Frugal Install

Security

Frugal Install

Most computer operating systems are installed conventionally. When installed this way, files throughout the operating system are modified as it is used. As a result of malfunctions, user error, malware, or just because the operating system is imperfect, files may becomes corrupted, and it may not work properly, or even work at all.

If an operating system is installed frugally, operating system files cannot be modified, so they cannot become corrupted. Personal files and settings can be saved, but operating system files are not modified.

When the operating system starts, it is loaded to RAM, and runs from RAM. What is in RAM can be changed, but the original files can't. When the computer is turned off, everything in RAM is lost. When it starts again, the operating system is loaded to RAM again, so it always starts in a pristine state.

If a problem occurred, you could delete personal settings and restart the computer. It would revert to how it was when first installed.

Examples of operating systems which can be installed frugally, include Slax and Tiny Core.

Slax

Slax is based on Slackware, and updates and improvements are made when they are introduced in Slackware. Slax operating system and programs run entirely from RAM, so if you install a lot of programs, you may need more RAM than other operating systems.

Tiny Core

Tiny Core is an independent distribution, not based on any of the others. It is continually being developed, with new improvements coming out often. The operating system is loaded to RAM. If tcz extensions are used, programs are not loaded to ram until they are needed, so Tiny Core can run with the same amount of RAM as other operating systems.

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