Tag Archives: Refracta Installer

exton, Exton Linux distributions

DebEX LXQt Bookworm (Debian 12) – 32 bit – for older computers with LXQt Desktop 1.2, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.3.0-rc6-exton ::: Build 230418

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About all DebEX systems
All four systems/distributions are based on Debian Sid (unstable). Gnome 43.4 and Enlightenment 0.25.4 are used as Desktop environments in DebEX Gnome/Enlightenment. Gnome 41 is used in DebEX Gnome. KDE Plasma Desktop 5.27.2 is used in DebEX KDE. LXQt 1.2  is used in DebEX Build 230418 – 32 bit. The system language is English (in all four versions of DebEX).

Debian 12 (Sid/upcoming Bookworm) is still supposed to be unstable, but the “full hard freeze” took place already 230312.

What is DebEX Linux? Study this ANSWER generated by ChatGPT-4 AI.

NEWS 230418 about DebEX LXQt 32 bit Build 230418
I’ve made a new DebEX system for older computers. It uses LXQt 1.2 as Desktop environment. LXQt is a lightweight Qt desktop environment. It will not get in your way. It will not hang or slow down your system. It is focused on being a classic desktop with a modern look and feel. Only a minimum of packages are installed. The ISO file is of only 1340 MB! Refracta Snapshot is pre-installed also in this version of DebEX, which means that you can make your own Debian 32 bit (Intel x86 32-bit architecture) live installable system in a very simple way. I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO. I could run and install DebEX LXQt without problems on my oldest computer. An Acer Aspire 5102WLMi from the year 2006. So now you too can bring back life to your (very) old computer!
NOTE1: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DebEX LXQt in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE2: You can’t watch Netflix in this version of DebEX: That’s because Google no longer support Widevine on 32 bit systems.

The boot screen when running DebEX LXQt live – see below.

The boot screen when running DebEX LXQt from hard drive (VirtualBox) – see below.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The ordinary user user LXQt Desktop
2. Root’s Desktop
3. Running in QEMU
4. Running in VMware
5. Running in VirtualBox

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions, LINUX

ExTiX Deepin 23.4 Live based on Deepin 23 Alpha 2 (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.3.0-rc4-amd64-exton :: Build 230403

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NEWS 230403 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 23 ALPHA 2
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (230403). This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 23 Alpha 2 (latest version) released by Deepin Technology 230208. Please read the Release Notes…
As you can see the developers urge people to try Deepin Alpha 2 in a non-production environment! I must say, though, that I haven’t discovered any “bugs”. And the installed programs won’t “crash” or anything like that. On the contrary ExTiX Deepin 23.4 with the Deepin DE 23 works pretty well I would say. I have nevertheless kept ExTiX 22.12 with Deepin 20.8 on the server. Deepin 20.8 is the stable version released 221208. ExTiX 23.4 uses kernel 6.3.0-rc4-amd64-exton. ExTiX 23.4 works in the same way as all other ExTiX versions. I.e. you can install it to hard drive while running the system live. Use Refracta Installer for that. You can also create your own live installable Deepin 23 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 23.4 as a “base system”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX 23.4 running in full screen in VirtualBox (VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed)
2. ExTiX Deepin 23.4 Desktop
3. ExTiX 23.4 is running in VMware
4. ExTiX 23.4 using Samba

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

exton, Exton Linux distributions, Raspberry Pi systems

Run Raspberry Pi’s PIXEL Desktop on a PC or Mac – an Exton modified Build 230319 with Refracta Snapshot (so you can create your own Raspberrypi Debian 12 Pixel system)

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NEWS 230319 about Raspberry Pi Debian 12 Pixel – 32bit – an Exton Build
 Study all included packages in Build 230319 – latest by 230319. I’ve added NetworkManager and also Wicd, which makes it easier to configure wireless connections. Choose the one which works for you.

Most important changes in Build 230319
This build replaces version 161223 , 170425, 180316, 180928, 190705, 191102, 201108 and 220505 . I’ve upgraded Raspbian/Debian from Bullseye  to Bookworm – upcoming Debian 12. I’ve also upgraded the kernel from 5.10.0-13-686-pae to 6.1.0-6-686-pae. I’ve also included kernel 6.1.0-6-686, 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. In Build 230319 I have removed Chromium. I saw no advantage in keeping it. You can run the system in full screen in VirtualBox. That’s because VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

NOTE
This Debian PIXEL 32bit build is for non-efi computers.

UNIQUE?
As far as I know there is no official Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) image with Debian 12.
NOTE: Debian 12 soft freeze will happen very soon.

NEWS 180928 – 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 220505. By watching the video you can learn a lot about Debian Pixel’s features.

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 (Raspberry Pi OS) 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). NOTE: As regards Build 230319 you can run the system in full screen in VirtualBox. That’s because VirtualBox’s Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

KERNEL
Kernel 6.1.0-6-686-pae is used in Build 230319. 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 6.1.0-6-686, 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).

Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure
For smoother Raspberry PI performance a virtual PC such as azure windows virtual desktop which can be the best option due to its high end functionality and 24*7 top-notch support from a reliable desktop as a service provider.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that this build can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You’ll need at least 4 GB RAM to run the system that way. I.e. super fast!

Spotify
You may want to run Spotify. In this version of Debian Pixel you can’t install Spotify with the command sudo apt install spotify-client. Too many unfulfilled dependencies. You can, however, run Spotify Web Player. Use Firefox for that. Watch a screenshot when Spotify Web Player is running.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own installable Raspberry Pi Debian 12 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 Snapshot. 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. Or use Samba to transfer the ISO file to one of your Windows computers in your home Network – screenshot. In VirtualBox you can also drop the new ISO directly on your host Desktop. NOTE: Run Refracta Snapshot while logged in as root. You may have to do it in three steps.

Install to Debian PIXEL hard drive
Just start Refracta Installer from the Menu >> System tools >> Refracta Installer and follow the instructions. Very simple. After a hard drive installation Grub’s boot menu will look like this.



Install Debian PIXEL to a USB stick
You can use Rufus in Windows. Persistence can’t be enabled though. The best way to achieve persistence on a USB stick 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 give you perfect persistence.

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

Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure
For smoother RaspberryPI performance a virtual PC such as azure windows virtual desktop which can be the best option due to its high end functionality and 24*7 top-notch support from a reliable desktop as a service provider.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – User pi’s Desktop 230309
Screenshot 2 – Debian PIXEL running in VirtualBox in full screen
Screenshot 3 – Samba running (reach your Windows computers in your network)
Screenshot 4 – The installation is ready
Screenshot 5 – Spotify Web Player running

DOWNLOAD
This Build has been replaced by Build 240414….

Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Foundation

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX Deepin 22.12 Live based on Deepin 20.8 (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.1.0-amd64-exton :: Build 221218

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NEWS 221218 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (221218). This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 20.8 released by Deepin Technology 221208. Using Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in ExTiX) you can make your own live installable Deepin 20.8 version with ExTiX 22.12 as “groundwork”.

NEW FUNCTIONS etc
1. You can run ExTiX from RAM. Use boot alternative 2 (load to RAM) or Advanced. A wonderful way to run Linux if you have enough RAM. Everything will be super fast. When ExTiX has booted up you can remove the DVD or USB stick.
2. You will have the opportunity to choose language before you enter the Deepin 20.8 Desktop. All main languages are supported.
3. I have replaced Deepin Installer with the Reborn version of Deepin Installer. Works better in every way. Watch this movie (slideshow).
4. I have replaced kernel 5.18.1-amd64-exton with kernel 6.1.0-amd64-exton. Corresponding the latest available stable kernel from Kernel.org.
5. Spotify and Skype are pre-installed.
6. You can watch Netflix while running Firefox.
7. You can install ExTiX Deepin also in VirtualBox/VMware using Refracta Installer or Deepin Installer. (In previous versions you had to “chroot” into the install partition and install Grub).
8. Install ExTiX to a USB stick preferably with Rufus or Ventoy in Windows – see below how it looks when I’ve used Ventoy.
9. In version 221218 I’ve also included Refracta Installer. Use it in VirtualBox if you want to have an exact copy of ExTiX Deepin installed. You don’t have to “chroot” to install Grub. Just choose to “Copy Grub files” when asked to. Watch this movie (slideshow).
NOTE1: If you want to remaster ExTiX Deepin you should use Refracta Installer. Using Deepin Installer some necessary packages (including Deepin Installer and Refracta Snapshot) will be removed during the installation process.
NOTE2: You can remaster (i.e. make your own live installable Deepin version) of ExTiX while running ExTiX live (i.e. from a USB stick or a DVD) if your computer has plenty of RAM. I could do that on a computer with 32GB RAM. I then started ExTiX live from RAM.
10. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. With those installed you can run ExTiX in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot.

UNIQUE
I may add that there is no other live version of Deepin 20.8.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX running in full screen in VirtualBox (VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed)
2. ExTiX Deepin 20.8 Desktop
3. ExTiX 22.12 is running in VMware
4. Showing Deepin App Store
5. Showing Deepin Control Center
6. ExTiX running in Qemu in Linux (Ubuntu). NOTE: ExTiX Deepin (and other Linux systems) runs very fast in Qemu (in Linux). Qemu is a generic and open source machine emulator and virtualizer. Superior to VirtualBox…


Please read (and watch) a full enthusiastic review of ExTiX 22.12…

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

SlackEX (Slackware 15.0) live with LXQt 1.2 (latest), Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.0.10-amd64-exton :: Build 221214

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Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993. In comparison with for example Ubuntu and Linux Mint, many people believe that Slackware is “difficult”. Any novice can quickly learn to use Ubuntu they say. My remaster of Slackware Current (15.0), which I call SlackEX 15.0 Current 64 bit Linux Live DVD, is however just as easy to use as Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint. Some tend to complain that the Program Management in Slackware is awkward. That was perhaps earlier the case, but not anymore.

NEWS 221214 ABOUT SlackEX 15.0 with LXQt 1.2
Because I like Slackware so much I’ve made a new extra version of SlackEX 15.0. This time with LXQt 1.2 (latest version, released 221105) as Desktop environment. LXQt is a lightweight Qt desktop environment. It will not get in your way. It will not hang or slow down your system. It is focused on being a classic desktop with a modern look and feel. LXQt is not included in Slackware’s repositories. I’ve built the LXQt 1.2 packages following the instructions at Gitlab.com. I.e. I’ve used a script made by lancsuk. If you already have Slackware/SlackEX installed to hard drive you can do the same. (If you want LXQt). It’s very easy if you have KDE installed. Otherwise you’ll have to install some KDE/LXQt dependencies. Not that difficult though. So SlackEX Build 221214 is a live remaster of Slackware 15.0 stable. It was released 220203. You can install SlackEX to hard drive and also use Refracta Snapshot for creating your very own live installable Slackware 15.0 system. Kernel 6.0.10-amd64-exton-rt14 is used. You can (of course) install Slackware’s latest kernel 5.19 if you want. But to be able to create your own Slackware 15.0 system you will have to use (boot up with) kernel 6.0.10-amd64-exton-rt14. Study all pre-installed packages in Build 221214.
NOTE1: You’ll run SlackEX Build 221214 as root or as the ordinary user user. The password for root is root. The password for user is live.
NOTE2: You can run SlackEX Build 221214 on UEFI and non-UEFI computers. You can also run SlackEX live super fast from RAM.
NOTE3: VirtualBox Guest Additions and are pre-installed, which means that you can run SlackEX in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop when Refracta Snapshot has started – LXQt
Screenshot 2 – user’s Desktop – LXQt
Screenshot 3 – SlackEX running in full screen in VirtualBox
Screenshot 4 – Showing chroot/grub during a hard drive installation

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

SlackEX (Slackware 15.0) with Enlightenment 0.25.4, Xfce 4.16.1, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.0.10-exton :: Build 221210

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Slackware is the first widely-used Linux system, which is still developing. Slackware has existed since 1993. In comparison with for example Ubuntu and Linux Mint, many people believe that Slackware is “difficult”. Any novice can quickly learn to use Ubuntu they say. My remaster of Slackware Current (15.0), which I call SlackEX 15.0 Current 64 bit Linux Live DVD, is however just as easy to use as Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint. Some tend to complain that the Program Management in Slackware is awkward. That was perhaps earlier the case, but not anymore.

NEWS ABOUT SlackEX 15.0 stable Build 221210 with the Enlightenment 0.25.4 and Xfce 4.16.1 Desktops
A new extra version of SlackEX is ready. It is based on Slackware 15.0 stable released 220203. In this version I’ve installed Enlightenment 0.25.4 (latest version) and Xfce4. I’ve also replaced kernel 5.16.0-exton with kernel 6.0.10-amd64-exton-rt14. This version of SlackEX is unique. You can’t find another Linux system with the latest Enlightenment version. (Except for ExLight). When installing version 0.25.4 in SlackEX I had to do it from source. The whole thing was very time consuming since a lot of dependencies had to be satisfied. The most important package installed is Refracta Snapshot. With that you can build your own Slackware distribution with Enlightenment 0.25.4. When a new version of Enlightenment is ready you too should be able to install it from source. Xfce4 is one of Slackware’s official Desktop environments. The other one is KDE. You can easily switch from Enlightenment to Xfce4 by editing /root/.xinitrc. Then log out and back again. That can of course also be done when running SlackEX live. (From a DVD or a USB stick). This Build of SlackEX replaces version 220117.
NOTE1: You’ll run SlackEX Build 221210 as root. The password for root is root. If you don’t like to run a Linux system as root you can create a “normal” user. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE2: You can’t login to Enlightenment 0.25.4 if you use older computers. It’s the same problem as in ExLight. You’ll have to use a fairly new computer if you want to see the Enlightenment Desktop. If you can’t login to Enlightenment (because your computer is too old) you can always switch to Xfce4. Press Ctrl Alt F1 simultaneously. Then edit .xinitrc with Nano. Command: nano .xinitrc. After that run the command startx and you will enter the Xfce4 Desktop.
NOTE3: You can run SlackEX Build 221210 on UEFI and non-Uefi computers. You can also run SlackEX live super fast from RAM.
NOTE4: VirtualBox Guest Additions and are pre-installed, which means that you can run SlackEX in full screen in VirtualBox.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – root’s Desktop – Enlightenment 0.25.4
Screenshot 2 – root’s Desktop with Xfce4 as DE
Screenshot 3 – SlackEX running in full screen in VirtualBox

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

LFS EXTON – a live installable Linux system built from Linux From Scratch (which can run on ALL computers) with kernel 6.0.6-amd64-exton ::: Build 221103

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LFS EXTON Linux live DVD/USB is built using Linux From Scratch 10.1/11.2 and Beyond Linux From Scratch 10.1/11.2 (BLFS) , which has the latest Linux packages and scripts.

NEWS 221103
A new version of LFS EXTON is ready! The first version is from 210706. Most important news re. the new version:
1. LFS EXTON Build 221103 runs on ALL computers. I. e. new and old ones. UEFI or non-UEFI computers. (Build 210706 was not compatible with some newer computers).
2. Build 221103 uses the latest kernel 6.0.6, released 221029.
The kernel is named 6.0.6-amd64-exton-rt14.
3. I have upgraded some essential packages. Most important Firefox.
4. I have installed two new packages: Gnu Emacs (“At its core is an interpreter for Emacs Lisp, a dialect of the Lisp programming language with extensions to support text editing”) and MPlayer (a movie player).
NOTE about MPlayer: To be able to play videos (and not just hear sound) you’ll have to install AAlib. Very easy to install. Just follow the instructions.
5. You can download the kernel-sources for LFS EXTON from SourceForge.net – linux-source-6.0.zip. Can be used if you want to install (for example) NVIDIA Graphics Drivers. Unpack and place the sources in /usr/src.

ABOUT Refracta Installer
I finally made Refracta Installer to work in LFS EXTON! Now you can install LFS EXTON to hard drive like any other Linux distribution. Just start Refracta Installer from the menu and follow the instructions. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE: You should create the install partition in advance. Use GParted for that.

LXDE and LightDM
LFS EXTON uses LXDE as Desktop environment. LXDE is designed to be user friendly and slim, while keeping the resource usage low. LFS EXTON has all the tools needed for you to go on and install other Desktop environments or whatever you like (after a hard drive installation of LFS EXTON).

Build your own Linux system
You can also just use LFS EXTON Live DVD/USB as build environment when building your own Linux system from scratch.

Install LFS EXTON to a USB stick
Install the ISO file to a USB stick with Rufus 3.20 in Windows. It will look like this.

LOGIN to LXDE
Login as root with password root$$ or as the ordinary user lfs with password linux$$. While logged in as lfs you can use Sudo to become root. Example commands: sudo su and sudo pcmanfm. LightDM‘s login screen will look like this.



Install to hard drive using Refracta Installer
1. Start Refracta Installer from the menu and follow the program instructions. Watch this screenshot.
2. Install options – screenshot.
3. Ready to install – screenshot.
4. When asked to chroot and install Grub – screenshot.
5. Keep current user (lfs) and root passwords – screenshot.
6. When the installation is complete you will see this – screenshot.
7. Notice the disk space used after installation to hard drive – screenshot.
8. For user lfs to be able to use Sudo after a hard drive installation you’ll have to edit /etc/sudoers as root with Nano or Mousepad. Add this line to the end:
lfs ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL – screenshot.
NOTE: If you already use Grub as boot loader you shall refrain from installing Grub when installing LFS EXTON to hard drive. Just add the boot lines below to /boot/grub/grub.cfg on the partition where you have Grub installed. You shall (of course) never mess with your current EFI Grub installation. LFS EXTON can run on EFI computers, but you can’t make an EFI Grub installation using LFS EXTON.

NOTE: You can install LFS EXTON on any normal computer. If you want to do that you should at first read my instruction How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy. The Grub boot lines for LFS EXTON in /boot/grub/grub.cfg can look like this:
#################################################
menuentry ‘LFS EXTON 221103 (/dev/sda6)’ –class lfs –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os $menuentry_id_option ‘gnulinux-simple-191fccec-4ecc-48b2-879d-504f9a2ad365’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$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 191fccec-4ecc-48b2-879d-504f9a2ad365
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 191fccec-4ecc-48b2-879d-504f9a2ad365
fi
linux /boot/vmlinuz-6.0.3-amd64-exton-rt14 root=/dev/sda6 ro
initrd /boot/initrd.img-6.0.3-amd64-exton-rt14
}
###############################################

Kernel
LFS EXTON uses my “special” kernel 6.0.3-amd64-exton-rt14. You can of course compile you own LFS kernel if you want.

“Normal” use of the system
You can also use LFS EXTON as any other “normal” Linux system. You can for example run Netflix in Firefox.

Running in VirtualBox/VMware
Form some unknown reason LFS EXTON doesn’t work so well in VirtualBox. You can, however, run it in VirtualBox if you add nomodeset to the boot line when booting up LFS from the ISO file in VirtualBox. Just press TAB before the boot process starts. You can, however, run LFS EXTON without any problems in QEMU in Linux and in VMware in Windows. Watch this screenshot (running in QEMU in Linux) and this screenshot (running in VMware in Windows 11). I even managed to install LFS EXTON in VirtualBox in Linux. Not easy, but it can be done. With the help of the provided kernel sources (SourceForge.net – linux-source-6.0.zip) I also could install VirtualBox Guest Additions so that LFS EXTON can run in full screen. Watch this screenshot…

Error during the boot process
During the boot process you will see a error message about ssh. Just press ENTER and the boot process will continue. After a hard drive installation you can get rid of the error message by running the following commands as root.
1. cd /etc/ssh
2. ssh-keygen -A
3. /etc/init.d/sshd start

Sound in LFS EXTON
You will only have sound when logged in to LXDE as the normal user lfs. Use Pavucontrol (PulseAudio Volume Control).

How to mount NTFS partitions read and write
Just run two commands as root (example)
1. mkdir /dev/sdd1
2. ntfs-3g /dev/sdd1 /mnt/sdd1

Run it fast!
The system is quite fast and responsive. You can run LFS EXTON live super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick – screenshot. Use Boot alternative 2 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM. Watch the live boot screen below.)

DOWNLOAD
LFS EXTON 64bit version 221103 can be downloaded from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

md5sum for the LFS EXTON ISO

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)!

 

 

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exton, Exton Linux distributions

DebEX KDE Plasma, Build 220929, with kernel 6.0.0-rc6-exton and Refracta Snapshot

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NEWS 220929 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD – efi. It replaces version 211023. It’s a pure Debian 11 system. (Stable). I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE Plasma uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 5.20.5 as Desktop environment. Kernel 6.0.0-rc6-exton is used. I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. I have replaced Google Chrome with Firefox-ESR/Iceweasel 102.3 (for Netflix). I’ve also added SMPlayer – an alternative to Vlc. (SMPlayer is a free media player for Windows and Linux with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats. It doesn’t need any external codecs. Just install SMPlayer and you’ll be able to play all formats without the hassle to find and install codec packs). All other installed packages have also been updated to the latest version of 220929. Study the full package list.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES
A) I’ve installed the full KDE Plasma Desktop using the command sudo apt install task-kde-desktop. In order to save space I have removed LibreOffice with the command sudo apt remove libreoffice*
B) I have added Calamares 3.2.36.1 Installer Framework. Now you can choose language when the installation starts. When it’s ready everything will be in your chosen language! You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers if you follow my INSTRUCTION for non-efi computers. Or don’t do that. Just start Calamares and choose to install Grub in MBR. It works very well!
NOTE: You can also use Refracta Installer. Preferably in VirtualBox/VMware. NOTE ALSO: When running DebEX KDE in VirtualBox you can do it in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.

THE REAL McCoy
DebEX is a pure Debian system. I.e. no traces of Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc. New releases of Ubuntu are always based on Debian. So is DebEX.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The ordinary user Desktop
2. Root’s Desktop
3. Running DebEX in full screen in VirtualBox

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

exton, Exton Linux distributions

ExTiX 22.8 – “The Ultimate Linux System” – based on Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS with LXQt 0.17, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.19.0-amd64-exton :: Build 220814

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ExTiX 22.8 LXQt – Build 220814
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 22.8 LXQt Live DVD. (The previous LXQt version was 21.11 from 211030). ExTiX 22.8 is based on Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)! Ubuntu 22.04 will be supported until 2027. The best thing with ExTiX 22.8 is that while running the system live (from DVD/USB) or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. So easy that a ten year child can do it! One other very good thing with this version of ExTiX is that it is quite light. The ISO file is of only 1820 MB, which means that you can run the system super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick. Use Boot alternative 3 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM.

ABOUT
ExTiX 22.8 LXQt DVD 64 bit is based on Debian Sid and Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed LXQt 0.17. LXQt is the Qt port and the upcoming version of LXDE, the Lightweight Desktop Environment. It is the product of the merge between the LXDE-Qt and the Razor-qt projects: A lightweight, modular, blazing-fast and user-friendly desktop environment. NOTE: This ExTiX LXQt Build is for installation to UEFI-enabled computers. You shall use Refracta Installer for that.

The system language is ENGLISH.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX LXQt – root’s Desktop
2. ExTiX LXQt – live’s Desktop
3. WiFi connection
4. ExTiX 22.8 running in full screen in VirtualBox

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
exton, Exton Linux distributions

MeX 64 bit Linux based on Debian Sid and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Ubuntu Desktop (Gnome 40), Kodi 19.4 and kernel 5.18.3-amd64-exton :: Build 220617

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NEWS/CHANGES 220617
I’ve uploaded a new version of MeX, in which I’ve included Kodi Matrix 19.4 – latest version. 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. Kodi runs very well in MeX. On a web site called FireStickTricks you can find instructions how to install 27 (?!) extra Kodi Builds with their own repositories and skins. The article is called Best Kodi Builds December 2022. I’ve tried Grindhouse today. Works very well. Otherwise MeX version 220617 works in the same way as previous versions.

NEWS/CHANGES 220617
Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 220617 is based only on Debian Sid and Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish. I have replaced the original kernel (5.15) with “my” special kernel 5.18.3-amd64-exton. All installed packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 220617. This version of MeX uses the Ubuntu Desktop Minimal. I.e. Gnome 40. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.

Important about Refracta
You can use the Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in MeX Build 220617) to create your own installable Ubuntu Live DVD once you have installed MeX to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu 22.04 LTS live system. When you start Refracta Snapshot it will look like this. You don’t even have to install MeX to hard drive before you can use the Refracta Snapshot. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu system while running MeX from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 30 min!

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Refracta Snapshot running
Screenshot 2 – Ubuntu Desktop with Calamares Installer running
Screenshot 3 – Kodi 19.4 running
Screenshot 4 – showing a WiFi connection

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 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!