Hello there! I heard some complains about Garuda editions using only systemd as their init system, using too much RAM and overall being bloated. That's why I want to share what I view as a minimalist Garuda. This might turn into my first serious project, or at least a good concept.
First of all, what does it mean to suck less? In relation to software, it means to be simpler. In unique way. Mainly, in development. It's hard to put everything about suckless programs that I (and many others) like, but generally it's the convenience of using them once you learn how to. More about suckless software In general, programs that suck less tend to:
- Be fast
- Be privacy-respecting
- Prefer quality and simplicity of code over quantity of code (therefore, they are minimalist)
Remember, I haven't said that this software is "easy to use" for an average user. Usually, programs that suck less don't have a GUI, or have a really basic one, and most of the configuration is done in config files rather then on a separate section in the GUI.
That's why this edition of Garuda is so special - it's not for inexperienced users, it's for those who want something small, fast, and configurable.
I will update this thread as soon as I learn about new software that should be included alongside or instead of mentioned below, so feel free to suggest even smaller software.
The main thought is to make Artix-based distro with some tools from Alpine Linux and other tiny distros.
- Kernel
I think that you should pick your own kernel for your situation, so it's the discussion about what to include in the ISO.
It's hard to decide what Linux kernel will perfectly fit for most users. There are a some options that I would like to try:
- Lts kernels (stability and broad hardware support)
- Custom kernels from other minimalist distros like tinycore, Alpine Linux, etc. (potential problems with hardware)
- Just a responsive kernel like linux rt, linux-tkg, linux-zen etc. (known hardware issues, but great performance when you are lucky enough to not have any problems).
- Default init system
As of now, I think I will choose Runit. It's small and lets you boot really fast even on HDD. Alternatives include OpenRc and s6. - Default packages
This is where I need more investigation as of now, but still can name a few important packages:
-rEFInd as bootloader (less then 4 mbytes, but still does the job)
-dash as default shell
-doas as sudo replacement
-tmux for terminal multiplexing (later about that)
-vim as default text editor
-elinks-git as browser (in case you need arch/gentoo wiki during install)
-libressl-git as replacement for openssl
-rufus or openrc or s6
-zathura as a document viewer - Installation
When you boot your live image, my small shell script greets you with a request to input "micro garuda_manual.txt" in order for you to receive all of the needed instructions. Using tmux mentioned above you can split your terminal in order to make installation process more comfy. I might also make a TUI using termbox library, in case it is not enough. Overall, it's just what wasn't enough for perfect arch/artix linux installation.
- linux-lts (default mainline)
- linux-tkg
- linux-zen
- linux-xanmod
- linux-rt
- Alpine kernel
- Tiny Core kernel
- Other custom kernel (suggest below)
- My own custom kernel (another week for development, lol)
- All of them (give user the choice)
0 voters
- Rufus
- OpenRc
- s6
- Other (not systemd)
- All of them (give user the choice)
0 voters