About Linux For All (LFA) Build 200607 The system is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Debian. It’s a total rebuild. I.e. nothing is left of the old LFA system.
Why Ubuntu 20.04 LTS? Ubuntu 20.04 is supported until April 2025.
NEWS ABOUT LFA Build 200607 1. This is a BIG system (1670 MB). All packages the ordinary Linux user can wish for are pre-installed. Study the full packages list. 2. Kernel 5.7.0-exton is used. 3. I have installed Nvidia’s latest proprietary graphics driver 440.82. 4. The Desktop environment is LXDE – Designed to be user friendly and slim, while keeping the resource usage low. 5. The main Web Browser is Google Chrome. So you can watch Netflix! Another advantage with Google Chrome is that you will get all your bookmarks if you log in with your Gmail account. 6. I have included Refracta tools (Refracta Snapshot) to make it possible for you to create your own installable Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Live DVD once you have installed LFA to hard drive. This is done in the easiest possible way! 7. Use TeamViewer (pre-installed) to control your Windows computers from LFA. Or control LFA from your Windows computers.
NEWS 200404 ABOUT ExTiX LXQt Mini 20.4, Build 200404 Today I’ve found a patch, which make it possible to install Nvidia’s latest proprietary driver while using kernel 5.6.2 in ExTiX. I therefore had to build and release a new version of ExTiX LXQt Mini today. You can download and install “my” kernel 5.6.2-exton in any Ubuntu/Debian system if you want. Download also the patch for Nvidia 440.64 (with instructions about how to apply the patch). NOTE: Nvidia’s driver will be used automatically if your computer has support for it.
NEWS 200402 ABOUT ExTiX LXQt Mini 20.4, Build 200402
I‘ve made a new “mini” version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. It is based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Focal Fossa. The ISO file is now of 1050 MB, which is good if you want to run the system super fast from RAM. When the boot process is ready you can eject the DVD or USB stick. Use Boot alternative 2 or Advanced options… >> load to RAM. The best thing with ExTiX 20.4 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 20.04 system. So easy that a ten year child can do it! ExTiX 20.4 uses the latest kernel – 5.6.2. Released by Kernel.org today.
Edit 200403
ExTiX 20.4 is now on the front page at DistroWatch.com. That will probably dramatically increase the download numbers – https://distrowatch.com/index.php?dataspan=1
NEWS 200319 ABOUT Exton|OS with Budgie Desktop 10.5, Gnome 3.36 and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is Budgie 10.5. Budgie is focused on simplicity an elegance. Designed with the modern user in mind.Gnome 3.36 has also been installed. It was released 200311. Program content in build 200319: Refracta Snapshot, Calamares 3.2.20, Firefox, Gimp, SMPlayer, SMTube, and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Kernel 5.6.0-rc6-exton (corresponding Kernel.org‘s latest kernel 5.6-rc6) is used. Kernel 5.6-rc6 was released 200315. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at March 19, 2020 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 create your own live installable Ubuntu 20.04 system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. Ubuntu 20.04 will be supported until April 25, 2025.
MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 200319
1. This Exton|OS version is for efi computers. You can nevertheless use the Calamares Installer in VirtualBox/VMware and thus install Exton|OS in any language. You can even use Calamares for installation to a USB stick and that way get persistence. Please read my instruction before you perform such an installation. Calamares Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Calamares Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed.
2. A brand new kernel – 5.6-rc6 – is used. With Windows exFAT file system support.
3. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.
I haven’t changed the wallpapers since it’s hard to find nicer ones.
NEWS 200228 about DebEX KDE Plasma – a Refracta Build I have made a new version of DebEX KDE Plasma Live DVD – efi. It replaces version 190923. It’s a pure Debian system. (Unstable/Experimental). I.e.: There are no Ubuntu or Kubuntu elements involved. DebEX KDE Plasma uses the KDE Plasma Desktop 5:17 as Desktop environment. Kernel 5.6.0-rc3-exton (latest) is used. I have replaced Wicd with NetworkManager. It works better. I have replaced Google Chrome with Iceweasel (Firefox) 52.9 (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 200228. Study the full package list. MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE: I have added Calamares 3.2.19.1-1 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. You can also use Refracta Installer. Preferably in VirtualBox/VMware (non-efi computers).
Important about Refracta Snapshot You can use the Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed in all four versions of DebEX) to create your own installable Debian Live DVD once you have installed DebEX to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Debian live installable system.
MeX Linux – NEWS/CHANGES 200130 Mex Linux is no longer based on Linux Mint. MeX Build 200130 is based only on Debian and upcoming Ubuntu20.04 LTS (Long Term Support). I have replaced the original kernel with “my” special kernel 5.5.0-exton. All packages in MeX Linux have been upgraded to the latest version by 200130. This version of MeX uses Cinnamon 4.4.8-unstable. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.
MORE MeX NEWS 200130 1. The MeX ISO is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. 2. Another big improvement is that MeX now can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 4 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can eject the disc (DVD)/USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run MeX that way. The ISO file is of only 1200 MB so MeX will run super fast from RAM! 3. I have replaced Google Chrome with Firefox. Google Chrome is no longer needed to be able to run Netflix in Linux. 4. The best thing with this new MeX build – Create your own installable Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Live DVD with Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed)! The whole “remaster process” is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. 5. I have installed Calamares Installer as in many of my other Linux builds. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Very easy to use. You can use Calamares to install MeX on both UEFI computers and non UEFI computers (for example VirtualBox and VMware).
Who can benefit from MeX?
All who like Debian/Ubuntu and want a system that is easy to use and maintain. And of course those who want to create their own Ubuntu system in a very simple way with Refracta Snapshot. Regarding MeX also those who want to run a Linux system super fast from RAM and/or like to run Linux from a USB flash drive. And those who want a new kernel – 5.5. (Latest kernel by 200130).
The importance of MeX being based on upcoming Ubuntu 20.04
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is due to be released on April 23, 2020. MeX Build 200130 is therefore (of course) not the most stable Linux system out there. This version of MeX is not for daily use I would say. Having said that I also must say that I haven’t bumped into any problems when running MeX on my computers. I also must say that this version of MeX is very fast and responsive. Especially if you run MeX from RAM. My guess is that you can avoid all problems if you upgrade MeX every week. I.e. once you have installed the system to hard drive.
ExTiX 20.2 – Build 200127 I have made a new version of ExTiX – The Ultimate Linux System. I call it ExTiX 20.2 KDE Plasma Live DVD. (The previous KDE version was 19.1 from 181228). The best thing with ExTiX 20.2 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 20.04 system. So easy that a ten year child can do it!
ExTiX 20.02 KDE Plasma DVD 64 bit is based on Debian and (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. The original system includes the Desktop Environment Gnome. After removing Gnome I have installed KDE Frameworks 5.66.0 with KDE 4.19. KDE Frameworks are 60 addon libraries to Qt which provide a wide variety of commonly needed functionality in mature, peer reviewed and well tested libraries with friendly licensing terms.
The system language is ENGLISH.
Used KERNEL My special kernel 5.5.0-rc7-exton.
What’s new in Linux kernel 5.5?
NEWS ABOUT ExTiX 20.2 Build 200127 with the KDE Plasma Desktop environment, Calamares Installer and Refracta Snapshot 1. ExTiX KDE Plasma is based on (upcoming) Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Focal Fossa. KDE 4.19 is used as Desktop environment. All packages have been updated to the latest version by 200127. Kernel 5.5.0-rc7-exton is used. 2. I have removed Google Chrome. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies in Firefox. 3. Other included important/useful packages are: GParted, Brasero, GCC and other compilation tools so that you can install packages from source. Furthermore “all” multimedia codecs. Everything the average Linux user could wish for I would say. 4. The best thing with ExTiX 20.2 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. Very easy to do. When starting Refracta Snapshot you will see this. 5. I have installed Calamares Installer as in my other ExTiX builds. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Very easy to use. You can use Calamares to install ExTiX on both UEFI computers and non UEFI computers (for example VirtualBox and VMware).
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL about ExTiX and especially the new version from 200127? 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 ExTiX can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 4 GB RAM to run ExTiX that way. Running from RAM means that the system will run faster than from DVD or USB stick. Everything will be super fast I would say! 3. I’ve replaced kernel 4.20.0-exton with kernel 5.5.0-rc7-exton. Latest by 200127. 4. I have replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity (live installer) with Calamares. You can also (still) use Refracta Installer. They work 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 any of the installers from the menu under System. 5. The best thing with ExTiX 20.2 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 20.04 system. 6. Nvidia proprietary Graphics driver 440.44 (patched for kernel 5.5) is pre-installed in ExTiX 20.2.
The importance of ExTiX 20.2 being based on upcoming Ubuntu 20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is due to be released on April 23, 2020. ExTiX 20.2 is therefore (of course) not the most stable Linux system out there. ExTiX 20.2 is not for “daily use” I would say. Having said that I also must say that I haven’t bumped into any problems when running ExTiX 20.2 on my computers. I also must say that this version of ExTiX is very fast and responsive. Especially if you run ExTiX from RAM. My guess is that you can avoid all problems if you upgrade ExTiX 20.2 every week. I.e. once you have installed the system to hard drive.
NEWS 200101 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin I had to replace version 191230 today after I discovered that Samba client was misconfigured. Now you can use Deepin File Manager and connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network. Watch this screenshot.
NEWS 191230 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today (191230). This ExTiX Build is based on Deepin 15.11 released by Deepin Technology 190719. NEW FUNCTIONS etc 1.You can run ExTiX from RAM. Use boot alternative 3 (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 15.11 Desktop. All main languages are supported. 3. I have replaced Deepin Installer with the Reborn version of Deepin Installer. Works better in every way. 4. I have replaced kernel 5.3.0-rc6-exton with kernel 5.5.0-rc3-exton.
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 Deepin Installer. (In previous versions you had to “chroot” into the install partition and install Grub).
8. While installing ExTiX Deepin to a USB stick using Rufus 3.8 you can create a persistent partition on the stick. Thus all your changes of the ExTiX Deepin system will be saved directly on the stick! UNIQUE
I may add that there is no other live version of Deepin 15.11.
MORE NEWS 191230 ABOUT ExTiX Deepin 20.1 I’ve released a new version of ExTiX Deepin today with Refracta Snapshot and kernel 5.5.0-rc3-exton. Deepin15.11 (latest version released 190719) is made in China. Deepin is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. Previous versions of ExTiX Deepin were based on Debian and Ubuntu. ExTiX 20.1 is a live build of Deepin 15.11, which is based on Debian unstable. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as of today. Study all installed packages in ExTiX Deepin 20.1 Build 191230. So ExTiX 20.1 is based on Deepin 15.11 and Debianunstable. I may add that there is no other live version of Deepin 15.11 (as far as I know).
Refracta Snapshot
While running ExTiX Deepin 20.1 live or from hard drive you can use Refracta Snapshot (pre-installed) to create your own live installable Deepin/Debian system. A ten year child can do it!
About all DebEX systems All four DebEX systems/distributions are a based on DebianBuster (10) and Debian Bullseye/Sid (upcoming Debian 11).Budgie Desktop 10.5 and Enlightenment 0.23.1 are used as Desktop environments in DebEX Barebone/Budgie/Enlightenment. Gnome 3.34 is used in DebEX Gnome. KDE Plasma Desktop 5:14 is used in DebEX KDE. LXQt is used in DebEX Build 191209 – 32 bit. The system language is English (in all four versions of DebEX).
NEWS 191220 about DebEX Gnome
I had to replace yesterdays version of DebEX Gnome with version 191220. VirtualBox Guest Utils couldn’t be installed in yesterdays version. Something was wrong with the kernel configuration. I therefore had to compile a new kernel (5.4.4 – latest!) today. Now everything works also in VirtualBox. Another good thing with version 191220 of DebEX Gnome is that it can be installed without problems in VirtualBox. I.e. you don’t have to chroot into the install partition and install Grub – screenshot.
NEWS 191219 about DebEX Gnome – a RefractaUEFI Build I have made a new extra version of DebEX, which I call DebEX Gnome Live DVD. It’s a pure Debian system using the testing (bullseye) and unstable (sid)repositories. Gnome 3.34 (latest) 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 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 Iceweasel. It is now possible to watch Netflix movies using Iceweasel (Firefox) 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 191219. DebEX Gnome uses kernel 5.4.3-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s second latest kernel 5.4.3.
About all DebEX systems All four DebEX systems/distributions are a based on DebianBuster (10) and Debian Bullseye/Sid (upcoming Debian 11).Budgie Desktop 10.5 and Enlightenment 0.23.1 are used as Desktop environments in DebEX Barebone/Budgie/Enlightenment. Gnome 3.30 is used in DebEX Gnome. KDE Plasma Desktop 5:14 is used in DebEX KDE. LXQt is used in DebEX Build 191209 – 32 bit. The system language is English (in all four versions of DebEX).
NEWS 191209 about DebEX LXQt 32 bit Build 191209 I’ve made a new DebEX system for older computers. It uses LXQt 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 981 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.
The boot screen when running DebEX LXQt live – see below.
The boot screen when running DebEX LXQt from hard drive (VirtualBox) – see below.
NEWS 191128 ABOUT Exton|OS with Budgie Desktop 10.5 and Refracta Snapshot
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is Budgie 10.5. (Budgie is focused on simplicity an elegance. Designed with the modern user in mind). Program content in build 191128: Refracta Snapshot, Calamares 3.2.14, Firefox, Gimp, SMPlayer, SMTube, and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. Calamares is an installer framework. By design it is very customizable, in order to satisfy a wide variety of needs and use cases. Kernel 5.4.0-exton (corresponding Kernel.org‘s latest kernel 5.4) is used. Kernel 5.4 was released 191125. You can download “my” kernel and install it in newer Ubuntu/Debian systems (if you want). All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at November 28, 2019. Study the full 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 create your own live installable Ubuntu system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 19.10 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive.
MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 191128
1. This Exton|OS version is for efi computers. You can nevertheless use the Calamares Installer in VirtualBox/VMware and thus install Exton|OS in any language. You can even use Calamares for installation to a USB stick and that way get persistence. Please read my instruction before you perform such an installation. Calamares Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Calamares Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed.
2. A brand new kernel – 5.4 – is used. With Windows exFAT file system support.
3. The very nice icon theme Papirus is installed and used.
I haven’t changed the wallpapers since it’s hard to find nicer ones.
About Linux For All (LFA) Build 200607
