Crux Linux
 

Crux Linux is a very minimal distro, even it's packages are minimal which makes it an awesome base for adding packages that you need asap.

When I was installing crux on a virtual machine I wanted to test out 3.10-rc1 so I just downloaded the tarball and install the kernel like normal and works great!

It's install method is binary but with a simple prt-get sysup your system will recompile and it's optimized for your hardware just make sure you change your cflags.

But because it's minimal and not as big as the bigger source distro you will have to create your own ports but honestly that's pretty easy...

http://crux.nu

Hello

While I'm running Arch at the moment, I've always loved Crux and it generally suits my needs quite well. My first experience with it was with version 2.1, released back in April of 2005. The only thing I don't like about it is that a few packages (such as Firefox) can take a really long time to compile. I'm aware that binary packages are available for some apps, but I prefer to stick with source built applications only if I'm going to be running Crux. My last Crux installation (from about 8 months ago) had a few ports that didn't build correctly, but some quick edits to the package files usually fixed those issues. Now that the Crux devs have moved to 64-bit for their 3.0 release, I've been seriously considering reinstalling Crux.

It's truly a fantastic distribution! :cool:

Hi, i've a quick question for you guys whom run or have run Crux. How do kernel security patches work? Do you have to recompile your kernel manually each time a security issue comes up?
Also, What does Crux value? bleeding edge over stability or the opposite?

Thanks for answers, i've actually been interested in Crux for a while, but haven't had the chance to try it out.

Crux focuses on the latest stable packages but not so old it's ancient like debian, and creating packages is really easy.

For patching the linux kernel with newer versions it's generally always better to go through it again and if you have an intel platform it does not take long at all (takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes + 30 minutes to compile the kernel).

There is no gnome 3X at the moment, but this is a really do it yourself kind of distro as you're going to be deciding what you want and don't want in your system and sometimes that leaves you to create your own packages.

True, and it's good that is the case because each time I install Crux, there are a few ports that I have to build myself, or in some cases make changes to existing ports. The base install generally goes very quickly (15 to 20 minutes), but the follow-up tweaking and installing of additional ports can take many hours. I installed Crux 3.0 on one of my boxes a couple of days back and still haven't finished with customizations.

If you don't want to spend building your own ports Gentoo is still a good option.

Yeah, I do still install Gentoo from time to time, but have never really cared for it quite like I do Crux. Not knocking Gentoo at all, but simply prefer Crux. Both have pros and cons from my point of view.