Absolute SMALLEST (barebone)

Forum: DSL Ideas and Suggestions
Topic: Absolute SMALLEST (barebone)
started by: gmrahja

Posted by gmrahja on Jan. 26 2006,18:34

I like SMALL linux distribution, it is wonderfull to have a linux distribution even on single CD such as Ubuntu, but now I can have smaller 50MB wow.

Just is it small enough ?

I have suggestion could there be a BARE BONE version, which consist nothing just the Linux OS and Fluxbox without all other applications ?

Since in fact not all using packaged application and not all people like the chosen there. Just simply a BAREBONE and HAVE an option to DOWNLOAD the rest and install it EASILY is the BEST WAY to customize yet another smallest one.

What I need is a linux OS which is :
1. Can install with easy interface
2. Can dual boot easily with XP
3. Auto detect all hardware when install
4. Start default on X window environment
5. Can connect easily with Windows Network
6. Can download and install application and update easily

The app I need just (no need in install CD, just option to download & install easily):
1. FireFox for browsing
2. GAIM for chat
3. xIRC for IRC
4. OpenOffice need only the Word, no need spreadsheet etc.

I don't need anything other than that, please could DSL build the SMALLET BAREBONE EVER ?

Thank You so much

Posted by _pathos on Jan. 28 2006,02:27

Why don't you?

Posted by zhouxy on Feb. 23 2006,01:38

he he,It's a big idear.

Posted by pr0f3550r on Feb. 23 2006,11:44

And then upload the iso onto www.sendmefile.com

Posted by AmyS3 on Mar. 05 2006,21:07

This is a good idea!!!!!
i would need the same just to make it on a bootable usb stick, and a partioning tool would be good(qtparted???)... xmms also..
oh.. and i dont need the dual boot ^^
if anyone could buid it (cos im to stupid to do so..) im leaving my e-mail here for contacts...
mail: dsl@software-styling.de

BIG THX if anyone would be so kind ^^ or have information about a distro like this one..

Cya AmyS3

Posted by humpty on Mar. 06 2006,15:26

why smaller? is 50mb not small enough?

Posted by WDef on Mar. 07 2006,13:25

For barebones you might try < tiny linux >, which is for eg old 486's, based on slackware.

Anything useful has to be installed after the base install. I have no idea if it's any good.

Posted by JohnH on Mar. 09 2006,19:29

I think what you guys are really asking for is to be able to easily make exactly what you want. If DSL would put a pen drive icon on the desktop which had critical programs such as hardware detection, drivers, and networking in a minimal "system" folder and a "programs" folder that holds independent programs which can be added or removed at the whim of the user.

I'm saying that after booting from the pen drive there would be a pen drive icon that you could open and then click the "programs" folder then add or remove what you wanted.

Additionally for a truely minimal system a "specific configuration" tool would be cool. I'm thinking right click on the desktop, go to tools and then click "save specific configuration and minimize DSL". This would eliminate all hardware detection and any unused system files for that pen drive. This would make a non flexible installation. You would not be able to change any hardware unless you booted from CD again and re-installed the full DSL.

However a system that was pared down as i suggest would boot extreemly fast. I have a "couch computer that is fanless and diskless, I use it to surf the web while watching tv or listening to music. The computer is always on but if it would boot faster i might be inclined to turn it on only when I'm sitting at the couch.

Posted by tito on Mar. 19 2006,09:28

Quote

Mhhh, great input on a subject that may become crucially important.

There is a trend towards a distributed computing paradigm where comps have no hard disks and users carry usb sticks in their shirt pocket. The advantages: security, flexibility, mobility.

In my opinion DSL is ideally positioned to take the lead in this process, but it may need to increase its awareness of customer, er ... sorry, user needs.

By the way, I think that DSL may have a strong commercial appeal if pitched properly. Maybe a double-track "do-it-yourself-for-free" and "we-take-care-of-you-for-some-bucks" DSL offer could benefit all the members of this community.

Just a suggestion.

tito