Category Archives: About Exton|OS

Exton|OS 64 bit – based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS – with Budgie Desktop, Refracta tools, Calamares Installer and kernel 4.16.0-rc3-exton – Build 180301

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NEWS 180301 ABOUT Exton|OS with Budgie Desktop 10.4 and Refracta Tools
The Desktop Environment in this Exton|OS build is Budgie 10.4. (Budgie is focused on simplicity an elegance. Designed with the modern user in mind). Program content in build 180301: Refracta Tools, Calamares 3.1.12, 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 4.16.0-rc3-exton (corresponding Kernel.org‘s latest kernel 4.16-rc3) is used. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at March 1, 2018. 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 system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 18.04 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive.

WHAT’S NEW in kernel 4.16?

IMPORTANT ABOUT REFRACTA TOOLS
Refracta tools are pre-installed in Exton|OS Build 180301. Use them to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 18.04 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu live system. Start Refracta from Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Snapshot. You don’t even have to install Exton|OS to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu system while running Exton|OS from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 30 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshots. (Or change that in /etc/refractasnapshot.conf). The whole thing is very simple. Refracta Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Refracta Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed.
About 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, pragmatic, inclusive and distribution-agnostic. Calamares includes an advanced partitioning feature, with support for both manual and automated partitioning operations. It is the first installer with an automated “Replace Partition” option, which makes it easy to reuse a partition over and over for distribution testing. See a slideshow below showing the whole Calamares install process in Exton|OS.


Using Calamares you can choose language when the installation starts. When it’s ready everything will be in your chosen language!

Exton|OS build 180301 is based on upcoming Ubuntu 18.04 64 bit and Debian unstable/experimental (upcoming Debian 10). Exton|OS’s ISO file is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. Read my INSTRUCTION.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that Exton|OS 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 at least 2 GB RAM to run Exton|OS that way. I.e. superfast!

Locale
The system language is English.

Log in to Budgie Desktop
When you start up your computer from the DVD or the USB stick you will end up in X at LightDM‘s login screen or automatically logged in to Budgie Desktop as the ordinary user live. Log in as root (superuser) with password root or as the ordinary user live with password live. During a hard drive install (using Refracta Installer or Calamares Installer) you can create your own ordinary user.

Network connections
Use NetworkManager to configure your network connection. It works extremely well. If you use a wired connection you will be automatically connected to Internet. I you use a wireless connection just click on the Network icon in the upper right corner and choose your network.

Configure sound
If you don’t have sound just open up a terminal and run the command alsamixer.

Installation to hard drive
Note that you in advance (just in case) should create a partition of at least 20 GB for Exton|OS (if you want to make your own Ubuntu system) and a SWAP space double the size of your computer’s RAM. I.e. if you have RAM of 1024 MB or less. If you have RAM of 2 GB or more it’s enough with a SWAP space of 2 GB. The installation programs Refracta Installer and Calamares Installer in Exton|OS is otherwise “intuitive”. Choose manual partitioning and select the partition you created in advance for installation. You’ll find the installation programs under Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Installer respectively Calamares. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. NOTE 1: You should format your intended installation partition in advance. You can use GParted for that. NOTE 2: If you want to install Grub as bootloader while installing Exton|OS on a non UEFI-enabled computer you’ll have to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc. Just run the command sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install grub-pc before you start the install program Refracta Installer. You shall not use Calamares on a non UEFI-enabled computer (if you want/need to install Grub), since Calamares is configured especially for UEFI-enabled computers. If you already have installed Grub on your computer you can use Calamares anyway. Just refrain from installing Grub when you install Exton|OS to hard drive. Read my instruction How To dual boot, triple boot or multiboot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy.

Changing root’s password
If you install Exton|OS to hard drive the password for root (root) you’ll get the chance to change root’s password. The root password is otherwise changed by running the command sudo passwd root. You can log in to Budgie as root if you want.

Repositories and software management
Exton|OS is totally compatible with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and therefore uses Ubuntu’s repositories. After a hard drive install of Exton|OS you can go ahead and install any extra software you like and also upgrade the whole system. After running the command apt-get update you should use Synaptic Package Manager. Since Exton|OS is based on upcoming Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (to be released in a stable version on April 26, 2018) you will/can be the first to have Ubuntu 18.04 in a stable version in April 2018.

VirtualBox and VMware
Exton|OS runs very well live in VirtualBox and VMware. Exton|OS Budgie has UEFI boot enabled. So to be able to install to and run Exton|OS from a virtual hard drive in VirtualBox and VMware you’ll have to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc. Just run the command sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install grub-pc before you start the install program Refracta Installer. Don’t use Calamares in VirtualBox or VMware. The installation of Grub will fail, since Calamares is made for UEFI-enabled computers. NOTE: When running Exton|OS in VirtualBox you may have to use the boot alternative nomodeset (failsafe). NOTE also: If you forget to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc (as I write above) the installation will succeed anyway. You will get a couple of error messages in the end of the installation process, but nevertheless Exton|OS will boot up normally.

Spotify
You may want to install Spotify in Exton|OS. Just go ahead. It’s very easy. Follow this instruction for Ubuntu. When running Exton|OS Build 180301 live or from hard drive you can just install Spotify with the command sudo apt update followed by sudo apt install spotify-client. Watch this screenshot.

The importance of Exton|OS being based on upcoming (unstable/development) Ubuntu 18.04
I don’t think it is too important since Exton|OS doesn’t use complicated Desktop Environments like KDE, Gnome or Unity. Programs won’t crash or anything like that. And I haven’t discovered any bugs to report.

USB installation
To enable persistence you can install Exton|OS to a USB stick in the same way as a hard drive installation. It’s a bit tricky though, since you have to chroot into the system on the USB stick to perform the Grub installation. I.e. to make the stick bootable. Read my INSTRUCTION. For persistence read under C).

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop
Screenshot 2 of Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop installing Spotify
Screenshot 3 of Exton|OS’s Budgie Desktop running Refracta Snapshot
Screenshot 4 of Exton|OS running in VMware
Screenshot 5 of Exton|OS running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 6 – showing how to configure a wireless Network

DOWNLOAD
This version has been replaced by Build 181109.

 

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at

andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8.1!

and about my Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Oreo 8.1!

Other Exton Linux Systems you may like – All Exton Linux Systems

Exton|OS Light Build 170918 :: Based on upcoming Ubuntu 17.10 with Refracta tools and kernel 4.13.0-11-exton (4.13.1)

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 170918 about Exton|OS Light Live DVD – now with Refracta tools!
I’ve made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 17.10 (alias Artful Aardvark) 64 bit with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Google Chrome – so you can run Netflix), SMPlayer, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PCManFM (file manager), Gimp, NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers), Audacious (a small and fast audio player which supports lots of formats) and Synaptic (Package Manager). I give you the pleasure of installing all extra packages you need after a hard disk installation of Exton|OS Light. Use Synaptic for that. You can of course also install new packages while running the system live (from DVD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction (under B) or used UNetbootin) and used Boot alternative 2 – Persistent when you have used UNetbootin. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from DVD. Exton|OS Light’s Window manager Openbox guarantees lightness and elegance.

Replacement
This version of Exton|OS Light from 170918 replaces version 161021 of Exton|OS Light. Exton|OS Light is now based on Debian Stretch/Sid and Ubuntu 17.10 (to be released in October, 2017).

About
Exton|OS Light Live CD is based on Ubuntu 17.10 Artful Aardvark 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid. Exton|OS Light’s ISO file (of 1240 MB) is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to an USB pen drive. You can then even run Exton|OS from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my USB INSTRUCTION under B).

Packages
All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at September 18, 2017. Study the full package list.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.13.0-11-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s kernel 4.13.1.

Log in to Openbox
When the system has booted up you will end up in X (Openbox) as the ordinary user live. You can log out from Openbox and back again as root (“Other”) if you want. The password for root is root. When logged in as live you can become root with sudo su. The password for live when running the system live (i.e. from CD or USB) is live. In order to use the command sudo without errors (and also to be able to start Refracta Installer) you’ll have to run the commands this screenshot shows.

How to change wallpaper
Exton|OS Light and Openbox uses Nitrogen Wallpaper Manager to change desktop background. Open Nitrogen and you will see all wallpapers in /usr/share/backgrounds. Choose the one you want.

Repositories and software management
Exton|OS Light is totally compatible with Ubuntu 17.10 and therefore uses Ubuntu’s repositories. After a hard drive install of Exton|OS you can go ahead an install any extra software you like and also upgrade the whole system. After running the command apt-get update you should use Synaptic Package Manager.

USB installation
Read my INSTRUCTION. For persistence please read under B) or use UNetbootin.

Hard drive installation
I have replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity with Exton|OS Installer, which is a clone of Debian Live Installer. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. Watch a SLIDESHOW of the hard drive installation process.Just start the installation program (Exton|OS Installer) from the menu under System and follow the instructions. Note1: When asked create a new normal user. Unfortunately this new user won’t exist when the installation is ready. You’ll have to log in to Openbox as root with the password you gave your created user. Then open up a terminal and run this command: adduser live. (I.e. if you want to run Exton|OS Light as a normal user). Note2: Be sure to name your own created user live (username). If you give your ordinary user any other name the menu in Openbox after a hard drive installation won’t work. It is sort of a “bug”. Sorry about that. Note3: The password you create for your user during the hard drive installation will be root’s new password. Note4: In Exton|OS Light Build 170918 I’ve also installed Refracta Installer. Use it as an alternative to Exton|OS Installer.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that Exton|OS Light can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run Exton|OS Light that way. Since the system is relatively small (ISO file of 1240 MB) Exton|OS Light will run really fast from RAM. Super fast I would say!

IMPORTANT ABOUT REFRACTA TOOLS
Refracta tools are pre-installed in Exton|OS Light Build 170918 (as well as in Exton|OS Mate Build 170609). Use them to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 17.10 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu live system. Start Refracta from Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Snapshot. You don’t even have to install Exton|OS Light to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu system while running Exton|OS from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 10 – 15 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshots. (Or change that in /etc/refractasnapshot.conf). The whole thing is very simple. NOTE: You can (of course) use the Refracta tools in VirtualBox and/or VMware. Refracta Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Refracta Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed. To start it you’ll have to run the commands this screenshot shows.

SCREENSHOTS
1. Screenshot of Exton|OS Light running in VMware
2. Screenshot of Exton|OS Light running in VirtualBox
3. Screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop
4. Screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop when Samba is used
5. Screenshot when Google Chrome with Netflix is running
6. Screenshot when Spotify is running – (install Spotify with: sudo apt-get install spotify-client)

DOWNLOAD
This version of Exton|OS has been replaced by Build 180301

Other Exton Linux Live CD/DVD’s in English you may like to download…

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX Oreo 8,1!

and

about my Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd Nougat!

Exton|OS Build 170609 with Mate 1.8.0, Refracta Tools (build your own live Ubuntu system) and kernel 4.11.0-5-exton

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NEWS 170609 ABOUT Exton|OS with Mate 1.18.0 and Refracta Tools
The Desktop Environment is Mate 1.18 (A fork of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems). Program content in build 170609: Refracta Tools, Firefox, Gimp, Vlc, SMPLayer, SMTube, and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at June 9, 2017. Study the NEW PACKAGE list. Google Chrome has been removed since it’s now possible to use Netflix in Firefox.

WHAT’S NEW in MATE 1.18?

The headline changes in MATE 1.18 are:

  • The entire MATE Desktop suite of applications and components is now GTK3+ only!
  • Added libinput support for mouse and touchpad
  • Much improved accessibility support (particularly for visually impaired users)
  • Caja adds several new features including:
    • Added a copy queue and copy pausing.
    • Asking confirmation before moving files to the Trash.
    • Support for back/forward mouse buttons for directory navigation.
    • Notification when ejected drives are safe to unplug.
  • Lock screen will load the users selected background instead of the system defined default.
  • MATE Panel gets several improvements, including:
    • Added desktop actions support for additional launch options.
    • Added StatusNotifier support.
    • Added support for Menulibre menu editor, if installed it is preferred over Mozo.
  • Engrampa, the archive manager, includes a number of improvements:
    • Added ear and war to the supported types list.
    • Check the rar/unrar version to the correct date is shown.
    • Fixed compress rar and 7z split into volumes.
  • Notifications now implement action icons support, for example playback control icons used by media players.
  • Reworked the font viewer to add font browsing mode, support for TTC fonts and expose it in the menus by default.
  • Replaced deprecated upower suspend/hibernate functions with ConsoleKit2 equivalents.
  • MATE Terminal adds the ability to close tabs with middle mouse button.
  • Atril, the document viewer, has much improved page load times and adds support for unarchiver used by some comics.
  • Lots of deprecated GTK+ methods have been replaced and many bugs have been fixed.
  • The plugin systems, and all C and Python plugins, in Eye of MATE and Pluma have been ported to libpeas.
  • Translations are updated. Thank you to our team of translators!
  • A number of memory leaks have been plugged.
  • A-n-d most exciting of all… MATE Calculator is back and has been ported to GTK3+.

IMPORTANT ABOUT REFRACTA TOOLS
Refracta tools are pre-installed in Exton|OS Mate Build 170609. Use them to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 17.04 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu live system. Start Refracta from Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Snapshot. You don’t even have to install Exton|OS to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu system while running Exton|OS from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min! You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshots. (Or change that in /etc/refractasnapshot.conf). The whole thing is very simple. Refracta Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Refracta Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed.

Exton|OS build 170609 is based on Ubuntu 17.04 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid (upcoming Debian 9). Exton|OS’s ISO file is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can even run Exton|OS from a USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my INSTRUCTION. For persistence please read under B) or use UNetbootin in Windows or Linux.

MORE NEWS 170609
A new and much better version of Exton|OS is ready. I have replaced kernel 4.9.0-11-exton with my special kernel 4.11.0-5-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.11.3 – the second latest stable kernel as of 170609. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system. Extract ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.11.0-5-exton.zip with the command unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.11.0-5-exton.zip. With kernel 4.11.3 there is no real need to use Nvidia proprietary graphic drivers since this kernel has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

What’s new in Linux kernel 4.11?

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

Desktop Environment
The Desktop Environment is Mate 1.18.0. (A fork of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems). Program content: Refracta Tools, Firefox, Gimp, Google Chrome (for Netflix), Vlc and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at June 9, 2017. Study the full package list.

Locale
The system language is English.

Log in to Mate
When you start up your computer from the dvd you will end up in X at LightDM‘s login screen. Log in as root (superuser) with password root or as the ordinary user live with password live. (During a hard drive install (using Refracta Installer) you can create your own ordinary user).

Network connections
Use Wicd to configure your network connection. You may have to change the Network Interfaces eth0 and wlan0 to eth1 respectively wlan1 or…
Check your Interfaces with the command iwconfig. On one of my computers the interfaces were called wlp5s0 respectively enp2s0. Watch this screenshot.

About Vlc Media Player
If you can’t play certain media files using Vlc I suggest that you install SMPlayer (sudo apt-get install smplayer) as a replacement. SMPlayer has “built in” support for most media formats. Note: SMPlayer and SMTube are already installed in Exton|OS Build 170609.

Configure sound
If you don’t have sound just open up a terminal and run the command alsamixer. Watch this screenshot.

Installation to hard drive
Note that you in advance (just in case) should create a partition of at least 20 GB for Exton|OS (if you want to make your own Ubuntu system) and a SWAP space double the size of your computer’s RAM. I.e. if you have RAM of 1024 MB or less. If you have RAM of 2 GB or more it’s enough with a SWAP space of 2 GB. The installation program Refracta Installer in Exton|OS is otherwise “intuitive”. Choose manual partitioning and select the partition you created in advance for installation. You’ll find the installation program under Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Installer. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. NOTE 1: You should format your intended installation partition in advance. You can use GParted for that. NOTE 2: If you want to install Grub as bootloader while installing Exton|OS Mate on a not UEFI-enabled computer you’ll have to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc. Just run the command sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install grub-pc before you start the install program Refracta Installer.

Changing root’s password
If you install Exton|OS to hard drive the password for root (root) you’ll get the chance to change root’s password. The root password is otherwise changed by running the command sudo passwd root. You can log in to Mate as root if you want.

Repositories and software management
Exton|OS is totally compatible with Ubuntu 17.04 and therefore uses Ubuntu’s repositories. After a hard drive install of Exton|OS you can go ahead an install any extra software you like and also upgrade the whole system. After running the command apt-get update you should use Synaptic Package Manager.

VirtualBox and VMware
Exton|OS Mate runs very well live in VirtualBox and VMware. Exton|OS Mate has UEFI boot enabled. So to be able to install to and run Exton|OS from a virtual hard drive in VirtualBox and VMware you’ll have to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc. Just run the command sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install grub-pc before you start the install program Refracta Installer. NOTE: When running Exton|OS in VirtualBox you may have to use the boot alternative nomodeset.

Spotify
You may want to install Spotify in Exton|OS Mate. Just go ahead. It’s very easy. Follow this instruction for Ubuntu. When running Exton|OS Mate Build 170609 live or from hard drive you can just install Spotify with the command sudo apt-get install spotify-client.

USB installation
Read my INSTRUCTION.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop
Screenshot 2 of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop running Spotify
Screenshot 3 of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop running Refracta Snapshot
Screenshot 4 of Exton|OS running in VMware
Screenshot 5 of Exton|OS running in VirtualBox
Screenshot 6 – showing how to configure the Network with Wicd in VirtualBox

DOWNLOAD
This version of Exton|OS has been replaced by Build 180301

Other Exton Linux Systems you may like
All Exton Linux Systems
Exton Systems for the Raspberry Pi computer
Exton Android Systems for PC

EXTON Linux

Exton|OS Build 161231 with Mate 1.6.0, Refracta Tools (build your own live Ubuntu system) and kernel 4.9.0-11-exton

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NEWS 161231 ABOUT Exton|OS with Mate 1.16.0 and Refracta Tools
The Desktop Environment is Mate 1.16 (A fork of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems). Program content in build 161231: Refracta Tools, Firefox, Google Chrome (for Netflix), Gimp, Vlc and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at December 31, 2016. Study the NEW PACKAGE list.

WHAT’S NEW in MATE 1.16?

The headline changes in MATE 1.16 are:

Improved GTK+3 support across the entire MATE Desktop.
Application and theme support for GTK+ 3.22.
More applications build against GTK+3 only:
Engrampa
MATE Notification Daemon
MATE PolKit
MATE Session Manager
MATE Terminal
Some applications have been decoupled from libmate-desktop:
Engrampa
MATE Applets
MATE Netbook
MATE Power Manager
MATE Terminal
Pluma
Work has started to port applications to GApplication or GtkApplication:
Engrampa
MATE Applets
MATE Netbook
MATE User Share
Many bugs and deprecations are fixed.
Translations are updated.

IMPORTANT ABOUT REFRACTA TOOLS
Refracta tools are pre-installed in Exton|OS Mate Build 161231. Use them to create your own live installable Ubuntu system. I mean create your own installable Ubuntu 16.10 Live DVD once you have installed Exton|OS to hard drive. I mean change everything and then create a whole new Ubuntu live system. Start Refracta from Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Snapshot. You don’t even have to install Exton|OS to hard drive before you can use the Refracta tools. If you have plenty of RAM you can create a new (your own!) Ubuntu system while running Exton|OS from DVD or a USB stick. Please note that the whole Refracta process (creating your new ISO) will only take 5 – 10 min!  You’ll find the ISO in /home/snapshots. The whole thing is very simple. Refracta Installer replaces Ubiquity (Ubuntu’s installer). Refracta Installer is also very simple to use. No “expert knowledge” is needed.

Exton|OS build 161231 is based on Ubuntu 16.10 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid (upcoming Debian 9). Exton|OS’s ISO file is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can even run Exton|OS from a USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my INSTRUCTION. For persistence please read under B) or use UNetbootin in Windows or Linux.

MORE NEWS 161231
A new and much better version of Exton|OS is ready. I have replaced kernel 4.5.3-exton with my special kernel 4.9.0-11-exton corresponding Kernel.org’s kernel 4.9 – latest as of 161231. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system. Extract ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.9.0-11-exton.zip with the command unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.9.0-11-exton.zip. With kernel 4.9 there is no real need to use Nvidia proprietary graphic drivers since this kernel has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel.

What’s new in Linux kernel 4.9?

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

Desktop Environment
The Desktop Environment is Mate 1.18.0. (A fork of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems). Program content: Refracta Tools, Firefox, Gimp, Google Chrome (for Netflix), Vlc and GParted. Also all necessary additions in order to install programs from source. All packages have been updated to the latest available version as at December 31, 2016. Study the full package list.

Locale
The system language is English.

Log in to Mate
When you start up your computer from the dvd you will end up in X at LightDM‘s login screen. Log in as root (superuser) with password root or as the ordinary user live with password live. (During a hard drive install (using Refracta Installer) you can create your own ordinary user).

Network connections
Use Wicd to configure your network connection. You may have to change the Network Interfaces eth0 and wlan0 to eth1 respectively wlan1 or…
Check your Interfaces with the command iwconfig.

Installation to hard drive
Note that you in advance (just in case) should create a partition of at least 20 GB for Exton|OS (if you want to make your own Ubuntu system) and a SWAP space double the size of your computer’s RAM. I.e. if you have RAM of 1024 MB or less. If you have RAM of 2 GB or more it’s enough with a SWAP space of 2 GB. The installation program Refracta Installer in Exton|OS is otherwise “intuitive”. Choose manual partitioning and select the partition you created in advance for installation. You’ll find the installation program under Applications >> System Tools >> Refracta Installer. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. NOTE 1: You should format your intended installation partition in advance. You can use GParted for that. NOTE 2: If you want to install Grub as bootloader while installing Exton|OS Mate on a not UEFI-enabled computer you’ll have to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc. Just run the command sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install grub-pc before you start the install program Refracta Installer.

Changing root’s password
If you install Exton|OS to hard drive the password for root (root) you’ll get the chance to change root’s password. The root password is otherwise changed by running the command sudo passwd root. You can log in to Mate as root if you want.

Repositories and software management
Exton|OS is totally compatible with Ubuntu 16.10 and therefore uses Ubuntu’s repositories. After a hard drive install of Exton|OS you can go ahead an install any extra software you like and also upgrade the whole system. After running the command apt-get update you should use Synaptic Package Manager.

VirtualBox and VMware
Exton|OS Mate runs very well live in VirtualBox and VMware. Exton|OS Mate has UEFI boot enabled. So to be able to run Exton|OS from a virtual hard drive in VirtualBox and VMware you’ll have to replace grub-efi-amd64 with grub-pc. Just run the command sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install grub-pc before you start the install program Refracta Installer.

Spotify
You may want to install Spotify in Exton|OS Mate. Just go ahead. It’s very easy. Follow this instruction for Ubuntu. When running Exton|OS Mate Build 161231 live or from hard drive you can just install Spotify with the command sudo apt-get install spotify-client.

USB installation
Read my INSTRUCTION.

SCREENSHOTS
Screenshot 1 of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop
Screenshot 2 of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop running Spotify
Screenshot 3 of Exton|OS’s Mate Desktop running Refracta Snapshot

DOWNLOAD
This version of Exton|OS has been replaced by Build 180301

Other Exton Linux Systems you may like
All Exton Linux Systems
Exton Systems for the Raspberry Pi computer
Exton Android Systems for PC

EXTON Linux

Exton|OS Light Build 161021 :: Based on Ubuntu 16.10 with kernel 4.8.0-25-exton (4.8.1)

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exton-os-logo-worldNEWS 161021 about Exton|OS Light Live DVD – ISO file of 970 MB
I’ve made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.10 (alias Yakkety Yak) 64 bit with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Google Chrome – so you can run Netflix), SMPlayer, SMTube (YouTube browser which allows to browse, search and play YouTube videos), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers), Audacious (a small and fast audio player which supports lots of formats) and Synaptic (Package Manager). I give you the pleasure of installing all extra packages you need after a hard disk installation of Exton|OS Light. Use Synaptic for that. You can of course also install new packages while running the system live (from DVD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction (under B) or used UNetbootin) and used Boot alternative 2 – Persistent when you have used UNetbootin. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from DVD. Exton|OS Light’s Window manager Openbox guarantees lightness and elegance.

Replacement
This version of Exton|OS Light from 161021 replaces version 160728 of Exton|OS Light. Exton|OS Light is now based on Debian Stretch/Sid and Ubuntu 16.10 (released 161013).

About
Exton|OS Light Live CD is based on Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak 64 bit and Debian Stretch/Sid. Exton|OS Light’s ISO file (of 970 MB!) is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to an USB pen drive. You can then even run Exton|OS from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence! Read my USB INSTRUCTION under B).

Packages
All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at October 21, 2016. Study the full package list.

Used KERNEL
My special kernel 4.8.0-25-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s kernel 4.8.1. You can download “my” kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

Log in to Openbox
When the system has booted up you will end up in X (Openbox) as the ordinary user live. You can log out from Openbox and back again as root (“Other”) if you want. The password for root is root. When logged in as live you can become root with sudo su. There is no password for live when running the system live. (I.e. from CD or USB).

How to change wallpaper
Exton|OS Light and Openbox uses Nitrogen Wallpaper Manager to change desktop background. Open Nitrogen and you will see all wallpapers in /usr/share/backgrounds. Choose the one you want.

Repositories and software management
Exton|OS Light is totally compatible with Ubuntu 16.10 and therefore uses Ubuntu’s repositories. After a hard drive install of Exton|OS you can go ahead an install any extra software you like and also upgrade the whole system. After running the command apt-get update you should use Synaptic Package Manager.

USB installation
Read my INSTRUCTION. For persistence please read under B) or use UNetbootin.

Hard drive installation
I have replaced Ubuntu’s installation program Ubiquity with Exton|OS Installer, which is a clone of Debian Live Installer. The installation to hard drive is now so simple that a 10 year old child can do it. Watch a SLIDESHOW of the hard drive installation process.Just start the installation program (Exton|OS Installer) from the menu under System and follow the instructions. Note1: When asked create a new normal user. Unfortunately this new user won’t exist when the installation is ready. You’ll have to log in to Openbox as root with the password you gave your created user. Then open up a terminal and run this command: adduser live. (I.e. if you want to run Exton|OS Light as a normal user). Note2: Be sure to name your own created user live (username). If you give your ordinary user any other name the menu in Openbox after a hard drive installation won’t work. It is sort of a “bug”. Sorry about that. Note3: The password you create for your user during the hard drive installation will be root’s new password.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that Exton|OS Light can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 2 GB RAM to run Exton|OS Light that way. Since the system is relatively small (ISO file of 970 MB) Exton|OS Light will run really fast from RAM. Super fast I would say!

SCREENSHOTS
See a screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop
See a screenshot of Exton|OS Light’s Openbox Desktop when Samba is used
See a screenshot when Google Chrome with Netflix is running
See a screenshot when Spotify is running – (install Spotify with: sudo apt-get install spotify-client)

DOWNLOAD
This version of Exton|OS has been replaced by Build 180301

Other Exton Linux Live CD/DVD’s in English you may like to download…

EXTON Linux

Exton|OS Internet Kiosk build 141122

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Exton|OS Kiosk (ISO file of 344 MB!) build 141122 is based on Ubuntu 14.10 64 bit (released October 23, 2014) and Debian Jessie. Exton|OS’s ISO file is a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can install and run Exton|OS from a USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you can enjoy persistence! Exton|OS Kiosk can not be installed to hard drive.

Few applications
Only Firefox (The Best Web Browser), LXTerminal, Leafpad (Editor), Nano (Editor), Alsamixergui (to enable sound) and Wicd (Network Manager) are preinstalled. After logging in to Fluxbox Firefox will start immediately. If you close Firefox you will also leave Fluxbox (X).

What’s the point?
Exton|OS Kiosk can be used as Internet Kiosk or other publicly available Web terminal in schools, libraries, cafes, hotels, offices, tourist centers and a like. Another possibility is to use Exton|OS Kiosk for displaying information, advertisements, pictures or streaming videos to digital signage deployments. Be sure to change root’s password before such use of the system. It is done (as root) with the command passwd root.

Login and passwords
After booting up Exton|OS Kiosk from CD or USB pen drive you will end up in console mode. Log in as the normal user live with password live or as root with password root$$8. Then run startx to enter X/Fluxbox. To reboot or poweroff the computer you’ll have to be root.

Screenshot showing Firefox and Youtube running

Screenshot showing the menu

Screenshot showing Alsamixergui running

Screenshot showing Wicd configuration

Network connections
Use Wicd to configure your network connection. You may have to change the Network Interfaces eth0 and wlan0 to eth1 respectively wlan1 or…

USB installation
Read my INSTRUCTION. It is for Exton|OS Light, but also valid for Exton|OS Kiosk.

Runs from RAM
Another great thing is that Exton|OS Kiosk can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (CD) or USB stick. You’ll need at least 1 GB RAM to run Exton|OS Kiosk that way. I.e. superfast!

Locale
The system language is English.

Quick tip
You can install any other packages you need with apt-get (as root). You can also (of course) install Synapic Package Manager. This can be done while runnning Exton|OS Kiosk live. (From CD or USB stick). If you run from a USB stick with persistence your changes will be saved on the stick. Otherwise they are (of course) gone after a reboot.

DOWNLOAD

This version of Exton|OS doesn’t exist anymore. It wasn’t very popular (for some reason).

Other Exton Linux Live CD/DVD’s in English you may like to download…

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