How do I create my own mini distro?

punchy71 · 08-19-2012, 09:15 PM

I was wanting to install Slackware Linux on one of my extra PC's and only build it up to a very minimalistic environment using a tiling window manager and maybe 4 or 5 extra applications at the most. My goals is to keep the total install as close to 40MB total as possible (core OS, apps, window manager, everything!). Is it possible to do this or would a core install of Slackware exceed 40MB just by itself?
My understanding is that Arch Linux is better suited to this kind of highly customized type of installation but Arch is also not nearly as stable as Slackware and so that does not meet my needs.
Also; If I were able to do this with Slackware, could I save such a custom install on CD as an .iso image and reinstall it again in the future if needed and if so how would I do that?
In short; There aren't really any existing mini Slackware distros that meet my current needs (there used to be Slax but it is now defunct). How much hassle, trouble and complexity would it be as a Newbie to create my own kind of highly customized super mini Slackware distribution for my own personal use?

Thank you

gingernate · 08-19-2012, 10:06 PM

I am a fellow newbie and sort of have the same issue. I have started a Linux from Scratch project. Its given me some trouble, but its been a great learning experience. There are also several others but im not sure how slackware based they are.

http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/

http://susestudio.com/

http://www.instalinux.com/

jefro · 08-19-2012, 10:32 PM

I think you ought to look at slitaz. The 40MB is going to be difficult with a window manager on mainstream distro.

Not sure what you mean by create distro. Linux From Scratch, LFS is a cookbook for making a one of a kind install. Similar to that may be Gentoo's build system. A distro tends to have a mission plan, target user, some way to update and add in apps.

schneidz · 08-19-2012, 10:50 PM

would 'damn small linux' help ?

theNbomr · 08-20-2012, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punchy71

I was wanting to install Slackware Linux on one of my extra PC's and only build it up to a very minimalistic environment using a tiling window manager

So, which do you want; a very minimalistic distro, or a GUI?

Seriously, 40 MB probably is a reasonable target. Have a look at TinyCore Linux.

--- rod.

speck · 08-20-2012, 12:10 AM

For Slackware, you should check out vbatts list of applications for a minimal install.

Google "slackware tagfile" if you want to learn how to customize the installation tagfiles (list of applications that will be installed).

DavidMcCann · 08-20-2012, 01:32 PM

For a good survey of tiling wms,
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php...indow_Managers

Have a look at Salix. It's Slackware based, so very stable, and it has a Ratpoison installation CD available. You can also install in Basic Mode, which just gives you the GUI, web-browser (Vimprobable on the Ratpoison disk), and Gslapt to get your packages.