small footprint linux system
 

Hi all

I want to build a small footprint linux for learning purpose (kernel and driver development). Basically, I only need...

(1) 2.6.x kernel (the unpatched one from kernel.org will be the best)
(2) bash shell
(3) necessary drivers (monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM, NIC... I don't even need mouse)
(4) basic network capability (telnet and ftp... samba will be a plus, but not a must)

I'm not planning to run any real applications (definitely no GUI app) except the ones I wrote.

I want something that is...

(a) small (<100MB), and
(b) boot up fast

... so that I can easily test out my kernel changes and recover (clone) the whole system whenever I mess it up. However, I have no idea how to build a system like this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

I'd take a look at "Linux From Scratch" (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org)-- essentially, it provides you with the essential tools for a minimal install -- and be sure to check out "Beyond Linux From Scratch" if you want add-ons from networking to sound.

Thanks, naimslim89!

This will give me a direction to go for!

Appreciate your help.