Tiny Core Linux

Previous Versions of Tiny Core

Tiny Core

Tiny Core Linux begins with just enough programs to run and install a basic operating system. Additional programs can then be added.

With most other operating systems, many programs are installed by default, some of which many people never use. With Tiny Core you can choose which programs to install, and not have those you don't use.

Tiny Core can be set up for any type of use, by adding the appropriate programs.

Frugal Install

Tiny Core can be run in different modes. These can be seen from the menu (right mouse click), if you select Help. They are also explained in Tiny Core Concepts. Whichever mode is used, the operating system is installed frugally. If Persistent Personal Repository (PPR) is used, programs are also installed frugally.

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 did occur, you could delete personal settings and restart the computer. It would revert to how it was when first installed.

Iptables Firewall

If you connect to the internet, the Iptables Firewall is ideal for security.

Run From Hard Drive or USB Drive

Tiny Core can be run from a hard drive or USB drive.

Live CD with Programs

Tiny Core can be run from the CD. To have a useful operating system, Make a live CD with Programs.

Computer

Tiny core can be run on new, high performance computers.

It can also be run on older, slower computers. If you have a computer which is a little slow to run some of the latest operating systems, don't throw it away, install Tiny Core on it.

Minimum performance requirements depend on which programs you install in Tiny Core. Most programs will run on a computer with 256 mb of ram. Tiny core can be run on a computer with 128 mb of ram, with selected programs. It may not be worthwhile for most people to run Tiny Core on a computer with less than 128 mb of ram, as even less programs will run. The absolute minimum to run Tiny Core is 48 mb of ram.

The hard drive size required, also depends on which programs are installed. Tiny Core is between 10 and 11 MB. The size varies slightly with different versions. Programs require additional space. It is ideal to also have a reasonable amount of space for personal files.

Low performance computers may not work well on the internet.

Transfer to Another Computer

Whether installed a hard drive or USB drive, it can be transferred to another computer, and Tiny Core can be run from that computer.

When most other operating systems are installed on a hard drive, if the hard drive was transferred to another computer, the operating system would not work, without being reinstalled, unless the computer was identical or very similar.

Linux of the Future

Expect Tiny Core to become a high quality, widely used operating system, as development continues.

Expect new Linux distributions to come out based on Tiny Core, and existing Linux distributions to include ideas from Tiny Core.

< Linux

Install Tiny Core While Connected to the Internet >
Install Tiny Core Without Being Connected to the Internet >