this post was submitted on 26 May 2024
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Smallest Security/Privacy Focused Distro Help? (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by ErrantRoleplayer@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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I've been doing some scouring and my search results are coming back confusing. Usually either incomplete information, or some kind of sales spam, so I'm reaching out in the hopes of recommendations for actual linux users and fans. I am looking for a very small, tiny even, security/privacy focused distro. I don't mind doing some work to set it up (though LFS may kill me!)

Here is what I have.

  • RAM: 2GB (yep. Seriously. None-upgradable).
  • HDD: 20GB (say 19GB)
  • Processor: Intel Celeron N3350 (2334Mhz average)
  • GPU (hah): Intel HD Graphics 500 (Integrated)

Wishlist

  • Graphical user interface (I appreciate it's going to be very basic)
  • Arch based (I love the AUR and pacman)
  • Base runs on less than 512MB of RAM, Arch Linux is a minimum of 512MB.

The software I plan to run on said device, so to give some kind of guidance of how much RAM we're working with.

  • Tor Expert and Tor Browser bundles or Mull.
  • Virtual machine (of some kind) with Whonix
  • MariaDB
  • RClone
  • VLC/Smplayer (which ever is smaller)
  • VPN client
  • Rustdesk (I can't find anything smaller than actually works)
  • ZSnes
  • SimpleX
  • Deluge (DelugeD with thin-client)
  • LibreOffice (until I can find a lighter alternative, but I need the BASIC capabilities).

Solution

https://lemmy.world/comment/10289862

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[–] ErrantRoleplayer@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Following the comments and response so far, I looked around quite extensively over a broad range of linux distributions. Arch, Alpine, Debian, even Gentoo booting them up and seeing what worked and what didn't.

I found AntiX which appears to meet many of my requirements.

AntiX as a base install comes in at under 2GB HDD and 300MB RAM. By using lighter desktop environments I can push this down even further, admittedly sacrificing some usability.

It does not, sadly, have access to the AUR as it is Debian, however, there is the Sid repository, which I guess will have to do. It comes pre-loaded with RSync, LibreOffice and Firefox (which I will be booting shortly).

Even with the base of 300MB, I'm not sure I could manage to run Whonix through it, so I'm going to have to look at a different method to achieve my goals. If you have more RAM, this would be idea.

[–] mryessir@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

You can use LFS to... Install targeted-kernel Setup AUR/pacman as package manager Use a minimal DE if needed. Otherwise just use the x.org kiosk to start your applications without any de.

[–] ErrantRoleplayer@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

One sledgehammer coming up! Of course you're exactly right, I had forgotten about LFS somewhat. It's not for the fainthearted, it's a one stop shop of how to linux like a boss.

[–] mryessir@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 5 months ago

This should get their slogan. Any linux should have this slogan :) Have fun on your endeavors!!