Linux Advice

**JBMCW2010** · 05-21-09, 10:11 AM

hey all,

I am looking for a super small kernel that is smaller than in 700MB total Hard Drive space. I have a very old and shitty laptop I need to install it on. I will not be using it for much other than RDC/VNC

**Blakeman** · 05-21-09, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by JBMCW2010

hey all,

I am looking for a super small kernel that is smaller than in 700MB total Hard Drive space. I have a very old and shitty laptop I need to install it on. I will not be using it for much other than RDC/VNC

Ubuntu has a micro kernel option I think that might work. I think it is a version of the same one they use for those mini dell computers?

Edit: Found it, called netbook edition and requires a 1gb thumb drive to install.

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download-netbook

**JBMCW2010** · 05-21-09, 11:15 AM

1GB is a bit big, hmm

**Ewok** · 05-21-09, 11:23 AM

http://www.slax.org/

Standard version is 190MB, and you can get more packages to customize it further off the website (e.g, that 190MB includes a browser, but it isn't firefox, but you can get the firefox package off the website if you really want it)

It's primary purpose is a LiveCD, but it can be installed and works just fine that way too.

**Blakeman** · 05-21-09, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by JBMCW2010

1GB is a bit big, hmm

Yeah, it might be smaller than that once installed, I don't know. I do know that several linux programs let you use your usb as a permanent drive.

Might be better off with slax. I think there is another one called minilinux or microlinux. I haven't had a use for them so I am not sure.

**JBMCW2010** · 05-21-09, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Ewok

http://www.slax.org/

Standard version is 190MB, and you can get more packages to customize it further off the website (e.g, that 190MB includes a browser, but it isn't firefox, but you can get the firefox package off the website if you really want it)

It's primary purpose is a LiveCD, but it can be installed and works just fine that way too.

hmm

this could be interesting...

**JBMCW2010** · 05-21-09, 02:46 PM

http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

I have it working on a virtual machine on our server. I now need to try it on some HW. First test, a shitty laptop! ::Crosses Fingers::

**Ewok** · 05-21-09, 06:17 PM

That one works well from a size point of view, but I find it isn't very nice to use. To make it small, they sacrifice a lot. slax was larger, but way more user-friendly.

**Bunni** · 05-21-09, 07:08 PM

if you know your stuff, i second slax, semi user friendly but when you hit problems, youll find slax less then helpful when compaired with more user friendly distros. If your uncomfortable with linux, try ubuntu, if you have no luck try the alternate cd.

Summary: Ubuntu will likely support your legacy hardware, and generally be a lot more helpful when you encounter problems. Slax is very strong and stable but may encounter some problems regarding hardware support.

FYI: stay away from compact, made to be small kernals (unless of course your laptop is that old), they may be sacrificing components and modules that you may want.