All posts by exton

Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live System with MATE 1.28.2-2 DE and kernel 6.11.7-arch :: Build 241117

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ABOUT ArchEX Build 241117
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with the MATE Desktop environment. This ArchEX version replaces version 240101, which had Pantheon as DE. At the moment (241117) Pantheon doesn’t work in Arch Linux. After a full system upgrade the Pantheon menu is gone and you can’t get it back.

ABOUT MATE: The MATE Desktop Environment is the continuation of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. MATE is under active development to add support for new technologies while preserving a traditional desktop experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ArchEX with MATE works very well when running live on my six computers. Calamares Installer is not installed in Build 241117. You can nevertheless install ArchEX Build 241117 to hard drive if you follow my instructions…
It is quite simple. Basically only ONE command is needed.

Study all installed packages in Build 241117…

Log in to MATE
When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM‘s login page. Log in to the MATE Desktop as the ordinary user user with password live or as root (“Other”) with password root.

SCREENSHOTS
1. The MATE Desktop for the ordinary user user
2. Showing a WiFi connection
3. Showing a Samba connection
4. Showing a manual installation of ArchEX in VirtualBox

DOWNLOAD
ArchEX Linux Live Systems (all three versions) can be downloaded from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

md5sum for the ISO file which is of 3820 MB

Follow me on Facebook…

RaspArch Build 240302 for Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4
RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM (aarch64/arm64) system. It can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi 4 computer.  All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 240302. The Desktop Environment is LXQt 1.4.

A member on RaspEX wrote this about an old version of RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

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)!
Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX 2024 (Arch Linux) Live with KDE Plasma 5.27.10, LXQt 1.4, kernel 6.6.9-ARCH and Calamares Installer 3.3.1 :: Build 240106

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ABOUT ArchEX 2024 Build 240106
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with KDE Plasma 5.27.10. 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. LXQt 1.4 can also be used as Desktop Environment (DE). This ArchEX version uses kernel 6.6.9-ARCH. ArchEX Build 240106 has the same “bugs” as ArchEX Build 240106 – see below. ArchEX can very easy be installed to hard drive (if you want) with Calamares Installer version 3.3.1 (latest). Installed (by me) from source.

Known “bugs” or errors in this ArchEX Build
1) When installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares Installer you’ll have to format the install partition in another Linux system in advance. If you let Calamares format you will get filesystem errors and therefore ArchEX won’t boot. Watch this screenshot…
So using Calamares it shall look like this screenshot shows.
NOTE 1: The best way (possibly) to avoid filesystem errors is to install ArchEX on an ext3 partition.
NOTE 2: When installing ArchEX in VirtualBox you don’t have to worry about filesystem errors (for some unknown reason).
2) It can be difficult to configure a WiFi connection. To be able to use a WiFi connection you may have to unload and load the correct kernel module.
For example athk10_pci, iwlwifi or wl. Example commands:
$ sudo modprobe -r ath10k_pci
$ sudo modprobe ath10k_pci
Check which kernel module to load with the command: lspci
Also watch this screenshot…
NOTE: The WiFi problem is gone after a hard drive installation. I.e. you will automatically be connected.
3) Not a bug, but to be able to run the file manager PCManFM-qt as root you’ll have to use this command: sudo dbus-launch pcmanfm-qt.

Aside from the above mentioned bugs ArchEX Build 240106 works very well both live and from hard drive.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2024 with KDE Plasma 5.27.10 and LXQt 1.4.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

LOG IN to KDE Plasma or LXQt
Boot up the 240106 live System and log in from SDDM to the KDE Plasma 5.27.10 or LXQt 1.4 Desktop. When the boot process is ready you will end up at SDDM’s login screen. Login as user user with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can also log in as root (“other”) from SDDM with password root.  When logged in as root you won’t have sound. (PulseAudio can’t run as root).

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S ‐‐overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
7) pacman -Scc (clean pacman cache)

Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg ‐‐refresh-keys
pacman-key ‐‐init && pacman-key ‐‐populate archlinux
pacman-key ‐‐refresh-keys
If that don’t work you can try this approach:
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman-key ‐‐populate archlinux
pacman-key ‐‐refresh-keys
pacman -Sy
pacman -Syu

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go.  If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su user before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user user. (You can’t run Yay as root). Yay is pre-installed in ArchEX Build 240106/240101.

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 240106/240101 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Samba connections
You can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network through Samba and PCManFM-qt. Watch this screenshot…

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Plasma Desktop for root
ArchEX Plasma Desktop for user
ArchEX LXQt Desktop for user
ArchEX LXQt Desktop for root
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed

DOWNLOAD
ArchEX Linux Live DVD (both versions) can be downloaded from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

Or download ArchEX Build 240106 from The Swedish Linux Society server…

md5sum for the ISO file, which is of 3110 MB – Build 240106

RaspArch Build 240302 for Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4
RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM (aarch64/arm64) system. It can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi 4 computer.  All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 240302. The Desktop Environment is LXQt 1.4.

A member on RaspEX wrote this about an old version of RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

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)!
Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton, Linux

ArchEX 2024 (Arch Linux) Live with Pantheon, Gnome 45.2, LXQt 1.4, kernel 6.7.0-rc7-exton and Calamares Installer 3.3.0 :: Build 240101

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ABOUT ArchEX 2024 Build 240101
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with Pantheon, Gnome 45.2 and LXQt 1.4 as Desktop Environments (DE). This ArchEX version uses kernel 6.7.0-rc7-exton. Pantheon is the desktop environment of elementary OS. It is written in Vala, using GTK 3 and Granite. ArchEX Build 240101 has the same “bugs” as ArchEX Build 230812 – see below.

Known “bugs” or errors in this ArchEX Build
I’ve kept my “old” ArchEX version 220905 on the server since ArchEX Build 240101 (and Build 230812) have some “bugs” i.e.:
1) When installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares Installer you’ll have to format the install partition in another Linux system in advance. If you let Calamares format you will get filesystem errors and therefore ArchEX won’t boot. Watch this screenshot…
So using Calamares it shall look like this screenshot shows.
NOTE 1: The best way (possibly) to avoid filesystem errors is to install ArchEX on an ext3 partition.
NOTE 2: When installing ArchEX in VirtualBox you don’t have to worry about filesystem errors (for some unknown reason).
2) It can be difficult to configure a WiFi connection. To be able to use a WiFi connection you may have to unload and load the correct kernel module.
For example athk10_pci, iwlwifi or wl. Example commands:
$ sudo modprobe -r ath10k_pci
$ sudo modprobe ath10k_pci
Check which kernel module to load with the command: lspci
Also watch this screenshot…
NOTE 2: The WiFi problem is gone after a hard drive installation. I.e. you will automatically be connected.
3) Not a bug, but to be able to run the file manager PCManFM-qt as root you’ll have to use this command: sudo dbus-launch pcmanfm-qt.
4) Also not really a bug, but to be able to paste highlighted text into a terminal with your mouse’s middle button (which can be very handy) you’ll have to use QTerminal or xterm. It is not possible using LXTerminal or Gnome Terminal. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE 3: The “middle button problem” occurs only when logged in to the Pantheon Desktop.

Aside from the above mentioned bugs ArchEX Build 240101 works very well both live and from hard drive.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2024 with Pantheon, Gnome 45.2 and LXQt 1.4.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

LOG IN to Pantheon, Gnome or LXQt
Boot up the 240101 live System and log in from LightDM to the Pantheon, Gnome 45.2 or LXQt 1.4 Desktops. When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM’s login screen. Login as user user with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can also log in as root (“other”) from LightDM with password root.  When logged in as root you won’t have sound.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S ‐‐overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
7) pacman -Scc (clean pacman cache)

Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg ‐‐refresh-keys
pacman-key ‐‐init && pacman-key ‐‐populate archlinux
pacman-key ‐‐refresh-keys
If that don’t work you can try this approach:
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman-key ‐‐populate archlinux
pacman-key ‐‐refresh-keys
pacman -Sy
pacman -Syu

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go.  If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su user before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user user. (You can’t run Yay as root).

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 240101/230812/230719/220905 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Samba connections
You can connect to your Windows computers in your Home Network through Samba and PCManFM-qt. Watch this screenshot…

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Pantheon Desktop
ArchEX Gnome Desktop
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed

DOWNLOAD
This build has been replaced by Build 241117…

RaspArch Build 240302 for Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4
RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM (aarch64/arm64) system. It can only run on a Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi 4 computer.  All included packages have been updated to the latest version as of 240302. The Desktop Environment is LXQt 1.4.

A member on RaspEX wrote this about an old version of RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

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)!
Arch Linux, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live with Pantheon, Gnome 44.4, LXQt 1.3, kernel 6.4.12.arch1-1 and Calamares Installer 3.2.62 :: Build 230826

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ABOUT ArchEX Build 230826
I’ve made a new extra version of ArchEX with Pantheon, Gnome 44.4 and LXQt 1.3 as Desktop Environments (DE). This ArchEX version uses kernel 6.4.12-arch1-1. Pantheon is the desktop environment of elementary OS. It is written in Vala, using GTK 3 and Granite. ArchEX Build 230826 has the same “bugs” as ArchEX Build 230812 – see below.

Known “bugs” or errors in this ArchEX Build
I’ve kept my “old” ArchEX version 220905 on the server since ArchEX Build 230826 (and Build 230812) have some “bugs” i.e.:
1) When installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares Installer you’ll have to format the install partition in another Linux system in advance. If you let Calamares format you will get filesystem errors and therefore ArchEX won’t boot. Watch this screenshot…
So using Calamares it shall look like this screenshot shows.
NOTE 1: When installing ArchEX in VirtualBox you don’t have to worry about filesystem errors (for some unknown reason).
2) It can be difficult to configure a WiFi connection. To be able to use a WiFi connection you may have to unload and load the correct kernel module.
For example athk10_pci, iwlwifi or wl. Example commands:
$ sudo modprobe -r ath10k_pci
$ sudo modprobe ath10k_pci
Check which kernel module to load with the command: lspci
Also watch this screenshot…
NOTE 2: The WiFi problem is gone after a hard drive installation. I.e. you will automatically be connected.
3) Not a bug, but to be able to run the file manager PCManFM-qt as root you’ll have to use this command: sudo dbus-launch pcmanfm-qt.
4) Also not really a bug, but to be able to paste highlighted text into a terminal with your mouse’s middle button (which can be very handy) you’ll have to use QTerminal or xterm. It is not possible using LXTerminal or Gnome Terminal. Watch this screenshot…
NOTE 3: The “middle button problem” occurs only when logged in to the Pantheon Desktop.

Aside from the above mentioned bugs ArchEX Build 230826 works very well both live and from hard drive.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2023 with Pantheon, Gnome 44.4 and LXQt 1.3.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

LOG IN to Pantheon, Gnome or LXQt
Boot up the 230826 live System and log in from LightDM to the Pantheon, Gnome 44.4 or LXQt 1.3 Desktops. When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM’s login screen. Login as user user with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can’t login as root from LightDM. If you want to run this ArchEX version as root you shall press F1/F2 Ctrl Alt simultaneously. Then log in from console as root with password root. Run the command startx and you will enter the LXQt Desktop.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S –overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
7) pacman -Scc (clean pacman cache)

Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg –refresh-keys
pacman-key –init && pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys
If that don’t work you can try this approach:
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys
pacman -Sy
pacman -Syu

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go.  If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su user before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user user. (You can’t run Yay as root).

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 230826/230812/230719/220905 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Pantheon Desktop
ArchEX Gnome Desktop
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX running in VMware
root’s LXQt Desktop

DOWNLOAD
This version of ArchEX has been replaced by version 240101…


Follow me on Facebook…

 

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 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live with Deepin 20.9, LXQt 1.3, kernel 6.4.9.arch1-1 and Calamares Installer 3.2.62 :: Build 230812

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NEWS about ArchEX 230812
A new version of ArchEX is ready! In this new version, which I call ArchEX 2023, I have added the Deepin 20.9 (latest) Desktop Environment (DE). Deepin DE (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like Deepin DE very much when I installed it in ExTiX 23.4. So I thought why not install Deepin DE also in ArchEX? Furthermore I have added the  LXQt 1.3 (latest) Desktop Environment. You can choose the one you want at LightDM’s Login screen.

Known “bugs” or errors in this ArchEX Build
I’ve kept my “old” ArchEX version 220905 on the server since ArchEX Build 230812 have some “bugs” i.e.:
1) You can’t change wallpaper in Deepin. That is a known bug in Arch Linux and all distros based on Arch Linux. There is, however, a “workaround”.  Put the picture you want to use as wallpaper in /usr/share/wallpapers/deepin and change the name of the picture to Hummingbird_by_Shu_Le.jpg. Watch this screenshot.
2) When installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares Installer you’ll have to format the install partition in another Linux system in advance. If you let Calamares format you will get filesystem errors and therefore ArchEX won’t boot. Watch this screenshot…
So using Calamares it shall look like this screenshot shows.
NOTE 1: When installing ArchEX in VirtualBox you don’t have to worry about filesystem errors (for some unknown reason).
3) It can be difficult to configure a WiFi connection. To be able to use a WiFi connection you may have to unload and load the correct kernel module.
For example athk10_pci, iwlwifi or wl. Example commands:
$ sudo modprobe -r ath10k_pci
$ sudo modprobe ath10k_pci
Check which kernel module to load with the command: lspci
Also watch this screenshot…
NOTE 2: The WiFi problem is gone after a hard drive installation. I.e. you will automatically be connected.
Aside from the above mentioned bugs ArchEX Build 230812 works very well both live and from hard drive.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2023 with Deepin and LXQt.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

WHAT IS ArchEX?
ArchEX 64 bit is a new (230812) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX Build 230812 uses kernel 6.4.9.arch1-1, Deepin 20.9 and LXQt 1.3 Desktop environments. Deepin Desktop (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. About LXQt: 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. GNOME 42 provides a focused working environment that helps you get things done. It is packed with features that will make you more productive.

LOG IN to Deepin or LXQt
Boot up the 230812 live System and log in from LightDM to Deepin 20.9 or LXQt 1.3. When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM’s login screen. Login as user user with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can’t login as root from LightDM.

VirtualBox and VMware
ArchEX can run and be installed without problems in VMware in Windows. Watch a screenshot when ArchEX is about to be installed in VMware Workstation Player. Be sure to give ArchEX enough RAM. About 4 GB. Also remember to disable 3D acceleration in VMware. (It won’t work without installing VMware Tools).
1. ArchEX running in full screen on Arch Linux in VirtualBox – screenshot. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed.
2. Arch running in VMware in Windows in full screen after VMware Tools have been installed. NOTE: It is a bit tricky to install VMware Tools, but you can do it if you just follow this instruction.
3. ArchEX running in full screen in Windows in VirtualBox. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed – screenshot.
NOTE: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed also in  ArchEX Build 230719 and 220905.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S –overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
7) pacman -Scc (clean pacman cache)

Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg –refresh-keys
pacman-key –init && pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys
If that don’t work you can try this approach:
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys
pacman -Sy
pacman -Syu

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go.  If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su user before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user user. (You can’t run Yay as root).

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 230812/230719/220905 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Deepin Desktop
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX running Calamares

Watch a YouTube video about ArchEX…

The video is called  ArchEX Linux : Deepin Desktop with ARCH Linux! It is not made by me.

DOWNLOAD
ArchEX Build 230812 and 220905 had Deepin 23/20.8 installed. Deepin works alright in those builds, but after a full system upgrade Deepin has some serious bugs. I have therefore removed those versions from the server. It seems to me that Deepin doesn’t work in Arch Linux at the moment – 240106. I will probably try to install Deepin again later on. It is a very nice DE.

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 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) “Mini” with LXQt 1.3, all Arch Linux installation scripts, Calamares, Yay, VirtualBox Guest Additions and kernel 6.4.3 (latest) :: Build 230719

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NEWS ABOUT ArchEX 230719
I’ve made a new extra “Mini” version of ArchEX. It has four advantages compared with ArchEX Build 220905.

A) This ArchEX build is smaller. The ISO file is “only” of 2330 MB compered with Build 220905 which is of 4010 MB. This is of importance since ArchEX can run very fast live from RAM. So your computer needs lesser RAM to run Build 230719. Should be enough with 2 GB. NOTE: I was hoping to make the ISO file even smaller, but that was impossible since the Calamares Installer and Yay has a lot of dependencies.

B) ArchEX Build 230719 has all Arch Linux original installation scripts, which means that you can use this build to install Arch Linux “the Arch way” following the Installation Guide. Or you can just follow my example here. You can have my instructions up in Firefox while installing as this screenshot shows. When installing from Arch Linux official live DVD you’ll have to do it in console mode. (Could be tricky).

C) If you install Arch Linux (or ArchEX using Calamares) in VirtualBox or Qemu you can do it in full screen. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 230719 (and in Build 220905). Watch this screenshot. In Qemu you can just choose the screen resolution you want.

D) ArchEX Build 230719 uses kernel 6.4.3 (latest) and has support for more wireless cards. Kernel modules ath10k and wl are loaded also when running ArchEX live, which obviously means a lot.

NOTE 1: To find out wich “WiFi module” you need you can run the command lspci. Then unload and load the kernel module in question. Example: sudo modprobe -r ath10k_pci followed by sudo modprobe ath10k_pci. Watch this screenshot…

NOTE 2: When running ArchEX logged in as the normal user exton you can use Sudo to run applications which need root privileges. Example command: sudo gparted. One exception: To be able to run the file manager PCManFM-qt as root you’ll have to use the command sudo dbus-launch pcmanfm-qt.

Study all installed packages in Build 230719…

SCREENSHOTS
1. ArchEX Mini Desktop for user exton
2. ArchEX Mini Desktop for root
3. ArchEX Mini installing LibreOffice while running live
4. Installing Arch Linux the Arch way
5. Showing a Samba connection

Watch a YouTube video about ArchEX…

The video is called  ArchEX Linux : Deepin Desktop with ARCH Linux! It is not made by me.

DOWNLOAD
This version has been removed from the server 240106.

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 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live with Deepin 20.7, GNOME 42, Gnome Classic, LXQt 1.1.0, LXDE, kernel 5.19.6-arch1-1, Yay, Spotify and Calamares Installer – Build 220905 and 230719

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NEWS ABOUT ArchEX 220905
Today I discovered that I had forgot to add “cowspace” (sudo mount -o remount,size=2G /run/archiso/cowspace) in ArchEX Build 220901. I therefore had to upload a new ArchEX version today (220905). This version uses kernel 5.19.6 and has more support for various wireless cards.

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

NEWS ABOUT ArchEX Build 230812
A new version of ArchEX is ready! In this new version, which I call ArchEX 2023, I have added the Deepin 20.9 (latest) Desktop Environment (DE). Deepin DE (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like Deepin DE very much when I installed it in ExTiX 23.4. So I thought why not install Deepin DE also in ArchEX? Furthermore I have added the  LXQt 1.3 (latest) Desktop Environment. You can choose the one you want at LightDM’s Login screen.
NOTE: I’ve kept my “old” ArchEX version 220905 (also with the Deepin DE) on the server since ArchEX Build 230812 have some “bugs”.

READ MORE ABOUT BUILD 230812…

NEWS ABOUT ArchEX 230719
I’ve made a new extra “Mini” version of ArchEX. It has four advantages compared with ArchEX Build 220905.

A) This ArchEX build is smaller. The ISO file is “only” of 2330 MB compered with Build 220905 which is of 4010 MB. This is of importance since ArchEX can run very fast live from RAM. So your computer needs lesser RAM to run Build 230719. Should be enough with 2 GB. NOTE: I was hoping to make the ISO file even smaller, but that was impossible since the Calamares Installer and Yay has a lot of dependencies.

B) ArchEX Build 230719 has all Arch Linux original installation scripts, which means that you can use this build to install Arch Linux “the Arch way” following the Installation Guide. Or you can just follow my example here. You can have my instructions up in Firefox while installing as this screenshot shows. When installing from Arch Linux official live DVD you’ll have to do it in console mode. (Could be tricky).

C) If you install Arch Linux (or ArchEX using Calamares) in VirtualBox or Qemu you can do it in full screen. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 230719 (and in Build 220905). Watch this screenshot. In Qemu you can just choose the screen resolution you want.

D) ArchEX Build 230719 uses kernel 6.4.3 (latest), which has support for more wireless cards. Kernel modules ath10k and wl are loaded also when running ArchEX live, which obviously means a lot.

NOTE 1: To find out wich “WiFi module” you need you can run the command lspci. Then unload and load the kernel module in question. Example: sudo modprobe -r ath10k_pci followed by sudo modprobe ath10k_pci. Watch this screenshot…

NOTE 2: When running ArchEX logged in as the normal user exton you can use Sudo to run applications which need root privileges. Example command: sudo gparted. One exception: To be able to run the file manager PCManFM-qt as root you’ll have to use the command sudo dbus-launch pcmanfm-qt.

Study all installed packages in Build 230719…

SCREENSHOTS
1. ArchEX Mini Desktop for user exton
2. ArchEX Mini Desktop for root
3. ArchEX Mini installing LibreOffice while running live
4. Installing Arch Linux the Arch way
5. Showing a Samba connection

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

NEWS about ArchEX 220905
A new version of ArchEX is ready! In this new version, which I call ArchEX 2022, I have added the Deepin 20.7 (latest) Desktop Environment (DE). Deepin DE (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like Deepin DE very much when I installed it in ExTiX 22.6. So I thought why not install Deepin DE also in ArchEX? Furthermore I have added the GNOME 42 (latest) and LXQt 1.1.0-1 (latest) Desktop environments. As “extra” Desktop environments I’ve added Gnome Classic and LXDE. So altogether five (5) different Desktops environments to try out while running ArchEX live or from hard drive! Note that you can run ArchEX in full screen in VirtualBox directly from the ISO file since VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed!

REPLACEMENT
This version (220905) of ArchEX replaces version 220206. I’ve replaced Yaourt with Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. I came to know that Yaourt is dead. I.e. Yaourt is not being developed anymore. So in the new version of ArchEX I have upgraded all included packages, installed a new kernel (5.19.6) and replaced Yaourt with Yay. NOTE: While running ArchEX LIVE (from a DVD or USB stick) you can now do so super fast from RAM. Watch this screenshot. I.e. use boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). In this new version I’ve also added more support for Broadcom WiFi cards. I.e. kernel modules b43 and wl will be loaded from boot. Kernel module b43 was “blacklisted” for some unknown reason.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2022 with Deepin/GNOME 42/Gnome Classic/LXQt/LXDE.

Why trust a Chinese Distribution? (The Deepin Desktop environment is developed in China).

NEWS 220905 about Calamares Installer
I’ve finally managed to make Calamares (The universal installer framework) work without big problems/issues. Now you can use Calamares to install ArchEX in any language. Also in VirtualBox and VMware.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

WHAT IS ArchEX?
ArchEX 64 bit is a new (220905) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX Build 220905 uses kernel 5.19.6-arch1-1, Deepin 20.7, GNOME 42, GNOME Classic, LXDE and LXQt 1.1.0-1 Desktop environments. Deepin Desktop (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. About LXQt: 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. GNOME 42 provides a focused working environment that helps you get things done. It is packed with features that will make you more productive.

INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox (for Netflix), Gimp, Spotify, GCC, NetworkManager and GParted – study this package LIST.

LOG IN to Deepin/GNOME 42/LXQt/LXDE
BOOT UP the live system and LOGIN from GDM to Deepin, GNOME 42, Gnome Classic, LXDE or LXQt. When the boot process is ready you will end up at GDM’s login screen. Login as user exton with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can also choose to log in as root with password root to the same Desktops environments. Before logging in you shall choose where you want to go – see below.



Wireless connections
Use NetworkManager. You’ll find the nm-applet to the right in the panel. If your Network isn’t shown it is “hidden”. Then connect to a hidden Network. Just give NetworkManager your SSID and connect. Watch this screenshot. NOTE: On one of my five computers I couldn’t get a wireless connection while running ArchEX live (from a USB stick). After a hard drive installation I could though. It seems to me that there is a difference between the live initrd.img and the one that is used after a hard drive installation.

IMPORTANT: About how to increase cowspace (Copy on Write) while running ArchEX live (from DVD or USB)
If you want to install a program or upgrade the whole ArchEX system while running ArchEX LIVE you may get an error message saying that the system is “out of space“. Then run the following command:
sudo mount -o remount,size=2G /run/archiso/cowspace
You can set the size to 3G, 4G or even higher if you have plenty of RAM, but 2G is normally enough. You can check how much of the cowspace you have left with the command df. Watch this screenshot. NOTE: This is not necessary as regards ArchEX Build 220905/220904. I have increased the cowspace with 2GB in advance.

INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer (Calamares). I.e. while running ArchEX live from a DVD or USB stick. Please read this INSTRUCTION.
Note that you also can use ArchEX Build 220904 to do a “normal” Arch Linux installation since all Arch Linux installation scripts are included.

YouTube video about ArchEX
Ike Santos (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ike.Santos) has made a YouTube video about ArchEX. You will get a detailed description about how to install ArchEX in VirtualBox using Calamares Installer.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive without persistence
Can be done with the dd-command in Linux. Please read this instruction. In Windows you should use Rufus 3.20 – see below.

VirtualBox and VMware
ArchEX can run and be installed without problems in VMware in Windows. Watch a screenshot when ArchEX is about to be installed in VMware Workstation Player. Be sure to give ArchEX enough RAM. About 4 GB. Also remember to disable 3D acceleration in VMware. (It won’t work without installing VMware Tools).
1. ArchEX running in full screen on Arch Linux in VirtualBox – screenshot. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed.
2. Arch running in VMware in Windows in full screen after VMware Tools have been installed. NOTE: It is a bit tricky to install VMware Tools, but you can do it if you just follow this instruction.
3. ArchEX running in full screen in Windows in VirtualBox. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed – screenshot.
NOTE: VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed also in  ArchEX Build 220904.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S –overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
7) pacman -Scc (clean pacman cache)

Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg –refresh-keys
pacman-key –init && pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys
If that don’t work you can try this approach:
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. Note: Yay and Spotify are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 220905. If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su exton before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user exton. (You can’t run Yay as root).

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 220905/230719 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Deepin Desktop
ArchEX GNOME 42 Desktop
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX LXDE Desktop
ArchEX Gnome Classic Desktop
ArchEX Deepin full Desktop running in VMware
ArchEX using Yay
ArchEX running Spotify
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX running in Qemu
ArchEX starting up live – note RAM alternative 3
ArchEX starting up from hard drive (VirtualBox)
When Cinnamon is installed (pacman -S cinnamon)
When Xfce4 is installed (pacman -S xfce4)
When KDE (Plasma) is installed (pacman -S plasma)
When Enlightenment is installed (pacman -S enlightenment)

ALL extra desktops can be installed in about 10 min!

Watch a YouTube video about ArchEX…

The video is called  ArchEX Linux : Deepin Desktop with ARCH Linux! It is not made by me.

DOWNLOAD
ArchEX Build 230812 and 220905 had Deepin 23/20.8 installed. Deepin works alright in those builds, but after a full system upgrade Deepin has some serious bugs. I have therefore removed those versions from the server. It seems to me that Deepin doesn’t work in Arch Linux at the moment – 240106. I will probably try to install Deepin again later on. It is a very nice DE.

RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 4, 3 Model B+, Pi 3 Model B and Pi 2 Model B
RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Samba, Yaourt and Gimp the (compressed) system increased to 1750 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

A member on RaspEX recently wrote this about RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

Connect With Me

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 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!
ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live with Deepin 20.4, GNOME 40, Gnome Classic, LXQt 1.0.0, LXDE, kernel 5.16.5-arch1-1, Yay, Spotify and Calamares Installer – Build 220206 and 220212

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NEWS ABOUT ArchEX 220212
I’ve made a new extra “Mini” version of ArchEX. I has three advantages compered with ArchEX Build 220206.

A) This ArchEX build is smaller. The ISO file is “only” of 1760 MB compered with Build 220206 which is of 3670 MB. This is of importance since ArchEX can run very fast live from RAM. So your computer needs lesser RAM to run Build 220212. Should be enough with 2 GB. NOTE: I was hoping to make the ISO file even smaller, but that was impossible since Calamares Installer has a lot of dependencies.

B) ArchEX Build 220212 has all Arch Linux original installation scripts, which means that you can use this build to install Arch Linux “the Arch way” following the Installation Guide. Or you can just follow my example here. You can have my instructions up in Firefox while installing as this screenshot shows. When installing from Arch Linux official live DVD you’ll have to do it in console mode. (Could be tricky).

C) If you install Arch Linux (or ArchEX using Calamares) in VirtualBox or Qemu you can do it in full screen. VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 220212. Watch this screenshot. In Qemu you can just choose the screen resolution you want.

SCREENSHOTS
1. ArchEX Mini Desktop for user exton
2. ArchEX Mini Desktop for root
3. ArchEX Mini running Samba
4. ArchEX Mini installing LibreOffice while running live

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

NEWS about ArchEX 220206
A new version of ArchEX is ready! In this new version, which I call ArchEX 2022, I have added the Deepin 20.4 (latest) Desktop environment. Deepin (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like Deepin very much when I installed it in ExTiX 22.1. So I thought why not install Deepin also in ArchEX? Furthermore I have added the GNOME 40 (latest) and LXQt 1.0.0.1 (latest) Desktop environments. As “extra Desktop environments I’ve added Gnome Classic and LXDE. So altogether five (5) different Desktops environments to try out while running ArchEX live or from hard drive!

REPLACEMENT
This version (220206) of ArchEX replaces version 210526. I’ve replaced Yaourt with Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. I came to know that Yaourt is dead. I.e. Yaourt is not being developed anymore. So in the new version of ArchEX I have upgraded all included packages, installed a new kernel (5.16.5) and replaced Yaourt with Yay. NOTE: While running ArchEX LIVE (from a DVD or USB stick) you can now do so super fast from RAM. Watch this screenshot. I.e. use boot alternative 3 (Copy to RAM). In this new version I’ve also added more support for Broadcom WiFi cards. I.e. kernel modules b43 and wl will be loaded from boot. Kernel module b43 was “blacklisted” for some unknown reason.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2022 with Deepin/GNOME 40/Gnome Classic/LXQt/LXDE.

Why trust a Chinese Distribution? (The Deepin Desktop environment is developed in China).

NEWS 220206 about Calamares Installer
I’ve finally managed to make Calamares (The universal installer framework) work without big problems/issues. Now you can use Calamares to install ArchEX in any language.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

WHAT IS ArchEX?
ArchEX 64 bit is a new (220206) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 5.16.5-arch1-1, Deepin 20.4, GNOME 40, GNOME Classic, LXDE and LXQt 1.0.0 Desktop environments. Deepin Desktop (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. About LXQt 1.0.0: 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. GNOME 40 provides a focused working environment that helps you get things done. It is packed with features that will make you more productive.

INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox (for Netflix), Gimp, Spotify, GCC, NetworkManager and GParted – study this package LIST.

LOG IN to Deepin/GNOME 40/LXQt/LXDE
BOOT UP the live system and LOGIN from GDM to Deepin, GNOME 40, Gnome Classic, LXDE or LXQt. When the boot process is ready you will end up at GDM’s login screen. Login as user exton with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can also choose to log in as root with password root to the same Desktops environments. Before logging in you shall choose where you want to go – see below.



Wireless connections
Use NetworkManager. You’ll find the nm-applet to the right in the panel. If your Network isn’t shown it is “hidden”. Then connect to a hidden Network. Just give NetworkManager your SSID and connect. Watch this screenshot. NOTE: On one of my five computers I couldn’t get a wireless connection while running ArchEX live (from a USB stick). After a hard drive installation I could though. It seems to me that there is a difference between the live initrd.img and the one that is used after a hard drive installation.

IMPORTANT: About how to increase cowspace (Copy on Write) while running ArchEX live (from DVD or USB)
If you want to install a program or upgrade the whole ArchEX system while running ArchEX LIVE you may get an error message saying that the system is “out of space“. Then run the following command:
sudo mount -o remount,size=2G /run/archiso/cowspace
You can set the size to 3G, 4G or even higher if you have plenty of RAM, but 2G is normally enough. You can check how much of the cowspace you have left with the command df. Watch this screenshot. NOTE: This is not necessary as regards ArchEX Build 220212. I have increased the cowspace with 2GB in advance.

INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer (Calamares). I.e. while running ArchEX live from a DVD or USB stick. Please read this INSTRUCTION.
Note that you also can use ArchEX Build 220212 to do a “normal” Arch Linux installation since all Arch Linux installation scripts are included.

YouTube video about ArchEX
Ike Santos (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ike.Santos) has made a YouTube video about ArchEX. You will get a detailed description about how to install ArchEX in VirtualBox using Calamares Installer.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive without persistence
Can be done with the dd-command in Linux. Please read this instruction. In Windows you should use Rufus 3.17 – see below.

VirtualBox and VMware
ArchEX can run and be installed without problems in VMware in Windows. Watch a screenshot when ArchEX is about to be installed in VMware Workstation Player. Be sure to give ArchEX enough RAM. About 2 GB. Also remember to disable 3D acceleration in VMware. (It won’t work without installing VMware Tools).
1. ArchEX running in full screen on Arch Linux in VirtualBox – screenshot.
2. Arch running in VMware in Windows in full screen after VMware Tools have been installed. NOTE: It is a bit tricky to install VMware Tools, but you can do it if you just follow this instruction.
3. ArchEX running in full screen in Windows in VirtualBox after VirtualBox Guest Additions have been installed – screenshot. When installing VirtualBox Guest Additions it will look like this – see below.
NOTE: In ArchEX Build 220212 VirtualBox Guest Additions are pre-installed.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S –overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
7) pacman -Scc (clean pacman cache)

Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg –refresh-keys
pacman-key –init && pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys
If that don’t work you can try this approach:
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. Note: Yay and Spotify are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 220206. If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su exton before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user exton. (You can’t run Yay as root). NOTE: Yay is not included in Build 220212.

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 220206/220212 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Deepin Desktop
ArchEX GNOME 40 Desktop
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX LXDE Desktop
ArchEX Gnome Classic Desktop
ArchEX Deepin full Desktop running in VMware
ArchEX using Yay
ArchEX running Spotify
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX running in Qemu
ArchEX starting up live – note RAM alternative 3
ArchEX starting up from hard drive (VirtualBox)
When Cinnamon is installed (pacman -S cinnamon)
When Xfce4 is installed (pacman -S xfce4)
When KDE (Plasma) is installed (pacman -S plasma)
When Enlightenment is installed (pacman -S enlightenment)

ALL extra desktops can be installed in about 10 min!

DOWNLOAD
ArchEX Build 220212 and 220206 has been replaced by Build 220904/220901…

 

RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 4, 3 Model B+, Pi 3 Model B and Pi 2 Model B
RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Samba, Yaourt and Gimp the (compressed) system increased to 1520 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

A member on RaspEX recently wrote this about RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

Connect With Me

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is 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)!
Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) Live with Deepin 20.2.1, GNOME 40, Gnome Classic, LXQt 0.17, LXDE, kernel 5.12.6-arch1-1, Yay, Spotify and Calamares Installer – Build 210526

Leave a comment

NEWS about ArchEX 210526
A new version of ArchEX is ready! In this new version, which I call ArchEX 2021, I have added the Deepin 20.2.1 (latest) Desktop environment. Deepin (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like Deepin very much when I installed it in ExTiX 21.5-2. So I thought why not install Deepin also in ArchEX? Furthermore I have added the GNOME 40 (latest) and LXQt 0.17 (latest) Desktop environments. As “extra Desktop environments I’ve added Gnome Classic and LXDE.  So altogether five (5) different Desktops environments to try out while running ArchEX live or from hard drive!

REPLACEMENT
This version (210526) of ArchEX replaces version 210305. I’ve replaced Yaourt with Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. I came to know that Yaourt is dead. I.e. Yaourt is not being developed anymore. So in the new version of ArchEX I have upgraded all included packages, installed a new kernel (5.12.6 – the latest stable kernel by 210526) and replaced Yaourt with Yay. My main reason for for this new version of ArchEX is the release of GNOME 40 (which is exciting).

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2021 with Deepin/GNOME 40/Gnome Classic/LXQt/LXDE.

Why trust a Chinese Distribution? (The Deepin Desktop environment is developed in China).

NEWS 210526 about Calamares Installer
I’ve finally managed to make Calamares 3.2.3 (The universal installer framework) work without big problems/issues. Now you can use Calamares to install ArchEX in any language.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

WHAT IS ArchEX?
ArchEX 64 bit is a new (210526) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 5.12.6-arch1-1, Deepin 20.2.1, GNOME 40, GNOME Classic, LXDE and LXQt 0.17.0 Desktop environments. Deepin Desktop (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. About LXQt 0.17.0: 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. GNOME 40 provides a focused working environment that helps you get things done. It is packed with features that will make you more productive.

INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox (for Netflix), Gimp, Spotify, GCC, NetworkManager and GParted – study this package LIST.

LOG IN to Deepin/GNOME 40/LXQt/LXDE
BOOT UP the live system and LOGIN from GDM to Deepin, GNOME 40, Gnome Classic, LXDE or LXQt. When the boot process is ready you will end up at GDM’s login screen. Login as user exton with password live to any of the above mentioned Desktops. You can also choose to log in as root with password root to the same Desktops environments. Before logging in you shall choose where you want to go – see below.



Wireless connections
Use NetworkManager. You’ll find the nm-applet to the right in the panel. If your Network isn’t shown it is “hidden”. Then connect to a hidden Network. Just give NetworkManager your SSID and connect. Watch this screenshot. NOTE: On one of my five computers I couldn’t get a wireless connection while running ArchEX live (from a USB stick). After a hard drive installation I could though. It seems to me that there is a difference between the live initrd.img and the one that is used after a hard drive installation.

IMPORTANT: About how to increase cowspace (Copy on Write) while running ArchEX live (from DVD or USB)
If you want to install a program or upgrade the whole ArchEX system while running ArchEX LIVE you may get an error message saying that the system is “out of space“. Then run the following command:
sudo mount -o remount,size=2G /run/archiso/cowspace
You can set the size to 3G, 4G or even higher if you have plenty of RAM, but 2G is normally enough. You can check how much of the cowspace you have left with the command df. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE: If you have downloaded the ArchEX ISO after 210305 you will notice that I have already increased the cowspace from 1GB to 2GB. If you need more you can use the command above.

INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer (Calamares). I.e. while running ArchEX live from a DVD or USB stick. Please read this INSTRUCTION.

YouTube video about ArchEX
Ike Santos (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ike.Santos) has made a YouTube video about ArchEX. You will get a detailed description about how to install ArchEX in VirtualBox using Calamares Installer.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive without persistence
Can be done with the dd-command in Linux. Please read this instruction. In Windows you should use Rufus 3.14 – see below.

VirtualBox and VMware
ArchEX can run and be installed without problems in VMware in Windows. Watch a screenshot when ArchEX is about to be installed in VMware Workstation 16 Player. Be sure to give ArchEX enough RAM. About 2 GB. Also remember to disable 3D acceleration in VMware. (It won’t work without installing VMware Tools).
1. ArchEX running in full screen on Arch Linux in VirtualBox – screenshot.
2. Arch running in VMware in Windows in full screen after VMware Tools have been installed. NOTE: It is a bit tricky to install VMware Tools, but you can do it if you just follow this instruction.
3. ArchEX running in full screen in Windows in VirtualBox after VirtualBox Guest Additions have been installed – screenshot. When installing VirtualBox Guest Additions it will look like this – see below.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S –overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg –refresh-keys
pacman-key –init && pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. Note: Yay and Spotify are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 210526. If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su exton before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user exton. (You can’t run Yay as root).

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 210526 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Deepin Desktop
ArchEX GNOME 40 Desktop
ArchEX LXQt Desktop
ArchEX LXDE Desktop
ArchEX Gnome Classic Desktop
ArchEX Deepin full Desktop running in VMware
ArchEX using Yay
ArchEX running Spotify
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX starting up live
ArchEX starting up from hard drive (VirtualBox)
When Cinnamon is installed (pacman -S cinnamon)
When Xfce4 is installed (pacman -S xfce4)
When KDE (Plasma) is installed (pacman -S plasma)
When Enlightenment is installed (pacman -S enlightenment)

ALL extra desktops can be installed in about 10 min!

DOWNLOAD
This ArchEX build has been replaced by Build 220206…

RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 4, 3 Model B+, Pi 3 Model B and Pi 2 Model B
RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Samba, Yaourt and Gimp the (compressed) system increased to 1520 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

A member on RaspEX recently wrote this about RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

Connect With Me

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!

 

Arch Linux, ArchEX, exton

ArchEX (Arch Linux) with Deepin 20.1, LXQt 0.16.0, kernel 5.11.2-arch1-1, Yay, Spotify and Calamares Installer – Build 210305

Leave a comment

NEWS about ArchEX 210305
A new version of ArchEX is ready! In this new version, which I call ArchEX 2021, I have added the Deepin 20.1 (latest) Desktop environment. Deepin (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. I came to like Deepin very much when I installed it in ExTiX 21.1. So I thought why not install Deepin also in ArchEX?

REPLACEMENT
This version (210305) of ArchEX replaces version 200930. I’ve replaced Yaourt with Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. I came to know that Yaourt is dead. I.e. Yaourt is not being developed anymore. So in the new version of ArchEX I have upgraded all included packages, installed a new kernel (5.11.2 – second latest stable kernel by 210305) and replaced Yaourt with Yay.

Study all installed packages in ArchEX 2021 Deepin/LXQt.

Why trust a Chinese Distribution?

NEWS 210305 about Calamares Installer
I’ve finally managed to make Calamares 3.2.17-3 (The universal installer framework) work without big problems/issues.  Now you can use Calamares to install ArchEX in any language.

How To dual boot, triple boot or multi boot Linux with Windows in a simple way and be happy
Before installing ArchEX or any other Linux system my general installation instructions may be of interest.

WHAT IS ArchEX?
ArchEX 64 bit is a new (210305) Linux live DVD based on Arch Linux. Arch motto is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). ArchEX uses kernel 5.11.2-arch1-1, Deepin 20.1 and LXQt 0.16.0 Desktop environments. Deepin Desktop (made in China!) is devoted to providing a beautiful, easy to use, safe and reliable system for global users. About LXQt 0.16.0: 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.

INSTALLED SOFTWARE
Among many other programs, Firefox (for Netflix), Gimp, Spotify, GCC, NetworkManager and GParted – study this package LIST.

LOG IN to Deepin/LXQt
When the boot process is ready you will end up at LightDM‘s login screen. Login as user exton with password live to the Deepin or LXQt Desktop.

Wireless connections
Use NetworkManager. You’ll find the nm-applet to the right in the panel. If your Network isn’t shown it is “hidden”. Then connect to a hidden Network. Just give NetworkManager your SSID and connect. Watch this screenshot.

IMPORTANT: About how to increase cowspace (Copy on Write) while running ArchEX live (from DVD or USB)
If you want to install a program or upgrade the whole ArchEX system while running ArchEX LIVE you may get an error message saying that the system is “out of space“. Then run the following command:
sudo mount -o remount,size=2G /run/archiso/cowspace
You can set the size to 3G, 4G or even higher if you have plenty of RAM, but 2G is normally enough. You can check how much of the cowspace you have left with the command df. Watch this screenshot.
NOTE: If you have downloaded the ArchEX ISO after 210305 you will notice that I have already increased the cowspace from 1GB to 2GB. If you need more you can use the command above.

INSTALLATION to hard drive
ArchEX can easily be installed to hard drive of those who so desire. Use ArchEX Installer (Calamares). I.e. while running ArchEX live from a DVD or USB stick. Please read this INSTRUCTION.

YouTube video about ArchEX
Ike Santos (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ike.Santos) has made a YouTube video about ArchEX. You will get a detailed description about how to install ArchEX in VirtualBox using Calamares Installer.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive with persistence
Please read my INSTRUCTION. All your system changes will be saved directly on the stick.

Install ArchEX to a USB Pen Drive without persistence
Can be done with the dd-command in Linux. Please read this instruction. In Windows you should use Rufus 3.13 – see below.

VirtualBox and VMware
ArchEX can run and be installed without problems in VMware in Windows. Watch a screenshot when ArchEX is about to be installed in VMware Workstation 16 Player. Be sure to give ArchEX enough RAM. About 2 GB. Also remember to disable 3D acceleration in VMware. (It won’t work without installing VMware Tools).
1. ArchEX running in full screen on Arch Linux  in VirtualBox – screenshot
2. Arch running in VMware in Windows in full screen after VMware Tools have been installed. NOTE: It is a bit tricky to install VMware Tools, but you can do it if you just follow this instruction.
NOTE: For some unknown reason you can’t run ArchEX in VirtualBox in Windows.

Program Management in Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses a proprietary system called Pacman. It is similar to that found in CRUX Linux. Read about Pacman.
You can also read all the documentation on Arch Linux. Four commands are basically the only ones you need to use:
1) pacman -Sy (update the packages database)
2) pacman -Syu (upgrading the whole system)
3) pacman -S MyUsefulProgram (the package installation command)
5) pacman -S –overwrite MyUsefulProgram (in case you get an error about “conflicting packages”)
6) pacman -R MyBadProgram (remove a package)
Very simple!
Note: You can also use Yay – see below.

Errors about archlinux-keyring
If you get errors about keys (for example key A634567E8t6574 could not be looked up remotely) when trying to upgrade your system you shall run the following four commands as root:
rm -R /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/
rm -R /root/.gnupg/
gpg –refresh-keys
pacman-key –init && pacman-key –populate archlinux
pacman-key –refresh-keys

Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper
If you want to install certain special packages for example Google Chrome and Spotify you can/must install Yay. Study this tutorial about how to install and use Yay – Yet Another Yogurt – An AUR Helper Written in Go. Note: Yay and Spotify are pre-installed in ArchEX Build 210305. If you want to install new packages through Yay you’ll have to run the command su exton before yay -S MyNeededProgram. If you’re not logged in as the ordinary user exton. (You can’t run Yay as root).

Running ArchEX as root
You can’t login as root from LightDM and you can’t reach the Deepin desktop in any way as root (superuser). If you , however, for some reason want to run ArchEX as root you can login in console mode and run the command startx. You will then enter the LXQt desktop. Press Ctrl Alt F1 or F2 simultaneously in order to change to console mode.

UEFI/non-UEFI computers
ArchEX Build 210305 is now also for UEFI computers. I.e. before you can run ArchEX live you don’t have to go into BIOS and change Boot Mode to Legacy Support.

LANGUAGE
The default locale/language is English. While installing ArchEX to hard drive using Calamares (ArchEX Installer), you can change the default locale to Swedish or any other language.

Rolling distribution
Arch Linux/ArchEX are rolling distributions, which implies that once you have installed the system on the hard drive there is no need for re-installations (which otherwise is common in the Linux world).

WHO should run Arch Linux?
My answer: The system fits the “advanced” Linux user/enthusiast, who would be willing to run an occasional command from time to time.

BENEFITS of ArchEX/Arch Linux
“Cutting Edge”-software and speed. You will for example always run the latest kernel if you upgrade ArchEX/Arch (for example) every month.

Screenshots
ArchEX Deepin Desktop
ArchEX Deepin full Desktop running in VMware
ArchEX running LXQt – just change from Deepin to LXQt before you log in
ArchEX using Yay
ArchEX running Spotify
ArchEX running in VirtualBox with Guest Additions installed
ArchEX starting up live
ArchEX starting up from hard drive (VirtualBox)
When Cinnamon is installed (pacman -S cinnamon)
When Xfce4 is installed (pacman -S xfce4)
When KDE (Plasma) is installed (pacman -S plasma)
When Enlightenment is installed (pacman -S enlightenment)
All Desktops on the login screen
ALL extra desktops can be installed in about 10 min!

DOWNLOAD
ArchEX Linux Live DVD can be downloaded from SourceForge.net – Fast, secure and free downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software directory.

Or download ArchEX from The Swedish Linux Society server.

md5sum for the ISO file, which is of 2660 MB

RaspArch for Raspberry Pi 4, 3 Model B+, Pi 3 Model B and Pi 2 Model B
RaspArch is a “remaster” of Arch Linux ARM. The original compressed system is of 231 MB. After I have added the LXDE Desktop environment, PulseAudio, Firefox, Samba, Yaourt and Gimp the (compressed) system increased to 1520 MB. RaspArch is a “ready-to-go” ARM system. It must be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or Raspberry Pi 2 Model B computer.

A member on RaspEX recently wrote this about RaspArch: I’ve used Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, Ubuntu & Arch. I prefer Arch. Ubuntu is easier to install, Arch is easier to keep up to date. You do not go through big, painful, changes every year instead you just update, once in a while, make changes if instructed. Arch has most of the benefits of Gentoo without the pain of recompiling _everything_. When you do need to build a package in Arch its painless especially if you use one of the tools that support AUR (I like Yaourt). Arch avoids the politics of Debian and Ubuntu and delivers a great Linux distribution. RaspArch now brings these advantages to the Pi 2.

Screenshot of RaspArch’s Desktop

Connect With Me

Read about my Android-x86 Systems – 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat at
andex.exton.net – latest is AndEX 10 (with GAPPS) and AndEX Pie 9.0 (also with GAPPS)!
and
about my Android 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 4 and 3/2 at
raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)!