Exton|OS

Exton|OS is an open source Linux distribution built around the lightweight MATE desktop environment and based on the world’s most popular free operating system, Ubuntu. It also provides users with a light version that features the very fast and lightweight Openbox window manager, as well as a Kiosk edition with Fluxbox.

Distributed as 64-bit Live CD/DVDs

The project is distributed as Live CD/DVD ISO-hybrid images with persistence mode, which means that it will allow users to save all the settings and files produced or downloaded during live sessions (only supported on USB flash drives). It comes with its own installer, replacing Ubuntu's one (please take a look at this slideshow for detailed information about the installation process). The Light edition of Exton|OS fits perfectly on a CD disc (detailed instructions on how to burn the image to a CD can be found on the project's homepage).

Three editions are offered, with MATE,  Openbox and Fluxbox graphical environments

As the developer describes on the product’s home page, the distro is untroublesome and fast. This is mainly because of the MATE desktop environment, a fork of the classic GNOME 2 window manager. On the other hand, the Light edition is suitable for low-end machines with no more than 256MB of RAM, thanks to the Openbox window manager. On the other hand, the Kiosk edition uses the ultra light and fast Fluxbox window manager.

Borrows features from Debian 8

Besides the Ubuntu base, Exton|OS also borrows some features from for forthcoming Debian 8 Jessie, as well as Ubuntu 15.04 (Vivid Vervet) and uses a custom kernel 4.0.0.4-exton based on the upstream Linux 4.0.x kernel for all three editions.

Boot options

Like many of the distributions created by Arne Exton, this one also provides users with a handy boot menu that allows them to copy the entire live environment to RAM (system memory) and eject the media, boot the currently installed operating system, install the OS without testing it, as well as to test the computer’s RAM for errors.

Uses the LightDM login screen

It uses the LightDM login screen, where you’ll have to input the root/root username and password combination in order to log into the live environment. The desktop is quite clean, as it features a dock (application launcher) and a taskbar.

Default applications

Default applications include the Mozilla Firefox and Midori web browsers, Geary email client, Wicd network manager, GIMP image editor, Shotwell image viewer and organizer, Eye of MATE image viewer, Evince and Atril document viewers, Engrampa and File Roller archive managers, Musepad and pluma text editors, and VLC Media Player.

There are also two screenshot utilities, two calculators, a font viewer, three terminal emulators, a log file viewer, a disk usage analyzer, and Caja, as the default file manager. GParted and Synaptic Package Manager applications are also pre-installed.

The Kiosk edition

The Kiosk edition of Exton|OS is built around the Fluxbox window manager and includes only a few applications, such as the Mozilla Firefox web browser, Leafpad text editor, Wicd network manager, LXTerminal terminal emulator, Nano command-line editor, and Alsamixer volume controller. You can use the Kiosk edition of Exton|OS on a wide variety of public environments, such as Internet Cafes, tourist centers, schools, hotels, libraries or offices, or terminals for displaying commercials or other public information. When using Exton|OS Kiosk edition, please note that the password for the root account is root.

What is new in this release:

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (alias Xenial Xerus) 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), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers) 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.
• All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at July 28, 2016. Study the full package list.
• My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org's kernel 4.6.4. You can download "my" kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

What is new in version :

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (alias Xenial Xerus) 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), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers) 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.
• All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at July 28, 2016. Study the full package list.
• My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org's kernel 4.6.4. You can download "my" kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

What is new in version 170609 (MATE) / 161021 (Openbox) / 141122 (Kiosk):

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (alias Xenial Xerus) 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), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor), Samba (so you can reach your Windows computers) 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.
• All installed packages in Exton|OS Light have been updated to the latest available version as at July 28, 2016. Study the full package list.
• My special kernel 4.6.0-9-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org's kernel 4.6.4. You can download "my" kernel if you want to use it in another Ubuntu/Debian system.

What is new in version 50719 (MATE) / 150727 (Openbox) / 141122 (Kiosk):

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on Ubuntu 15.04 (alias Vivid Vervet) 64-bit with only a minimum of packages pre-installed.

What is new in version 150428 (MATE) / 150202 (Openbox) / 141122 (Kiosk):

• Exton|OS build 150428 is based on Ubuntu 15.04 64 bit (released April 23, 2015) and Debian Jessie (Debian 8).
• All packages have been upgraded latest available version as at April 28, 2015.
• I have replaced kernel 3.19.0-5-exton with kernel 3.19.0-14-exton.

What is new in version 150211 (MATE) / 150202 (Openbox) / 141122 (Kiosk):

• A new and much better version of Exton|OS is ready. I have replaced kernel 3.16.0-21-exton with kernel 3.19.0-5-exton. (Kernel.org‘s stable kernel 3.19.0, released 150209). With kernel 3.19.0 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.
• The Desktop Environment is Mate 1.8.1. Program content: Firefox, Gimp, Google Chrome (added 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 February 11, 2015.

What is new in version 150202 (Openbox):

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on upcoming Ubuntu 15.04 (alias Vivid Vervet) 64 bit with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Chromium), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor) 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 CD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction and used Boot alternative 2 - Persistent. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from CD.
• Exton|OS Light uses my special kernel 3.18.0-10-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org's stable kernel 3.18.3, released 150116.

What is new in version 141122 (Kiosk):

• 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 commad passwd root.

What is new in version 141117 (Mate):

• Exton|OS build 141117 is based on Ubuntu 14.10 64 bit (released October 23, 2014) and Debian "Jessie". Build 141117 uses Mate 1.8.1 as Desktop environment and kernel 3.16.0-21-exton. (Kernel.org's stable kernel 3.16.4).

What is new in version 141007 (Openbox):

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS based on upcoming Ubuntu 14.10 ( alias Utopic Unicorn) with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Chromium), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor) 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 CD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction and used Boot alternative 2 - Persistent. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from CD. Exton|OS Light uses my special kernel 3.16.0-21-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 3.16.4, released 141005.

What is new in version 140910 (Openbox):

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Chromium), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager, GParted (Partition Editor) 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 CD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction and used Boot alternative 2 - Persistent. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from CD. Exton|OS Light uses my special kernel 3.16.0-7-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s stable kernel 3.16, released 140803.

What is new in version 140725 (Mate):

• Exton|OS build 140801 is based on Ubuntu 14.04.1 LTS 64 bit (released July 25, 2014) and Debian Jessie.
• I have replaced kernel 3.13.0-17-exton with kernel 3.16.0-5-exton. (Kernel.org‘s kernel 3.16.0-rc6, released 140718).
• I have also replaced Ubuntu's installation program Ubiquity with Exton|OS Installer, which is a clone of Debian Live Installer.

What is new in version 140524:

• I've made a new extra version of Exton|OS with only a minimum of packages pre-installed. Among them a terminal emulator (LXTerminal), a Web Browser (Chromium), PCManFM (file manager), NetworkManager 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 CD/USB stick), but nothing will be saved after a reboot. Unless you have followed my USB Install Instruction and used Boot alternative 2 - Persistent. If you have plenty of RAM you can even install big programs (such as LibreOffice) while running the system live even from CD.
• Exton|OS Light's Window manager Openbox guarantees lightness and elegance.

What is new in version 140415:

• I have replaced kernel 3.13.0-17-exton with kernel 3.13.0-24-exton. (Kernel.org‘s stable kernel 3.13.9).
• I have also 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.
• The importance of Exton|OS being based on a development version of Ubuntu (14.04) and on Debian Jessie: I do not think the matter is so important, because Exton|OS uses the Desktop environment Mate (which is based on "old" Gnome 2). During my test runs of Exton|OS I have also not discovered any "bugs". Furthermore: One could say that Exton|OS build 140415 is stable since the development of new features in upcoming Ubuntu 14.04 have been freezed for several weeks by now.

What is new in version 140312:

• I have replaced kernel 3.13.0-9-exton with kernel 3.13.0-17-exton. (Kernel.org‘s latest stable kernel 3.13.6, released 140307).
• I have also 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.