Basic small linux to run just one app

valnar · 09-08-2009, 02:44 PM

I am looking for a lightweight linux distribution that can run just one "major" application from a VMware sesssion - rinetd. It needs to include all the basics for network connectivity and drivers for a VMware box, and rinetd. That's about it.

I am familiar with Ubuntu but that seems overkill just to run a TCP redirector application, even without Gnome loaded. Any other suggestions?

adam999 · 09-08-2009, 03:56 PM

busybox is lightweight.

onebuck · 09-08-2009, 03:57 PM

Hi,

Google! Should get a lot relative to Distributions. Try DSL, puppy or take a gander at DistroWatch.com.

Or ;

j1alu · 09-08-2009, 04:12 PM

during a debian-installation you may de-select desktop-environment at the end of the installation-process. And rinetd is in the repositories.
(if you need a gui you might add xorg and fluxbox).
but i think with the ubuntu-alternate installation you might to the same.

plumm · 09-08-2009, 05:07 PM

Depending on if you are accessing Linux from Windows or from another flavor of *nix, you may encrypt the pendrive to protect your files. You won't be able to access encrypted partition from Windows (although there are some attempts to do this). Check out the link http://www.pendrivelinux.com/all-in-one-usb-dsl/.

Best regards,

plumm

valnar · 09-08-2009, 05:30 PM

I found Ubuntu JeOS. That'll be adequate, if not a bit overpowered for my needs. At least I'm somewhat familiar with apt.

Thanks,
Robert

linus72 · 09-08-2009, 05:42 PM

So, assuming you don't need a desktop or you do?

have you considered tinycore or microcore(no desktop)?

also, have you considered grml-small/medium, finnix or even my Fabulous ThorsHammer?
Or a puppy?

valnar · 09-08-2009, 06:10 PM

I considered puppy or DSL, but I'm not a linux guru. Neither come with the package and a GUI isn't really required. I can spare 128MB to run this. I just need a redirector for AD authentication for a specific purpose. I can't use a Windows box because, well, they need port 139 for themselves.