Freja Respin "extrox"

[Freja]

To Download Latest extrox ISO, please visit website. https://pi-a.co/mx-fe

Original extrox's Logo for DistroWatch



https://www.flickr.com/photos/154078448 ... ateposted/

[Freja]

Now I updated ISO (minor update, Ver.1.1) ISO. (2.3GB. on 13 Jun 2024 JST)
I will make same "Freja Respin" at MX-25, MX-27 and future release.
This ISO will not update until MX-25 release.
(I will kept up old Freja Resipins in future.)

Between difference of 1.0 and 1.1 (Almost same)
1. All default fonts change to IBM Plex Sans JP
2. Panel design brash up
3. Login wallpaper set to "A foggy winter day"
4. Some design improvements

ISO Download - https://www.mediafire.com/file/vukzwix2 ... 8.iso/file
.md5 Download - https://www.mediafire.com/file/f1krks4m ... o.md5/file

[trawglodyte]

If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to let me know.

@Freja I gave it a try. It was fun!! I do have some suggestions.

1. put the installer on the desktop. Maybe there is an option in the menu somewhere to install, but I don't know where it is? You can put it on the desktop by right-clicking the desktop > Create Launcher > (put what you want for name and comment), the command is /usr/bin/minstall-launcher, and pick an icon.

2. In thunar, the Custom Actions don't have icons. You can give them icons w/ Edit > Configure Custom Actions > icons (someone of your talents could even consider creating custom icons and placing them in /usr/share/icons for this purpose?? But MX has a nice selection of icons to choose from to.) You can also configure the toolbar in thunar to show them.

3. For what seems to be an AV-based Linux, I was surprised no ~/.asoundrc or /etc/asound.conf? I guess the good AV apps over-ride defaults anyway, but I like specifying them and it does make audio noticeably better on my system. Here's what I currently have in ~/.asoundrc

Code: Select all

## Linux usually defaults to "samplerate" but there are better converters
## put one of the following - samplerate samplerate_medium samplerate_best lavcrate 
## lavcrate_high lavcrate_higher speexrate speexrate_medium speexrate_best
## in between " " below to choose rate converter. 
## save file as /etc/asound.conf or copy/paste to existing
## /etc/asound.conf if you have that file already.

defaults.pcm.rate_converter = "lavcrate_higher"

## resample quality - Linux defaults to 4
resample.quality = 9

## audio channels, I only do stereo and don't want anything attempting surround
## if I can help it. So I put 2 channels.
audio.channels = 2
audio.position = [ FL FR ]

## below sets low and high frequency cutoff. Linux usually defaults to 150/15000
## uncomment "channelmix.lfe-cutoff" to extend low frequencies (more bass if your speakers are capable)
channelmix.lfe-cutoff = 60
## uncomment "channelmix.fc-cutoff" to extend high frequencies (you may notice a bit more "sparkle" on your audio)
channelmix.fc-cutoff = 22000

## audio rate, 44100 and 48000 are both good, but codec libopus only does 48000.
## IMO, libopus will replace AAC as predominent internet audio codec, so may as well do 48000
## IMO, best practice is pick one and stick with it to avoid unnecessary resampling.
audio.rate = 48000

## Set other allowed rates if you want. I don't for reasons specific to my audio card.
## But you could put something like "44100,32000,96000,192000" any one or combination.
# audio.allowed-rates = [ 48000 ]

## midi monitoring, I don't use the midi features of my card or midi at all, so I turn this off.
## but this isn't necessary, my card is just finicky.
# alsa.midi = false
# alsa.midi.monitoring = false

## very important setting depending on your hardware. Options include ALAW F32BE F32LE F64BE F64LE
## MULAW S16BE S16LE S24BE S24LE S32BE S32LE S8 U16BE U16LE U24BE U24LE U32BE U32LE U8
## a different format U8 S16_LE S16_BE S24_LE S24_BE S32_LE S32_BE FLOAT_LE FLOAT_BE MU_LAW A_LAW S24_3LE S24_3BE
audio.format = F32LE

## still figuring this out, think Linux defaults to 8192
# api.alsa.period-size = 8192

I also notice no /etc/pipewire folder? Per pipewire documentation, you are expected to make any changes you want in the /usr/share/pipewire folder, then <sudo cp -R /usr/share/pipewire /etc> to create /etc/pipewire folder. This does make a difference, and can truly make pipewire "come alive" on some systems. If you are going to tweak the configs in the pipewire folder, I suggest backing up the entire folder first so you can restore defaults.

I suggest tweaking the clock on the panel so it shows date and time in one line with larger text to make it easier to read. Select "time only" with custom config and edit it to "%y-%m-%d %H:%M" for 24-06-12 12:00 format, or %m-%d-%Y %H:%M for 06-12-2024 12:00 format.

One last thing is that whatever cursor and desktop settings doesn't allow me to alt+right-mouse-click to resize windows very well, I have to select something else. I'm working on a hack to resize windows with middle-mouse-click rather than alt+right-mouse-click but, until I figure that out, alt-right-mouse-click is pretty important to me as grabbing the screen edges to resize is a PITA even with thick borders.

[Freja]

@trawglodyte

@Freja I gave it a try. It was fun!! I do have some suggestions.

1. put the installer on the desktop. Maybe there is an option in the menu somewhere to install, but I don't know where it is? You can put it on the desktop by right-clicking the desktop > Create Launcher > (put what you want for name and comment), the command is /usr/bin/minstall-launcher, and pick an icon.

Okay, I'll ready Installer in next ver.1.2. Thanks!

2. In thunar, the Custom Actions don't have icons. You can give them icons w/ Edit > Configure Custom Actions > icons (someone of your talents could even consider creating custom icons and placing them in /usr/share/icons for this purpose?? But MX has a nice selection of icons to choose from to.) You can also configure the toolbar in thunar to show them.

Oops! I overlooked this. I'll Allocate in next 1.2.

3. For what seems to be an AV-based Linux, I was surprised no ~/.asoundrc or /etc/asound.conf? I guess the good AV apps over-ride defaults anyway, but I like specifying them and it does make audio noticeably better on my system. Here's what I currently have in ~/.asoundrc

Code: Select all

## Linux usually defaults to "samplerate" but there are better converters
## put one of the following - samplerate samplerate_medium samplerate_best lavcrate 
## lavcrate_high lavcrate_higher speexrate speexrate_medium speexrate_best
## in between " " below to choose rate converter. 
## save file as /etc/asound.conf or copy/paste to existing
## /etc/asound.conf if you have that file already.

defaults.pcm.rate_converter = "lavcrate_higher"

## resample quality - Linux defaults to 4
resample.quality = 9

## audio channels, I only do stereo and don't want anything attempting surround
## if I can help it. So I put 2 channels.
audio.channels = 2
audio.position = [ FL FR ]

## below sets low and high frequency cutoff. Linux usually defaults to 150/15000
## uncomment "channelmix.lfe-cutoff" to extend low frequencies (more bass if your speakers are capable)
channelmix.lfe-cutoff = 60
## uncomment "channelmix.fc-cutoff" to extend high frequencies (you may notice a bit more "sparkle" on your audio)
channelmix.fc-cutoff = 22000

## audio rate, 44100 and 48000 are both good, but codec libopus only does 48000.
## IMO, libopus will replace AAC as predominent internet audio codec, so may as well do 48000
## IMO, best practice is pick one and stick with it to avoid unnecessary resampling.
audio.rate = 48000

## Set other allowed rates if you want. I don't for reasons specific to my audio card.
## But you could put something like "44100,32000,96000,192000" any one or combination.
# audio.allowed-rates = [ 48000 ]

## midi monitoring, I don't use the midi features of my card or midi at all, so I turn this off.
## but this isn't necessary, my card is just finicky.
# alsa.midi = false
# alsa.midi.monitoring = false

## very important setting depending on your hardware. Options include ALAW F32BE F32LE F64BE F64LE
## MULAW S16BE S16LE S24BE S24LE S32BE S32LE S8 U16BE U16LE U24BE U24LE U32BE U32LE U8
## a different format U8 S16_LE S16_BE S24_LE S24_BE S32_LE S32_BE FLOAT_LE FLOAT_BE MU_LAW A_LAW S24_3LE S24_3BE
audio.format = F32LE

## still figuring this out, think Linux defaults to 8192
# api.alsa.period-size = 8192

Interesting. I'm busy right now, but I'm setting it up when I have time. thank you.

I also notice no /etc/pipewire folder? Per pipewire documentation, you are expected to make any changes you want in the /usr/share/pipewire folder, then <sudo cp -R /usr/share/pipewire /etc> to create /etc/pipewire folder. This does make a difference, and can truly make pipewire "come alive" on some systems. If you are going to tweak the configs in the pipewire folder, I suggest backing up the entire folder first so you can restore defaults.

I've been avoiding the area around pipewire because it's difficult, but I'll try it, Thanks for the wisdom.

I suggest tweaking the clock on the panel so it shows date and time in one line with larger text to make it easier to read. Select "time only" with custom config and edit it to "%y-%m-%d %H:%M" for 24-06-12 12:00 format, or %m-%d-%Y %H:%M for 06-12-2024 12:00 format.

Sorry, it's small and hard to see, but I like this design.
Where this design come from? I wanted to recreate the display of a 90s monochrome GameWatch.

One last thing is that whatever cursor and desktop settings doesn't allow me to alt+right-mouse-click to resize windows very well, I have to select something else. I'm working on a hack to resize windows with middle-mouse-click rather than alt+right-mouse-click but, until I figure that out, alt-right-mouse-click is pretty important to me as grabbing the screen edges to resize is a PITA even with thick borders.

I thought the pointers were not so good. I adopted this in a hurry
because I couldn't use Capitaine cursors (KDE only). I will look for an alternative and adopt it.

Tip: Launch PulseEffects and try listening to music with headphones. (Several presets are available.) Freja Respin was created largely for this feature.

[Freja]

I released Final Tuned Product of "Freja Respin", Called "Storyboard(v1.4)". at 15 Sep 2024.
For details refer here: viewtopic.php?p=777869#p777869

[Freja]

MX Linux Based Audio Enchancer "Freja Ignition" Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILa9Yqe7roc

This audio enchancer moves on "Freja Respin NEO". (Using Easyeffects with pipewire)
It already finished development, but release date is still undecided.

[Freja]

Let's play your favorite Musics or Movies, and make your everyday fun!



Today 04 Sep 2024, finally I can introduce Storyboard NEO.
Of course added some new artworks. XFCE+Compiz GUI tuned carefully, for the Final-design.
Video Player is Freja's tuned up settings SMPlayer (for only Intel-Ultrabook).
Why SMPlayer? on my (modern)Intel-Ultrabook testing, SMplayer is greater than VLC.
Local mp4(example h.264 or h.265 recommended) can smooth playing at low CPU usage.

Summary
Install target is Intel Ultrabook.
Very minimum changing from original MX 23.3 ahs ISO,
The Freja's arrange of MX 23.4. Carefully reviewed software Licenses.
ISO is 2.50GB.

Features of Freja Respin "Storyboard NEO"
1. Dolby Cinema-like sound filters by Freja original presets.
2. Unique window management, like an evolution of Mac's Expose - You'll never get lost again.
3. Sophisticated artwork by Freja Made.
4. Modern design on XFCE, fade in/out effects that's easy on your eyes.
5. Past Freja Resipin adopted Pulseaudio based software Pulseeffects,
Storyboard NEO FINALLY adopted pipewire based Easyeffects. Realized Hi-dimension audio quality.

MX Linux Based Audio Enchancer "Freja Ignition" Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILa9Yqe7roc



Entire Desktop
The Multimedia-Oriented MX Variant.
Dock is in Bottom, Menubar is in Upper. This is my final answer.
and Easyeffects Freja original preset audio enhancer "Freja Ignition" is this Respin identity.
It takes time of development 6years! wow! (but it is very peaky sound, like or dislike.)



Gatharing Mode
Unique Window management "Gathering Mode"

Let Cursor to desktop upper-right corner, Gathering All Windows.
And click leftmost icon, All Windows will hide.
Press that icon again, Window state will restore.

Website
https://pi-a.co/mx-fe

Fix4 - "Can't add User" ploblem fix.
Fix5 - "Can't add User" ploblem fix.and "Folder sidebar Link aborted" problem fix, looks perfect.

.ISO (Fix5-Perfect)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/hdvbzk6j ... 3.iso/file

.md5 (Fix5-Perfect)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/1kl514tl ... o.md5/file

Special Thanks: This Version Storyboard NEO use of MX Forum Member trawglodyte's technical advice. It was just works, really Thanks!

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This ISO is NOT included Easyeffects Preset called "Freja Ignition III".
If you want to try this sound effects,
Please this .json file put into "$HOME/.config/easyeffects/output". and "load" this preset from Easyeffects.
On the your Thunar or other file manager, type "Ctrl+h" you can see hidden folder. retype Ctrl+h, hidden folder will hide again.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/gfhmmzg0 ... .json/file

Notice: If you install Easyeffects on your machine and use this file, Preset not works.
This Preset require Freja Respin "Storyboard NEO". This Enhancer changes sound pitch to higher.

[Freja]

This is very unfortunate news.

Storyboard Neo (up to Fix3 named ISO)
I have found there is a problem, "new users cannot be add".
Although it is a free OS, I apologize for the inconvenience.
I'm currently preparing "Fix4-Final" ISO that fixes the problem. I expect to provide it on the morning of the 12th Oct JST.

Fix4-Final will now begin testing adding new users on the actual device,
and will only upload the new ISO if it is confirmed that the bug has been successfully fixed.
Cause: The way of copying to the skel was incorrect.
Since I believe this is an issue have a large impact on existing users, I announce this problem instead of secretly fixing it/updating it.

Tomorrow morning JST, I'll replace new ISO link at this topic.

PS. On If story, this "skel copy method and ca't add user" problem, There is some possible other MX-Respins has same problem. I reccomends check your Respin can add new user.
Then I write that methods here for reference.

The wronged way: Log in to root user, and target user's $HOME to /etc/skel
The correct way: Log in to target user, Don't hide files on normal/sudo File manager at do copy, drag entire contents of $HOME exclude .cache to terminal.

Code: Select all

sudo cp -r (drag entire $HOME contents exclude .cache to terminal) /etc/skel

on terminal, and press enter. On this way after install, user add succeed.

If I wronged, please notice to me at this topic.

[Freja]

As described by MX Blog as a "custom respin," this is a cyborg MX Linux that was created entirely according to my intentions. If you ask me what my intentions are, I can answer.

https://mxlinux.org/blog/mx-news-week-e ... er-5-2024/
This is the crystallization of necessity and there is no "ambiguity" at all.

Naming
The meaning of MX-23 Libretto is "script," so it is a similar word "storyboard."
It is derived from the fact that it is a derivative of Libretto, but it is visual oriented, and the name of the main character in The Matrix presents "dangerous newness."



Storyboard Neo

UI design
I adopted a bottom Dock after Mac, but decided that eye-catching animations were unnecessary. I also considered Plank, but I adopted the standard MX function, which is simple, simple, and robust, and has no animations. When you maximize the window on a Mac's Dock, an annoying gap is created at the bottom. If there is going to be dead space at the bottom anyway, it's better to make it opaque rather than semi-transparent. The color code is #c2c2c2. This color code is used by Firefox and many other applications, and it creates a sense of unity when maximized.

This also uses a consolidated menu in the upper right corner, in keeping with Mac and other applications.
Alongside the clock (calendar), battery, brightness, text input, updates, Bluetooth, sound, and power.
The power menu is placed at the edge, providing simplicity that allows it to be operated with a single touch. The frequently used sound menu is next to it. The clock is designed in the style of the old monochrome Game & Watch. The font is unified with Conky.

Orange accent color, as orange is often used as an accent color for traffic signs and other things.

Why is Conky (the clock at the bottom left) placed at the bottom left? It is the least intrusive position for many wallpapers, and a slightly lighter color of MX blue is used. A delicate font is used to create a sexy look.

The whisker menu at the top left. It's inevitable that it can only be placed here.

With this, the overall screen configuration is complete. Next is the window effect.
Whenever a window is opened or closed, it appears softly in the software. This is because in normal PC OSes, they "appear suddenly", but I feel that this is very stressful. In everyday natural phenomena, objects do not suddenly appear in front of you. The OS is designed to be closer to human senses.
Gathering mode for window collection. It is like Expose, but I think that aggregated window display is an essential feature that all OSes should have.
Compiz was the only window manager that could achieve these effects.

Icon set
As with MX, the beautiful Pipirus is used as is.

Window theme
Uses the No. 1 popular icon on xfce-look.org. In order to thoroughly use a dark theme, the folder icon color is black.

Cursor
The arrow type is already legacy in a bad sense, and this is the result of deciding that it does not need to be an arrow. Although white is used, which is easy to see in a dark theme, light gray is used because it is difficult to see on a pure white background.
Thorough dark theme. Almost all applications are adjusted to be displayed in a dark theme.

System font
I have a strong admiration for IBM. I wanted to use IBM Plex Sans, which gives a stoic and honest impression. The reason for using JP is that it contains all the English parts while also being able to support the local Japanese language.

Terminal font
This is the result of choosing a font that has a cyber taste and is also highly practical.

Menu icon
A collection of applications that I personally use frequently, arranged in an easy-to-use manner. Tidy and tidy.

The reason for using XFCE is that it is based on the MX standard, and I wanted to use a desktop environment that is "minimally cultural and without waste." If it had been KDE+Compiz, it would have been too flashy.

Boot animation
A newly created original animation that matches the overall taste is used. "Happiness always disappears like a shooting star," but Storyboard Neo users will always have a shooting star of happiness with them.

Wallpaper set and default wallpaper
It expresses the world view. The default uses a neon-style custom image of MX Institute IV, which was very popular at the MX Forum. The hand-drawn touch creates a stylish representation of pyramids, circles, and X patterns.

Sound effect "Freja Ignition"
When you come home tired, it's a blissful time to be soothed by the Linux sound. It took six years of development to make it possible to listen to female vocal songs in a pleasant way. At the beginning of development, it was based on PulseAudio, but for Storyboard Neo, it was remade from scratch based on pipewire.

That's about it.
In other words, this is the crystallization of "I wanted to do this.''

[operadude]

@Freja

Looks AWESOME, and I will be downloading and enjoying it

Thank You for all your hard work