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)!

DebEX Gnome – based on Debian trixie/sid – with GNOME 47, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 250116

January 16, 2025 exton Leave a comment

NEWS 250116 about DebEX Gnome – a Refracta efi Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live System. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (Trixie – upcoming Debian 13) and unstable (Sid) repositories. GNOME 47 is used as Desktop Environment. I have removed the Mate Desktop, since Gnome now can be used on all kind of computers. Also when running DebEX Gnome in VirtualBox and VMware. No need for Nvidia’s proprietary graphics drivers when running this new version of DebEX. You can of course install such drivers if you want to. Furthermore I have replaced Google Chrome with Firefox ESR. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies using Firefox ESR in Linux. I have also replaced Refracta Installer with Calamares Installer, which makes it possible to install DebEX Gnome in any language. You can even use Calamares in VirtualBox and VMware – i.e. non-efi computers. All installed packages have been updated to the latest version as of 250116. DebEX Gnome uses kernel 6.12.9-amd64-exton.
NOTE1: Refracta Installer is not really “replaced” by Calamares. You can/should use Refracta Installer in VirtualBox/VMware.
NOTE2: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed, which means that you can run DebEX Gnome in full screen in VirtualBox. Watch this screenshot…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. The Desktop for root
3. LightDM login screen
4. Calamares running in VMware
5. Refracta Snapshot running

DebEX Live System – based on Debian “Sid/Trixie” – with KDE Plasma 6.2.5, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 250114

January 14, 2025 exton Leave a comment

NEWS 250114 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build
I have made a new extra version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live System – efi. It’s a pure Debian Sid/Trixie System. DebEX KDE Plasma Sid/Trixie uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 6.2.5 – latest version, released 241231 – as Desktop Environment. Kernel 6.12.9-amd64-exton is used. All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 250114.

Trixie is the code name for the upcoming next stable release of Debian – version 13!

VirtualBox Guest Additions and VMware Tools are pre-installed, which mean that you can run DebEX KDE in full screen – see the screenshots below.

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 Sid. So is DebEX.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Running in full screen in VirtualBox
3. Running in Qemu
4. The live boot screen
5. The hard drive installation is ready
6. Running in VMware

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

ExTiX 24.12 – based on Ubuntu 24.10 – with LXQt 2.0, Calamares Installer, Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.12.6-amd64-exton :: Build 241223

December 23, 2024 exton Leave a comment

ExTiX 24.12 LXQt – Build 241223
I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 24.12 LXQt Live System. (The previous LXQt version was 23.9 from 231123). ExTiX 24.12 is based on Ubuntu 24.10 (Oracular Oriole). Ubuntu 24.10 will only be supported until July 2025. I really wanted ExTiX 24.12 to be based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which is supported until June 2029, but to be able to upgrade LXQt from version 1.4 to 2.0 I had to upgrade the whole system!

REFRACTA SNAPSHOT
The best thing with ExTiX 24.12 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 2500 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. Another big new thing in this version of ExTiX is that I have installed Calamares Installer. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Calamares aims to be easy, usable & beautiful while remaining independent of any particular Linux distribution. Nevertheless I’ve kept Refracta Installer. Use the installer you prefer.

Study all pre-installed packages in ExTiX 24.12…

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL about ExTiX and especially the new version from 241223?
1. The ExTiX ISO’s are ISO-hybrids, which means that they can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can even run ExTiX from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence!
2. Another big improvement is that both ExTiX versions can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need least 4 GB RAM to run ExTiX that way. Running from RAM means that the system will run faster than from a DVD or a USB stick. Everything will be super fast I would say! Especially since the ISO file is of only 2500 MB!
3. All packages have been upgraded to the latest version by 241223. Keep your installed ExTiX/Ubuntu 24.10 system up to date by running two commands: sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade.
4. I’ve replaced kernel 6.6.1-amd64-exton with kernel 6.12.6-amd64-exton. (Kernel 6.12.6 is the latest available kernel from Kernel.org as of 241223).
5. I have replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity (live installer) with Refracta Installer. It works very well. I.e. a new user (your user) will be created during the installation process and you’ll get a chance to change root’s password. Just start the installer from the menu under System.
6. I’ve added Calamares Installer. You can use Calamares even in VirtualBox/VMware without problems.
7. The best thing with ExTiX 24.12 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.
8. When running ExTiX 24.12 in VirtualBox you can do so in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX LXQt – root’s Desktop
2. ExTiX LXQt – user’s Desktop
3. ExTiX 24.12 running in full screen in VirtualBox
4. ExTiX LXQt Calamares Installer is ready

Exton|OS 64 bit – based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS – with KDE Plasma 5.27.11, Android Studio with an excellent Android Emulator and Refracta Snapshot :: Build 241103

November 4, 2024 exton Leave a comment

NEWS 241103 ABOUT Exton|OS with KDE Plasma Desktop, Android Studio and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is KDE Plasma 5.27.11. 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. Program content in build 241103: Most important are Refracta Snapshot and Android Studio 2024.2.1 with an excellent Android Emulator. You can run several Android systems directly in Exton|OS. Also with GAPPS (Google Play Services and Google Play Store) pre-installed. Watch a screenshot when Android 14 is running with Google Play Store enabled. Other pre-installed programs are Firefox, Gimp and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Kernel 6.11.6-amd64-exton is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at November 3, 2024. Study the NEW PACKAGE list. Google Chrome has been removed since it’s now possible to use Netflix in Firefox. Using Refracta Snapshot you can change everything to your liking and then create your own live installable Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat system with Android Studio included. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Live System once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will be supported until June, 2029…

What’s new in kernel 6.11?

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 – Exton|OS’s KDE Plasma Desktop with Android Studio running
Screenshot 2 – Running an AVD with Google Play Store included
Screenshot 3 – Running Spotify in an AVD
Screenshot 4 – Running Google Maps in an AVD
Screenshot 5 – Google Play Store running in an AVD
Screenshot 6 – The live boot screen

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 updated version of CruxEX 3.7 (CRUX 3.7) with LXDE, Refracta Snapshot, Refracta Installer and kernel 6.11.0-rc5-amd64-exton :: Build 240910

September 11, 2024 exton Leave a comment

CruxEX 2024/2022 64 bit Linux Live CD/USB is based on CRUX 3.7 (latest version, released 220926), which is all Linux enthusiasts/nerds favorite OS. (CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution for the x86_64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is keep it simple, which is reflected in a straightforward tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages. The secondary focus is utilization of new Linux features and recent tools and libraries. CRUX also has a ports system which makes it easy to install and upgrade applications). CruxEX 3.7 2024/2022 uses the LXDE Desktop environment. I have replaced the original CRUX kernel 5.15 with “my” special kernel 6.11.0-rc5-amd64-exton/6.6.1-amd64-exton respectively 6.0.6-aufs-exton, with support for “extra everything”.

NEWS ABOUT CruxEX BUILD 240910
I’ve made a new extra version of CruxEX which I call CruxEX Linux Live System. It replaces version 231208. This CruxEX version is distributed as a “normal” ISO file. (Build 221031 is distributed as a Zip file only to be installed on a USB stick). I have kept CruxEX Build 221031 on SourceForge’s server because that version can run from a USB stick with PERSISTENCE. I.e. all system changes will be saved directly on the USB stick. In CruxEX Build 240910 I have managed to install Refracta Snapshot and Refracta Installer. With Refracta Snapshot you can very easy create you own CRUX Live Installable System. I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO. That can be done after a hard drive installation using Refracta Installer. If you have plenty of RAM you can even create a new ISO while running CruxEX live! In that case you may have to change the place where the new ISO will be saved. Just edit /etc/refractasnapshot.conf. Watch this screenshot. Change home to (for example) /mnt/sdd2 (which has to be a Linux partition). You’ll have to mount /dev/sdd2 before starting Refracta Snapshot from the menu. Command: mount /dev/sdd2 /mnt/sdd2.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Kernel 6.11.0-rc5-amd64-exton will be used after a hard drive installation of CruxEX Build 240910. If you want to build your own CruxEX version/system you’ll have to use kernel 6.6.1-amd64-exton while running Refracta Snapshot.

Unique
CruxEX 3.7 2024/2022 Build 240910/221031 is – as my previous CRUX-remasters – unique in the world. I.e. there is no other CRUX Live CD/USB (as far as I know). In any case, not for downloading. The good thing with CruxEX is that it is a live system (which CRUX original isn’t) and that you can run CruxEX super fast from RAM. Also that you can install CruxEX to hard drive in about 5 minutes and then have a ready-to-go CRUX desktop system. You can after that install any (extra) desktop environment you like. NOTE: You can (of course) install new Desktops environments and other stuff also when running CruxEX from a USB stick – PERSISTENCE! (Only as regards Build 221031). Note also: To make CRUX original ready for everyday use will normally take 2 – 3 days!

RUNS FROM RAM
Run both versions super fast from RAM! The best way to run a Linux Live System!

Study ALL INSTALLED packages in CruxEX 3.7
1) Build 240910
2) Build 221031

Study ALL UPDATED packages in Build 240910…

SCREENSHOTS
1. The LXDE Desktop for the live user in Build 240910

2. The LXDE Desktop for root in Build 240910 (UEFI disabled? No it is enabled by me)

3. A Wireless connection in Build 240910

4. CruxEX running in full screen in VirtualBox – Build 240910

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)!

ExTiX Deepin 24.8 Live based on Deepin 23 STABLE (latest) with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 6.10.3-amd64-exton :: Build 240816

August 16, 2024 exton Leave a comment

NEWS 240816 ABOUT ExTiX with Deepin 23 STABLE (released 240815)
I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (240816). The previous ExTiX Deepin version with Deepin 23 RC is from 240607. This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 23 STABLE (latest version) released by Deepin Technology on August 15, 2024. Please read the Release Notes. ExTiX 24.8 uses kernel 6.10.3-amd64-exton. ExTiX 24.8 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 or Deepin Installer for that. You can also create your own live installable Deepin 23 system with Refracta Snapshot. (Using ExTiX 24.8 as a “base system/template”). So easy that a ten year old child can do it!

Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 24.8.

NEW FUNCTIONS etc. in ExTiX 24.8 Deepin
1. VirtualBox Guest Additions are NOT pre-installed. No real need for them since you can run ExTiX in full screen in VirtualBox by just changing the screen resolution. Watch this screenshot…
2. 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.
3. You can use Deepin Installer as an alternative to Refracta Installer. Use Deepin Installer preferable on UEFI computers if you want/need to install or reinstall Grub.
4. I have installed Google Chrome 127.0.6533.119-1 as a replacement for Deepin’s Browser, which suddenly can be in Chinese(!?).
5. I’ve added Synaptic Package Manager. A must I think. Watch a screenshot when Synaptic is running.
6. You can watch Netflix while running Google Chrome.
7. You can install ExTiX Deepin also in VirtualBox/VMware using Refracta Installer or Deepin Installer. Use Deepin Installer preferably on UEFI computers if you need to install or reinstall Grub. Before doing that you should read my instruction How-to dual-boot, triple-boot or multi-boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy…

UNIQUE
I may add that there is no other “good” LIVE version in English of Deepin 23 STABLE.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ExTiX 24.8 running in VirtualBox after changing the screen resolution
2. ExTiX 24.8 running Refracta Installer
3. ExTiX 24.8 showing the first screen after boot (choose language)
4. ExTiX 24.8 showing a Samba connection
5. ExTiX 24.8 running in VMware
6. ExTiX 24.8 showing the Desktop for user

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)!

READ more about SlackEX…

Run latest Slackware 64 bit live and create your own live installable Slackware system with Refracta Snapshot! :: Two Builds 240812/231210

August 12, 2024 exton Leave a comment

NEWS ABOUT SlackEX BUILD 240812 with the Xfce4 DESKTOP (DE)
A new version of SlackEX is ready. It is based on Slackware 15.0 STABLE released 220202 with Xfce4 as DE. The most important package installed is Refracta Snapshot. With that you can build your own Slackware 15.0 distribution. Xfce4 is one of Slackware’s official Desktop environments. The other one is KDE. Kernel 6.10.3-amd64-exton is used in this SlackEX Build. To be able to use Refracta Snapshot you’ll have to use said kernel. Otherwise you can (of course) replace “my” kernel with Slackware’s original kernel – see about that below. Study the new package LIST. While running SlackEX Xfce4 in VirtualBox you can do so in full screen since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE1: You’ll run SlackEX Build 240812 as the normal user user or as root. The password for root is root. The password for user is live.
NOTE2: You can run SlackEX Build 240812 on UEFI and non-Uefi computers. You can also run SlackEX live super fast from RAM.

Create your own live installable Slackware System
For that you shall use Refracta Snapshot, which is pre-installed by me. Just run the program and follow the instructions. Before you start the program you should edit /etc/refractasnapshot.conf and decide/change where you want your new iso to be saved. For example in /home/snapshot. The whole remaster procedure is so simple that a ten year old child can do it!

SCREENSHOTS
1. The Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. The Desktop for root
3. Showing how to chroot and install Grub while using Refracta Installer
NOTE: In /root there is an instruction called README-chroot.txt. Just copy and paste the commands from there.

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)!

Why should someone choose EXTON OpSuS/openSUSE?

EXTON OpSuS – based on openSUSE Tumbleweed – with LXQt 2.0.0 DE, Refracta Snapshot (create your own openSUSE System) and kernel 6.9.8-amd64-exton :: Build 240801

August 1, 2024 exton Leave a comment

EXTON OpSuS Tumbleweed is based on openSUSE Tumbleweed, which is a rolling distribution. I.e. no need for new installations. Just run the command sudo zypper dup and you will always get the latest stable packages/kernels.

NEWS ABOUT EXTON OpSuS Build 240801 with the LXQt DE
I’ve made a new version of EXTON OpSuS with LXQt 2.0.0 as DE (Desktop Environment). It replaces version 230210, which had LXQt 1.2 installed. Version 240801 is a total rebuild of version 230210 with many more openSUSE packages pre-installed. The ISO-file has thus increased from 1430 MB to 2510 MB. I have now managed to install Refracta Snapshot, which means that you can completely change the EXTON OpSuS System and then create a new ISO-file. (Your own). Your new openSUSE system will also be Live and installable. A new kernel is used – 6.9.8-amd64-exton. Watch a screenshot when Refracta Snapshot has started. You’ll find your new ISO file in /home/snapshot. The whole “remaster process” is very simple and quick.

Is EXTON OpSuS Deepin/LXQt Build 240801/240729 unique?
If you have a look at openSUSE’s official Download site you can see that there is no live Deepin or LXQt version available. EXTON OpSuS Build 240801 and240729 are most certainly UNIQUE. There is no other distro based on openSUSE containing Refracta Snapshot!

SCREENSHOTS
1. Showing the first screen after logging in to LXQt
2. The LXQt Desktop for user
3. The LXQt Desktop for root
4. Showing a Samba connection
5. Refracta Snapshot is running

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)!