Endless operating system. Let's meet Endless OS: a Linux distribution that doesn't have the concept of packages. EndlessOS graphical environment
Free operating system based on Linux. It offers a beautiful user interface, a somewhat limited application manager, and tons of educational software.
Endless OS is mainly used for computer education around the world, so the company has made an imitation of the smartphone interface. Instead of an application menu, it uses shortcuts arranged in a grid on the desktop. Looks like an iPhone. You can add/remove applications and create folders to organize them.
Just above the apps is the search bar, which you can use to search for files and apps. At the top of the screen is a minimized applet that displays informational notes such as “masterpiece of the day,” “quote of the day,” and “word of the day.”
Endless OS Applications
Endless OS has a long list of supported apps, and it's up to you to determine the length of the default app list by choosing either a basic or full installation.
The basic installation contains basic applications such as Google Chrome, WhatsApp, VLC, LibreOffice, etc., while the full version contains a complete set of educational programs designed for Endless OS users.
Google Chrome comes with a custom start page created using the Explorer plugin. It also comes with Adblock pre-installed.
EndlessOS graphical environment
EndlessOS uses what I guess can be called the "Endless Desktop" - a custom fork of GNOME 3. The desktop environment is really nice and easy to work with.
Some may talk about not being able to view all your installed apps in one place at once, but that's not on my list of must-have features if I can get my job done and be comfortable.
The Endless OS icon on the far left of the taskbar does not bring up the application. It switches between desktop view and "last used app". The only way to see all installed apps at a glance is to visit the app store.
Either way, the collection of apps is amazing and you can always easily add/remove any of them from the app store.
Endless OS App Store
Endless OS uses a read-only root file system. This means that the app store is only good for managing the apps available in it.
The file system that Endless OS runs on only supports Flatpak applications and is managed by OSTree.
When you buy a laptop or computer, it usually already has Windows 7/8 or Linux installed (the latter option, by the way, helps you save money, because Linux is free). In rare cases, cheap laptops may not have any OS at all.
Actually, this is what happened with one Dell Inspirion 15 3000 series laptop, on which I was asked to install Windows 7, instead of the pre-installed Linux (Ubuntu). I think the reasons why they do this are obvious:
— most often, the hard drive of a new computer/laptop is not partitioned very conveniently: either you will have one system partition for the entire volume of the hard drive - the “C:” drive, or the partition sizes will be disproportionate (for example, why do they make 50 on the “D:” drive? GB, and on the system “C:” 400 GB?);
- Linux has fewer games. Although today this trend has begun to change, this OS is still far from Windows;
— it’s just that Windows is already familiar to everyone, but there’s neither time nor desire to learn something new...
Attention! Despite the fact that software is not included in the warranty (only hardware is included), in some cases, reinstalling the OS on a new laptop/PC can cause all sorts of warranty issues.
1) Preparing a bootable USB flash drive/disk with Windows
The first and most important thing to do is to prepare a bootable USB flash drive (you can also use a bootable DVD, but with a flash drive it’s more convenient: installation is faster).
To burn such a flash drive you need:
— installation disk image in ISO format;
— flash drive 4-8 GB;
— a program for writing an image to a flash drive (I usually always use UltraISO).
The algorithm of actions is simple:
— insert the flash drive into the USB port;
- format it in NTFS (attention - formatting will delete all data on the flash drive!);
— run UltraISO and open the installation image from Windows;
— how to create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows: XP, 7, 8, 10;
— correct BIOS settings and correct recording of the bootable USB flash drive;
— utilities for creating a bootable USB flash drive with Windows XP, 7, 8
2) Drivers for the network
My “experimental” DELL laptop already had Ubunta installed - therefore, the first thing logical to do would be to set up a network connection (Internet), then go to the manufacturer’s official website and download the necessary drivers (especially for network cards). That's exactly what I did.
Why is this necessary?
It’s just that if you don’t have a second computer, then after reinstalling Windows, most likely neither wifi nor the network card will work for you (due to the lack of drivers) and you won’t be able to connect to the Internet on this laptop in order to download these same drivers. Well, in general, it’s better to have all the drivers in advance so that there are no various kinds of incidents during the process of installing and configuring Windows 7 (even funnier if there are no drivers at all for the OS you want to install....).
- programs for updating drivers
3) Backup documents
Save all documents from the laptop’s hard drive to flash drives, external hard drives, Yandex drives, etc. As a rule, the disk partition on a new laptop leaves much to be desired and you have to format the entire HDD completely.
2. Setting up BIOS to boot from a flash drive
After turning on the computer (laptop), even before Windows loads, the first thing that controls the PC is the BIOS (English BIOS - a set of microprograms necessary to provide the OS with access to the computer hardware). It is in the BIOS that the computer boot priority settings are set: i.e. first boot it from the hard drive or look for boot records on the flash drive.
1) To enter the BIOS, you need to restart the laptop and press the enter settings button (when turned on, this button is usually always shown. For Dell Inspirion laptops, the enter button is F2).
Buttons to enter BIOS settings:
Here, to install Windows 7 (and older operating systems), you need to set the following parameters:
- Boot List Option - Legacy;
- Security Boot - disabled.
By the way, not all laptops have these parameters in the BOOT fold. For example, in ASUS laptops - these parameters are set in the Security section (for more details, see this article:.
3) Changing the download queue...
Pay attention to the download queue, at the moment it is (see screenshot below) as follows:
1 - the Diskette Drive will be checked first (although where would it come from?!);
2 - then the installed OS on the hard drive will be loaded (then the boot sequence will simply not reach the installation flash drive!).
Using the arrow keys and the Enter key, change the priority like this:
1 - boot from a USB device first;
2 - the second boot from the HDD.
4) Saving settings.
Actually, that’s all, the BIOS is configured, you can proceed to installing Windows 7...
3. Installing Windows 7 on a laptop
(DELL Inspirion 15 series 3000)
1) Insert the bootable USB flash drive into the USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 - marked in blue). Windows 7 cannot be installed from a USB 3.0 port (be careful).
Turn on the laptop (or reboot). If the BIOS is configured and the flash drive has been correctly prepared (it is bootable), then the installation of Windows 7 should begin.
2) The first window during installation (as well as during recovery) is a prompt to select a language. If it is correctly identified (Russian), just click next.
3) In the next step you just need to click the install button.
5) In the next step, select “full installation”, point 2 (the update can be used if you already have this OS installed).
6) Disk partitioning.
A very important step. If you don't properly partition the disk, it will constantly interfere with your work at the computer (and you can lose significant time recovering files)…
It is best, in my opinion, to split the disk into 500-1000GB, this way:
- 100GB - on Windows OS (this will be the “C:” drive - it will contain the OS and all installed programs);
— the remaining space is the local drive “D:” — it contains documents, games, music, movies, etc.
This option is the most practical - in case of problems with Windows - you can quickly reinstall it by formatting only the “C:” drive.
In cases where there is one partition on the disk - with Windows and with all files and programs - the situation is more complicated. If Winows does not boot, you will need to first boot from the Live CD, copy all documents to other media, and then reinstall the system. As a result, you just waste a lot of time.
If you install Windows 7 on a “clean” disk (on a new laptop), then the HDD most likely does not have the files you need, which means you can delete all partitions on it. There is a special button for this.
When you delete all partitions (attention - the data on the disk will be deleted!) - you should be left with one partition “Unallocated space on the 465.8 GB disk” (this is if you have a 500 GB disk).
Then you need to create a partition on it (drive “C:”). There is a special button for this (see screenshot below).
Determine the size of the system disk yourself - but I do not recommend making it less than 50 GB (~50,000 MB). On my laptop I made the system partition size approximately 100 GB.
Actually, then select the newly created partition and press the next button - it is in it that Windows 7 will be installed.
7) After all installation files from the flash drive have been copied to the hard drive (+ unpacked), the computer should reboot (a message will appear on the screen). You need to remove the flash drive from the USB (all the necessary files are already on the hard drive, you won’t need it anymore) so that after a reboot, loading from the flash drive does not start again.
8) Setting parameters.
Automatic updates - I recommend disabling them altogether, or at least checking the box next to the item - “Install only the most important updates” (the fact is that auto-updates can slow down the PC and will load the Internet with downloadable updates. I prefer to update - only in “manual” mode).
9) Installation complete!
Now you need to configure and update the drivers + configure the second partition of the hard drive (which will not yet be visible in “my computer”).
4. Formatting the second partition of the hard drive (why the HDD is not visible)
If you completely formatted your hard drive when installing Windows 7, then the second partition (the so-called local hard drive “D:”) will not be visible! See screenshot below.
To fix this, you need to go to the Windows control panel and go to the administration tab. To quickly find it, it’s best to use the search (right, top).
Then you need to start the Computer Management service.
This tab will show all drives: formatted and unformatted. Our remaining space on the hard drive is not used at all - we need to create a “D:” partition on it, format it in NTFS and use it...
To do this, right-click on the unallocated space and select the “Create simple volume” function.
Then select the NTFS file system and volume label: give a simple and understandable name to the disk, for example “local”.
That's all - disk connection is complete! After the operation was completed, a second drive “E:” appeared in “my computer”...
5. Installing and updating drivers
If you followed the recommendations from the article, then you should already have drivers for all PC devices: you just need to install them. It’s worse when the drivers start to behave unstable, or suddenly don’t fit. Let's look at several ways to quickly find and update drivers.
1) Official sites
This is the best variant. If there are drivers for your laptop with Windows 7 (8) on the manufacturer’s website, install them (it often happens that the website has either old drivers or does not have them at all).
DELL - www.dell.ru/
ASUS - www.asus.com/RU/
ACER - www.acer.ru/ac/ru/RU/content/home
LENOVO - www.lenovo.com/ru/ru/
HP - www8.hp.com/ru/ru/home.html
2) Update in Windows OS
In general, Windows operating systems, starting from 7, are quite “smart” and already contain most of the drivers - the bulk of the devices will already work for you (perhaps not as well as with “native” drivers, but still).
To update in Windows OS, go to the Control Panel, then go to the “System and Security” section and launch “Device Manager”.
In the device manager, those devices for which there are no drivers (or some conflicts with them) will be marked with yellow flags. Right-click on such a device and select “Update drivers...” in the context menu.
3) Special programs for searching and updating drivers
A good option for searching for drivers is to use special. programs. In my opinion, one of the best for this is Driver Pack Solution. It is a 10GB ISO image - which contains all the main drivers for the most popular devices. In general, in order not to waste time, I recommend reading the article about the best programs for updating drivers -
Thanks to a customized desktop. Endless OS is not like any popular desktop distribution. Although Endless OS and is based on Debian, but its approach to software management and system updates is significantly different. In fact, there is no need for apt or any other system management package since the distribution uses Flatpak to provide applications to users.
Endless OS
Endless OS is the brainchild of a young company called Endless Mobile, which specializes in producing inexpensive compact computers for developing countries. A typical representative of Endless Mobile's target audience is an African from a remote village, where even mobile communications are a luxury. Therefore, Endless Computer is not just an inexpensive, but also an intuitive computer that does not require an Internet connection.
Endless Mini computer, the size of a children's ball
The full image of Endless OS weighs about 14 GB and includes more than 100 applications for all occasions and more than 50 thousand articles from Wikipedia, as well as various training programs. There is also a 2 GB base image containing only the essentials. Everything else can be installed from the app store
For its desktop, Endless OS uses a heavily modified version of GNOME called EOS Shell. It really is a very simple environment, devoid of many of the concepts of standard desktops. It's more of a tablet or phone interface than a desktop one: a task switch bar with a tray, a set of icons and folders on the desktop, and a search bar that searches both Google and your hard drive.
The installer matches your desktop - it’s as simple as possible and doesn’t ask any unnecessary questions. The first download begins with a training interactive video in which they will explain to you where everything is, how to listen to music, watch videos and install third-party software.
InstallerThe set of software in the 2 GB version is quite standard: Google Chrome, LibreOffice, Totem video player, Rhythmbox audio player, Shotwell photo viewer, Duolingo language learning program, file manager, calculator, settings (standard GNOME settings), terminal (it can only be launched through search).
App Store The app store is convenient. Just click install, and the application will be installed without a single question, much less asking for superuser rights. All applications are distributed in the form of self-contained packages. The installer places them in the /var/lib/flatpak/app directory, and when launched, it creates a virtual environment in which the application will run (we'll talk about this later).
OSTree
In Endless OS there is no concept of a package manager, and there are no packages themselves either. The entire base part of the distribution, that is, the very system whose image weighs two gigabytes, is one monolithic indivisible piece. You cannot replace certain parts of it, as in other distributions, or remove unnecessary software. It is one complete system, just like with Windows or macOS.
However, unlike Windows and macOS, the base part of Endless OS does not have a fixed state. All its files are stored in a Git-like OSTree repository. This means that updating to a new version of the distribution does not happen “live”, as in other distributions that roll out updated packages directly to the running system. Instead, eos-updater downloads the changed files to the repository and then creates hard links to them in the root directory. For example, /bin/bash on Endless OS is simply a hard link to one of the files in the /ostree/repo repository. If bash is also updated when the system is updated, eos-updater will remove the old link and create a new one to another file in the repository.
OSTree repositoryCompared to the classic packet-based approach, OSTree offers many advantages. It allows you to make the update atomic, where the system does not enter a new updated state until it is completely ready for it. In regular Linux, package installation can be interrupted and result in an inconsistent system state, which can lead to complete OS inoperability and the need for reinstallation. This is excluded here.
Moreover, due to the fact that OSTree stores a history of changes, the OS can be rolled back to a previous state. In other words, the system allows you to downgrade, without having to download or reinstall anything. The whole operation takes literally a few seconds.
Well, one last thing. Although Endless OS does not support this, OSTree allows you to create multiple installations of the same OS of different versions at once. All their files will be stored in one repository, so you don't even have to waste disk space.
Flatpack
The base installation of Endless OS is not writable. It cannot be changed, which means you cannot install packages or build the application from source and install it using the command ./configure && make && make install . Instead, Endless OS offers to install software in the form of self-contained Flatpak packages.
This is an implementation of the old idea, like Linux itself, that applications should be installed in separate directories instead of copying their files to directories on the system itself. Flatpak doesn't just put apps in separate directories, allowing you to install multiple versions of the same app and solving dependency issues. For each application, it also creates its own sandbox, limited using namespace mechanisms, cgroups, seccomp, allowing you to control access to certain machine resources. For example, an application can be denied access to the Network, and the scope of the file system can be limited to the user's home directory.
Every application has a metadata file that describes not only the application itself, but also its permissions All applications installed using Flatpak are located in the /var/lib/flatpak directory. When the application starts, Flatpak on the fly creates the environment necessary for its operation. In particular, a root file system in RAM (tmpfs) is created specifically for the application, the /usr directory of the main system, the /proc, /sys and /dev directories with a limited set of device files are connected to it in read-only mode, / is created etc with a minimum set of configuration files necessary for operation. Access to "dangerous" system calls is restricted using seccomp. If necessary, the user's home directory is connected in read-write mode and access to the required OS functionality is allowed.
Every application has a metadata file that describes not only the application itself, but also its permissions
An application launched using Flatpak is cut off from the main system and runs in its own environment. Yes, it has access to, for example, the /usr directory, but cannot modify it. It does not see the processes of the main system, does not see the personal files of users (by default), cannot work with hardware and cannot get out of its virtual environment.
However, these same sandboxes make Flatpak useless when it comes to system applications. That is why Endless OS is divided into two parts, one of which is basic, and the second is a set of Flatpak-format applications running in sandboxes.
- Endless OS is ranked 171st on distrowatch.com.
- Until mid-2016, Endless OS was distributed only in source form.
- Representatives from Endless Mobile serve on the GNOME Foundation's oversight board.
- The Endless Mini was a reaction choice at CES 2016.
- The cheapest Endless computer costs $79, the most expensive is $229.
Conclusion
Endless OS is not the only operating system that uses OSTree for atomic system updates. An OS for running containers is built on OSTree
Replacing one operating system with another is not a complicated procedure at all; even a novice user can handle it with the help of instructions.
Figure 1. Endless OS3 app logo
What is Endless OS 3
The names "Windows", "Linux" and "Mac" are familiar to most computer users. These are the most common operating systems. But there are others. Endless OS 3 is one such alternative. True, it was developed based on Linux, but it has conceptual differences.
This is a free OS designed for poor countries where not everyone can afford 24/7 internet.
Note:Endless OS is installed on cheap computers that are imported there.
Endless OS initially contains various information, for which you usually need to “go” to one or another site.
For example, articles from Wikipedia, training programs, etc. The interface is made as intuitive as possible so that a person can easily master working with a laptop without outside help (Figure 2).
Some equipment with pre-installed “Endless” also ends up on our market. And the question arises: having Endless OS 3, how to install Windows and work as usual?
Figure 2. Appearance of the loading screen in Endless OS 3
How to install Windows 7.10 if you have Endless OS 3
Removing an operating system that is of little interest to a domestic user from a laptop is no more difficult than replacing standard Linux with Windows.
Here is a typical instruction for the case of “Endless OS 3 how to install Windows 10” (or another version).
Preparing a bootable flash drive/disk
Any serious operations with the OS begin with this step. We prepare bootable media using special programs from third-party developers or Microsoft itself (designed for the “ten”). The interface of such utilities is extremely simple. But you still need to approach creating a distribution with knowledge of the matter.
First, you need to understand what system bit size is suitable for your computer - 32-bit or 64-bit? We set this parameter in the corresponding window. Secondly, the OS must match the type of organization of files on the hard drive - MBR or GPT.
When solving the question: “Endless OS 3: how to install Windows 7?”, for adequate operation of applications, it is better to reformat the disk to an older “MBR”, since the “seven” was developed with it in mind. However, this is a separate topic (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Formatting the disk and selecting MBR system type
Setting up BIOS for installing Windows 7
In order for the new boot to occur exactly from the distribution media, we will configure the BIOS (or a newer UEFI boot loader) to correctly select the location where the system is located. To do this, we enter it in the manner provided by the manufacturer.
Usually this is pressing the Del, F2, F10 (sometimes others) keys immediately after turning on the computer. Otherwise, having Endless OS 3, there is no point in figuring out how to install Windows on Acer or another brand of equipment - everything is very similar.
Figure 4. Selecting a priority boot device in BIOS
Setting up BIOS for installing Windows 8/10
Unlike the Seven, later versions of Windows are often tailored to slightly different operating parameters. If the laptop is new, most likely it does not have a BIOS, but UEFI. By default, it assumes GPT data organization and a 64-bit system.
Note: Most UEFIs have a traditional bootloader mode, which you can switch to if necessary.
For example, owners of Endless OS 3, when deciding how to install Windows on Acer, do not have to worry at all: the BIOS is automatically loaded if UEFI is not suitable for installation (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Laptop with Endless OS 3 installed as a working system
Transition from GPT to MBR and vice versa
Depending on the version of Windows you select, you may need to convert from one file table of contents standard to another. The problem is completely solvable. The procedure is as follows.
- Insert your disk or flash drive with the install version of Windows.
- Reboot your laptop or desktop.
- Use a custom installation of the operating system.
- In the partition selection menu for installation, select the partitions and delete them.
- The cleared space will be automatically organized by the computer in accordance with the distribution settings.
You can also do everything manually. To do this, at the installation stage, call the command line (Shift+F10). Next, type the following commands.
1. open the partition menu diskpart;2. now - list of disks list disk;3. specify the desired disk select disk
Figure 6. Calling the command line and the process of converting the system to gpt type
Partitioning/formatting a hard drive
Now we need to distribute the space between the system and the data storage, traditionally designated by the letters C and D. We do the following. Again we get to the command line and type the already mentioned commands, including points 1-3. Then:
- create a partition for the operating system: create partition primary size=n (replace the letter with a numeric indication of the size);
- assign system status: format fs=ntfs label="System";
- make it active;
- give it a name (assign letter=C).
Create an account
This is the final stage of system installation. We go to manage the parameters of the already installed OS and open the “accounting” settings menu. We trust the computer's prompts. We enter the name of the entry, come up with a password - and it’s done.
Why is the hard drive not visible after installation?
It happens that the procedure is unsuccessful. What's the matter? The reasons are varied (Figure 7). For example:
- you incorrectly indicated the system bit depth (for example, “seven” is not compatible with 64 bit);
- the hard disk is not converted to the required format or is converted incorrectly;
- Incorrect installer parameters were selected during its creation. programs and drivers for Windows 7 and 10. Just go to the device manager, right-click on the desired driver and start updating the drivers. We offer the computer automatic search.
That's all - now you have a full-fledged Windows on your laptop!
When choosing a new laptop (usually an Acer or Asus brand), the user may encounter an unfamiliar Endless OS system installed on such a PC. The creators of the product promise a user-friendly platform, high speed, free nature and virtual immunity of the system to viruses. Is everything so rosy, and what are the real advantages of this product? Below we will look at what Endless OS is, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this system, and whether it is worth choosing this OS on your PC.
What is Endless OS?
« Endless OS» (literally - “Infinite Operating System”) is a Linux-based operating system running on the Linux Kernel and other open technologies (Chromium, GNOME, GTK, PulseAudio, Rufus, Systemd, XOrg, Yelp, etc.). Like most Linux distributions, the file root system is read-only, and OSTree and Flatpak are used to deliver and update applications. The user interface is based on a heavily modified GNOME desktop environment.
The developer of Endless OS, the American company Endless Mobile, Inc, positions its brainchild as a convenient tool for developing computer literacy in residents of developing countries. In addition to countries like Brazil and Guatemala, we can find “Endless OS” installed on laptops manufactured by ASUS and ACER, sold in many electronics stores in Russia, Ukraine and a number of other post-USSR countries.
The first public release of Endless OS (version 2.1.0) took place in July 2014, and the latest version 3.4.0 has been available since May 2018.
The current OS version is 3.4.0 “Endless OS” is presented in two main modifications:
Nowadays, anyone can freely download the “Endless OS” distribution kit to their PC from the developer’s website store.endlessm.com. At the same time, installation of the product is available both as the main operating system and in parallel with the Windows OS already installed on the PC.
Endless OS system requirements
Despite its simplicity and free nature, Endless OS will not work on every PC. Let's look at what the minimum PC hardware requirements for this OS are, which will allow us to complete the answer to the question of what Endless OS is.
Minimum Requirements for this OS are:
- 64-bit processor (will not work on 32-bit processors). ARM processors are not supported;
- 2 GB of memory or more;
- 32 GB hard drive (can work on 16, but without installing new applications);
- Will work on an integrated video card;
- Standard network card (supports most cards from Intel and Atheros)
This OS usually does not work on Chromebooks and Apple products.
Endless OS - first look
After we have looked at what “Endless OS” means and what its system requirements are, we will also consider what the specified system is in general. When launching this OS for the first time, the user may catch himself thinking that its desktop is similar to the desktop of some tablet on the Android OS. Several icons and folders on the desktop, a search bar (searches on disk and in Google), a taskbar with a set of system icons. Everything is familiar and familiar.
The system already has a number of programs installed by default, which can be accessed by clicking on the Application Center icon. Thanks to the latter, you can also add Applications, Folders and Websites to the system (in the latter case, this will be a link to the website you need).
Clicking on the “Custom Menu” at the bottom left will allow you to customize your system by changing its personal, hardware and system functionality.
The taskbar contains a clock and calendar, sound and network icons, quick access to the system menu and other similar (and familiar to Windows OS users) tools.
If everything is so simple and convenient, then what about the shortcomings of Endless OS? They are approximately as follows:
In general, this is a simple, functional, and most importantly free product, which is a convenient basis for understanding the basics of computer literacy.
Conclusion
Above we found out what kind of Endless OS this is, and what are the main advantages and disadvantages of this system. This OS will become a convenient tool for those people who are taking their first steps in the field of computer literacy, and at the same time have limited funds to purchase licensed software. It will also appeal to users who want to get acquainted with the functionality of Linux, but who may be intimidated by the abundance of its settings. In this regard, “Endless OS” will become an effective intermediate link, allowing you to combine the functionality of Linux and the convenience of desktop system management.
