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Gentoo-Based exGENT Linux OS Launched with Xfce 4.12.1, Linux Kernel 4.10.1 and a new bootloader

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exGENT Build 170303, a new Operating System based on Gentoo, has been released yesterday, and it includes the first point release of the Linux 4.10 kernel, along with the lightweight Xfce 4.12.1 desktop environment and the GRUB2 bootloader.

It is to be noted that the GRUB Legacy bootloader has been replaced by GRUB2 so that the Calamares installer can be implemented.

" The boot loader GRUB Legacy has been replaced by GRUB2. I started this build in the hope that I should be able to implement a new independent installer program called Calamares," said Arne Exton, the developer if GNU/Linux. " I wasn’ t able to do it now, though (many dependencies to satisfy). My old installer script will have to do until I find a solution," he further adds.

The new OS is released with several additional software repositories of Gentoo Linux which includes all the latest software versions. Also, exGENT Build 170303 is pre-installed with several mostly used tools such as Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird, GParted, GNU Emacs, as well as Google Chrome, VLC Media Player, Spotify client, AbiWord word processor, NetworkManager network connection manager, and Samba file sharing tool. It may also be welcomed among the gamers community as it has latest Nvidia 378.09 graphics driver for those who will use the distro with a Nvidia GPU. As Gentoo, exGENT Build 170303 lets the users to learn to compile software from sources, and it has all the compilation tools needed for such a task.

exGENT is a distro designed for the experienced Linux user, but Arne Exton also recommends it to those of you who want to learn the ways of Linux. The Live DVD/USB image can be used to either utilize the operating system directly from the bootable medium or install it on your PC, an operating that won' t take more than 10 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions ( 5 )

Q

What makes Gentoo different?

A

Gentoo uses a BSD ports-like system called Portage. Portage is a package management system that allows great flexibility while installing and maintaining software on a Gentoo system. It provides compile-time option support (through USE flags), conditional dependencies, pre-package installation summary, safe installation of software (through sandboxing), system profiles, and configuration file protection amongst several other features.

Q

Can I upgrade Gentoo from one release to another without reinstalling?

A

In fact, there is no difference between the various releases after they have been installed. Gentoo 1.4 and later are glibc-2.3.x (or higher) based. As such, running emerge --sync && emerge -uDN @world will bring the entire system up to speed with the "latest Gentoo". The differences between individual releases lie in the installation medium and pre-compiled packages. See the Gentoo Upgrading Guide for more information about profiles and their role in upgrading.

Q

My kernel does not boot, what should I do now?

A

It isn't obligatory to redo every step of the installation. However, investigating the kernel and all associated steps is necessary. Suppose that Gentoo is installed on /dev/sda1 (/boot) and /dev/sda3 (/) with /dev/sda2 being the swap space.

Boot from the install CD and wait until a command prompt shows up.

Q

How do I burn an ISO file?

A

ISO files must be burned in raw mode. This means the file should not just be placed on the CD, but interpreted as an entire CD.

There are lots of CD burning tools available; covering them all would be a Sisyphean problem. However, describing a few popular tools never hurts:

With EasyCD Creator select File, Record CD from CD image. Then change the Files of type to ISO image file. Then locate the ISO file and click Open. After clicking Start recording the ISO image will be burned correctly onto the CD/DVD.
With Nero Burning ROM, cancel the wizard which automatically pops up and select Burn Image from the File menu. Select the image to burn and click Open. Now click the Burn button and watch the brand new Gentoo Live CD being burnt.
With cdrecord, simply type cdrecord dev=/dev/cdrom (replace /dev/cdrom with the CDROM drive's device path) followed by the path to the ISO file.
With K3B, select Tools → CD → Burn CD Image. Then locate the ISO file within the 'Image to Burn' area. Click Start to begin the burn process.
With Mac OS X Panther, launch Disk Utility from Applications/Utilities, select Open from the Images menu, select the mounted disk image in the main window and select Burn in the Images menu.
With Mac OS X Jaguar, launch Disk Copy from Applications/Utilities, select Burn Image from the File menu, select the ISO and click the Burn button.

Q

Can I dual boot with Windows or other operating systems?

A

Yes! Probably the fastest way to do so is to install GRUB2 with sys-boot/os-prober. Read about it in the GRUB2 article and specifically about dual booting with GRUB2 here.

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