Modifying DSL to my own demands.

Forum: Other Help Topics
Topic: Modifying DSL to my own demands.
started by: gellow

Posted by gellow on Mar. 11 2006,16:36

Howdy I have several questions.

I'm working on a new project where I need a linux distro as small as possible. That boots fast too, from a usb pendrive.
The distro must include the following applications;
- Xfree86 or something similar with simple shell (fluxbox?)
- DirectFB (in case of splashy)
- Splashy or bootsplash
- FLTK or GTK+
- SQLlite as DB.

Now the question is if I would be better of using an existing distro like DSL, or creating my own distro? In what ways would it be possible to adjust an existing distro to my liking? My first choice would be to use an existing distro, looking at the time it takes to build your own.

Now as a linux newbie I would like to know how to compile new programs for DSL and install it into the image. I would also like to configure the startup scripts. I know the linux basiscs and only need this information to begin building.

Now I don't want anyone to make the distro to for me. I just would like some advise of where I can begin and if it's even possible. I'm willing to learn and all information would be very welcome.

Posted by loupdesteppes on Mar. 11 2006,20:52

I think using an existing distro like DSL or DSL like...why? because they are optimised and only have the needed files. Ive tried before with creating my own distro...was everytime bigger...why ? because the difficulty with optimysing some things like Xfree's files f eg
Conclusion:
if you dont need X, you should better create your own file system...thats very easy to do....
if you need X, customize a distro..f eg damnsmall , you can follow my howto.
However, your project is very easy to do...nothing special...

Posted by pr0f3550r on Mar. 12 2006,15:56

You might want to try < http://www.instalinux.com/ > an online custom distro creator.

In your case DSL is quite close to what you want and would be a good starting point, however if you want to distribute it, or make it public, you'd have to fork DSL, as the core developers are not keen on accepting users' changes here, or at least this is my impression after reading < <THIS> >