although still kind of a newbie to linux, two years after my first meeting with this little being, i would like to ask something i wasn't able to find elsewhere.
what is needed for linux to boot and run. i mean, the smallest amount of software it needs?
i guess i should be able to issue basic commands and so fourth.
i would like to set up a slackware server with as small amount of "shit" as possible, just the ultra-necessary.
further i would like an explanation of the logics behind the different root directories (/proc, /usr, /etc) i have figured /etc out, and /sbin is for binaries, but what make a program fail /sbin qualities, and is put in /usr/sbin ?
There must be a consistency to this.
links or explanations are all welcome.
Regards.
//
Niehls

what is needed for a basic linux installation?

Basic as in what? Enough to boot? What do you want it to do? Be a webserver? Do you want a GUI?

no gui, i don't actually know what is the core of linux...does anyone know which slackware "packages" that are needed for the system to run?

I think you should be able to just go down the line and look at all the packages in the a series, and pick out what you need.

that is the problem, i don't know what i need.. i might end up with a totally useless piece of os.

In slackware, all thats needed to boot up a "runnable" system is the "A" package set and the "l" package set.

If you want X though, Install the "X" package set too.

If you want to be able to compile software (most likely you will), take a look at the "D" package set.

For networking packages, the "n" set will do ya fine.

cool.. thanks!