ExLight 64 bit Linux Live System Files

ExLight 64 bit LINUX LIVE System - Build 250407/250405

NEWS 250407/250405 ABOUT ExLight  
I have made a new version of ExLight with Enlightenment 0.27.1 (latest stable version) and kernel 6.14.0-amd64-exton with Debian patches. You can now log in to Enlightenment 0.27.1 on all fairly new computers, which you couldn't before. Please read below about "fairly new" computers. This version replaces version 240614.

NEW SOURCES in ExLight 250405
This new version of ExLight is based on Debian "Sid/Trixie" (Unstable/Testing). See https://wiki.debian.org/DebianUnstable and https://www.debian.org/releases/trixie/
NOTE: The "hard freeze" of Trixie (Debian 13) will take place on May 15, 2025.
Build 250405 is a total rebuild of ExLight. The ISO file size is of 2490 MB, which means that ExLight now can run even faster from RAM. I.e. load to RAM - screenshot: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-live-boot-250405.jpg 

LOGIN PROBLEMS IN BUILD 250405 
To be able to login to the Enlightenment 0.27.1 Desktop you'll have to use a "fairly new" computer. According to my experience the computer can't be older than about ten (10) years. After a live boot (from a USB stick or a DVD) you are supposed to be logged in automatically as the ordinary user user. If not you will end up in console mode logged in as user. For testing purposes you can do the following if you have a wired Internet connection. Run the following commands:
1. sudo apt update
2. sudo apt install lxde
3. nano .xinitrc
4. Change .xinitrc to exec startlxde
5. startx
You will now enter the LXDE Desktop. So the problem is really Enlightenment. I.e. not which Display Manager to use. I've tried with LXDM, SLiM and finally LightDM. I'm grateful if somebody find a solution to the problem Enlightenment/login and notify me. I've found one Internet post about the problem (with no solution unfortunately): https://superuser.com/questions/1744934/enlightenment-doesnt-start-after-fresh-debian-11-5-install
CONCLUSION: Use a fairly new computer if you want to run Enlightenment 0.27.1 in ExLight. 
NOTE HOWEVER: Today (250405) I tried ExLight Build 250405 live on a really old computer – Acer Aspire 5102WLMi from 2006. I could log in to Enlightenment 0.27.1 if I booted up with "nomodeset" added to the kernel boot line. ("Adding the nomodeset parameter instructs the kernel to not load video drivers and use BIOS modes instead until X is loaded"). Watch this screenshot when ExLight is running on my old computer: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-old-computer-250405.jpg 
The screenshot shows some system info.
NOTE: After a hard drive installation in VirtualBox/VMware you still have to add "nomodeset" to the boot line in /etc/grub/grub.cfg so it looks like this: 
linux /boot/vmlinuz-6.14.0-amd64-exton root=UUID=cbe381cf-3c93-4c2e-8e58-03fc52979879 ro nomodeset

WHAT'S NEW IN ExLight BUILD 250407/250405?
NOTE: Version 250405 replaces version 240614.
1. ExLight is now based on Debian "Sid/Trixie" (unstable/testing). 
2. I have upgraded the Desktop environment Enlightenment ("Beauty at your fingertips") to version 0.27.1, which is the stable version of Enlightenment.
3. I have replaced kernel 6.9.3-amd64-exton with kernel 6.14.0-amd64-exton. ExLight's ISO file is now a ISO-hybrid, which means that it can very easily be transferred (copied) to a USB pen drive. You can then even run ExLight from the USB stick and save all your system changes on the stick. I.e. you will enjoy persistence!
5. Another big improvement is that ExLight can run from RAM. Use Boot alternative 2 (load to RAM). When the system has booted up you can remove the disc (DVD) or the USB stick. You will need at least 4GB RAM to run ExLight that way. 
6. This version of ExLight uses the Calamares Installer. Very simple to use! A new user (your user) will be created during the installation process. You can also install ExLight in your preferred language. You can as an alternative use Refracta Installer. 
7. MOST IMPORTANT: I've added Refracta Snapshot, which make it possible for you to create your own live installable Debian Sid/Trixie system. I mean change everything to your liking, fire up Refracta Snapshot and wait 10 - 20 min until your new ISO is ready! You may have to do the whole thing in three steps i.e. 1) - 3). Watch this screenshot: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-running-refractasnapshot-250405.jpg

MORE ABOUT ExLight
The Desktop Environment is Enlightenment 0.27.1. ("Beauty at your fingertips"). Program content: Refracta Snapshot, Synaptic, GParted, SMPlayer (an alternative to Vlc), NetworkManager, WPA Supplicant,PCManFM, Firefox (for watching Netflix movies etc.) and Gimp. Furthermore compilation tools so that you can install programs from source. All programs have been updated to the latest available version as at April 7, 2025. Study all installed packages: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-trixie-installed-packages-250407.txt

LOCALE
The system language is English. 

LOG IN to Enlightenment 0.27.1
When you start up from the dvd or USB stick you will end up in Enlightenment logged in as the ordinary user user if your computer is "fairly new" - see above. You can log out from user's Desktop screen and log in as root if you want. The password for the ordinary user user is live. The password for root (superuser) is root. NOTE1: After a hard drive installation using Calamares the root password will be gone. To fix it log in as user with password live and run the command sudo passwd root. 
NOTE2: You should immediately install the Papirus icon theme. (Already done in Build 250407). Use Synaptic for that. Then go to Settings and change icons to Papirus. Watch this screenshot: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-change-icons-papirus-250405.jpg  
Without Papirus some menu icons won’t show.

ABOUT VirtualBox/VMware
You can't run ExLight Build 250405 "the normal way" in VirtualBox or VMware for some unknown reason. The system works very well in Qemu in Linux though. Using Qemu is the best way to run any Linux system virtually. You can after all run ExLight in VirtualBox/VMware if you add "nomodeset" to the boot line. To do that press Tab (for edit). Add nomodeset and press Enter. When inside Enlightenment you can change the screen resolution as this screenshot shows: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-vbox-nomodeset-screen-250405.jpg
This screenshot shows how to install Grub in VirtualBox: https://exlight.exton.net/build-250405/exlight-vbox-grub-install-250405.jpg
NOTE: As regards Build 250407 you can just boot up ExLight in "failsafe" mode. I.e. no need to add "nomodeset" - see above.

WIRELESS connections
In Build 250405 NetworkManager and WPA Supplicant are installed. Use the one you prefer. For wireless connections you should use NetworkManager when logged in as root. 
NOTE: Study /etc/resolv.conf-WORKING and change it (if necessary) to suit your needs.

A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC REVIEW of ExLight Build 221130 on YouTube
The Video is called “ExLight Linux – Lightest Distro I Have Ever Tried“. (It is not made by me).
Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/boqJXOk6HEg

READ MORE: https://exlight.exton.net 

READ ABOUT MY OTHER BUILDS WITH ANDROID
https://andex.exton.net - Run Android on PC's 
- latest is AndEX 11 (Android 11)
https://raspex.exton.se - Android for Raspberry Pi 
- latest is RaspAnd 15 (Android 15)
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linuxexton

C A Exton / 250407