5.0.2 is the latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Lollipop Live CD. It uses “my” special kernel 3.10.58-exton-android-x86 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers and NTFS read/write support. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-03-21 will cost you 8 $ and my Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-03-30 7 $. They have three advantages over the Lollipop version: Aptoide App Manager respectively Google Play Store is pre-installed, a newer kernel (3.18.8 respectively 3.18.2) is used and you can run the systems in VirtualBoxRead more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150321 or DOWNLOAD it instantly. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 150330 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Installing new apps in AndEX Lollipop
Use Aptoid Apps Store, which is pre-installed. Just make your choices

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android Lollipop on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android Lollipop. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android Lollipop. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

USB installation
Read my instruction. Must be done if your computer lacks a CD drive.

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

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – Andex Desktop without modifications
Screenshot 2 – Andex installed apps
Screenshot 3 – Andex preventing rotation
Screenshot 4 – Andex using Google Maps
Screenshot 5 Andex with modified Desktop
Screenshot 6 – Andex with modified Desktop

Softpedia’s review of AndEX (Android-x86) Lollipop 5.0.2

Note2: Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build 1, Exton build 2, Exton build 3 and Exton build 4 can run on many more laptops/computers than AndEX (Android-x86) Lollipop 5.0.2.

READ MORE or download the ISO file instantly for 7 $…

Note3: The AndEX Lollipop ISO has been out on SourceForge.net and the Swedish Linux Society for free since 150307 until today (150402). The ISO file has been downloaded about 50000 times during that period. More than any of my other Linux distributions (ever).

Android KitKat 4.4.4 x86 – Exton build – for laptops

Android logoI have compiled an Android x86 system (KitKat 4.4.4), which can run live (from CD) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. 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.

Replacement for Windows, Mac or even Linux Desktop systems?
Some belive what I just said. The Android-x86 Project (Run Android on your PC) is about porting the Android Open Source Project to x86 platform. The Android-x86 Project’s latest release is Android-x86 4.4-r2 from 2015-01-01. The ISO file can be downloaded for free from SourceForge.net or Softpedia. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-03-01 will cost you 7 $.

Boot screen

Kernel
Kernel 3.18.2-android-x86+ is used.

Installing new apps
Google Play Store is pre-installed (among many other apps) so you can just go ahead and make your choices…

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android KitKat on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android KitKat. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android KitKat. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

More about Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your computer you should skip installing Grub during the installation of Android KitKat. If you use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader) you should instead add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom
menuentry ‘Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150301 (sda8)’ {
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos8′
linux /android-2015-03-01/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-03-01
initrd /android-2015-03-01/initrd.img
}

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today even though Android KitKat uses it) you should add thease lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150301 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)

kernel /android-2015-03-01/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-03-01
initrd /android-2015-03-01/initrd.img

USB installation
Read my instruction. It is for AndEX (Android) Lollipop, but the same instruction works for my KitKat version.

VirtualBox
You can also (of course) run/test the system in VirtualBox. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and even install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox.

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.

Screenshots
The boot screen
The welcome screen
The Desktop (after I have added a few apps)
All apps (after I have added a few)
Google Play Store is used
The file manager is used
Poweroff

Softpedia’s review of AndEX (Android-x86) Lollipop 5.0.2

Note that Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build 1 and Exton build 2 can run on many more laptops/computers than AndEX (Android-x86) Lollipop 5.0.2.

DOWNLOAD (android_x86-4.4.4-kitkat-exton-build-409mb-150301.iso)

md5sum


Android is a trademark of Google Inc.