Tiny Core Linux

Overview

Tiny Core Linux (TCL) is a free, open-source minimal Linux distribution focused on providing a highly modular base system, designed to run in RAM for fast boot times and low resource usage. Developed by Robert Shingledecker and hosted at tinycorelinux.net, it supports x86_64 and some ARM architectures (such as the Raspberry Pi), making it suitable for embedded devices, legacy hardware, or test environments. Tiny Core Linux uses a rolling release model, based on BusyBox (core tools) and FLTK (graphics library), and is available in Core (16 MB, no graphical interface) and TinyCore (110 MB, with the FLTK desktop). It emphasizes custom extensions, allowing users to add modules using the tce-load tool rather than a traditional package manager.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • 2008: Robert Shingledecker released Tiny Core Linux 1.0 as a small-scale version of Slackware, aiming to create a minimal, runnable Linux system.
  • Inspired by Damn Small Linux (DSL), but more modular, using BusyBox and FLTK.
• Development History:
  • 2010: Tiny Core Linux 3.0 introduced FLWM (FLTK Window Manager) and support for the X Window System.
  • 2014: Version 5.0 optimized the extension system and supported UEFI booting.
  • 2016: Version 7.1, based on kernel 4.4, supported Raspberry Pi.
  • 2022: Version 13.1 introduced kernel 5.15 and glibc 2.35.
  • March 4, 2024: Tiny Core Linux 15 released, based on kernel 6.6.17 and glibc 2.39, with support for modern hardware and UEFI, and optimized extension loading.
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by Robert Shingledecker and the community, hosted at tinycorelinux.net, SourceForge, and the forum (forum.tinycorelinux.net).
  • Support for English and some Chinese (via community translations), with documentation covering extensions and customization.
  • A YouTube user called Tiny Core Linux 15 "the pinnacle of minimal Linux."
• Open Source Licenses:
  • GPL v2 (core), MIT (some tools).

Key Features

Tiny Core Linux is designed with minimalism, modularity, and RAM-saving features in mind, making it suitable for embedded and low-resource environments. Here are its key features:

1. Extremely Small Size and RAM-Saving
   • The Core version is only 16 MB, while TinyCore is 110 MB. Both run in RAM and have a startup time of less than 1 minute.
2. Modular Extension System
   • Use Extensions (tcz files) to add modules (such as Firefox and LibreOffice) using the tce-load tool.
3. FLTK Desktop
   • Uses the FLTK graphics library and the FLWM window manager for a lightweight desktop.
4. Rolling Updates
   • Updates are based on the latest repository, updating extensions rather than the system.
5. Hardware Compatibility
   • Supports x86_64 and ARM (Raspberry Pi). Minimum requirements are 128 MB RAM and 512 MB disk space (1 GB RAM and 4 GB disk space recommended).
6. Security and Privacy
   • Supports encrypted persistent storage and a firewall (expandable).
7. Development Support
   • Supports Python and Git, with tools added via extensions.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Extremely Small Size:
  • 16 MB Core version, better than FunOS's 1.8 GB ISO.
  • Post X claims "Tiny Core Linux 15 runs on 128 MB of RAM."
• Modularity:
  • Flexible extension system, better than Archcraft's AUR.
• RAM-Based:
  • Fast boot, data loaded into memory, better than Bodhi Linux's Moksha.
• Customizability:
  • Users can build minimal systems, better than wQubes OS's virtualization.
• Community Support:
  • Active SourceForge and forums, offering extension repositories.

Limitations

• Minimal Features:
  • The base system lacks a graphical user interface, requiring expansion, better than Regata OS's pre-installed games.
• Limited ARM support:
  • Raspberry Pi support is in beta, not as good as Raspberry Pi OS.
• Community size:
  • Smaller than Arch Linux, with limited Chinese documentation.

Summary

Tiny Core Linux is a free, open-source, minimal Linux distribution supporting x86_64 and ARM (Raspberry Pi). It features a minimal footprint (16 MB core), modular expansion, and RAM-only operation. It provides a BusyBox and FLTK foundation, making it suitable for embedded systems, legacy hardware, or testing environments. While Tiny Core Linux boasts size and customization, its functionality needs expansion and its community is relatively small.