I am looking for information on how to compile a small linux system with a lean kernel (+ create image) and install on a different system (not the one am using to compile in.).

Precisly, I want the final product to do this:
1. Run a proxy app (Like squid)
2. Run a DNS server (named)
3. Relay SMTP traffic (sendmail) - relay ONLY
4. include a Traffic Shapping feature like the "wondershaper"

Hardware to support:
- NICs
- harddisks
- etc
(No CDROM support, or FDD or USB or any other unnecessary hardware.)

*** Small efficient system.
*** And to be able to write the final image to another system that will be running the custom linuz


Where do I start. Any informatin is highly apreciated.

Ngwasuma

DamnSmallLinux and LinuxFromScratch are two distros you should probably look at...

I am just starting to put a small OS together, after checking it appears that the LFS thats Linux From Scratch appears the best option for me.
I run three comps on a lan, Mine my Wifes and a toy.You need to be Intermediate in Linux or Unix to do this build. Which I am not, But I will do it. I used or tried DSL it is probably to lean for most general jobs.Needs add ons. LFS should do 150MB to 300MB not bad.hope this helps.

oneandoneis2 : Let me google on these - DamnSmallLinux and LinuxFromScratch - and see what comes up.

Qwo, I like your determination. Lets know how yours go - I will definately post my successes and failures too

Linux from scratch looks interesting. Let me see how it develops. I am sure its not very easy (but thats the best part).

LFS is time-consuming, but I wouldn't say it was hard: The instructions are first-class