Tiny Core Linux


Tiny Core Linux is a minimal Linux kernel based operating system focusing on providing a base system using BusyBox and FLTK. It was developed by Robert Shingledecker, who was previously the lead developer of Damn Small Linux. The distribution is notable for its small size and minimalism; additional functions are provided by extensions. Tiny Core Linux is free and open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.
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Types

Tiny Core is the recommended option for new users who have a wired network connection. It includes the base Core system and a dynamic FLTK/FLWM graphical user interface.Core is a smaller variant of Tiny Core without a graphical desktop, though additional extensions can be added to create a system with a graphical desktop environment.Core64 is a port to the x86_64 architecture with a 32-bit user land, i.e. it uses a 64-bit kernel and 64-bit kernel module|modules], but it can use the same extensions as Core.CorePure64 is a port of "Core" to the x86_64 architecture. 64-bit kernel and 64-bit extensions.dCore is a core made from Debian or Ubuntu compatible files that uses import and the SCE package format, a self-contained package format for the Tiny Core distribution since 5.x series.Core Plus is "an installation image and not the distribution". It is composed of Tiny Core with additional functionality, most notably wireless support and non-US keyboard support.piCore is the Raspberry Pi port of "Core".

System requirements

Minimal configuration:
Tiny Core needs at least 46 MB of RAM, and Core requires at least 28 MB of RAM. The minimum CPU is an i486DX.
Recommended configuration:
A Pentium II CPU and 128 MB of RAM are recommended for Tiny Core.

Design philosophy

The developers describe TCL as "a nomadic ultra small graphical desktop operating system capable of booting from cdrom, pendrive, or frugally from a hard drive." As of version 2.8.1, the core is designed to run primarily in RAM but with three distinct modes of operation: