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From what I have been reading a Linux distribution is little more than a packaging of a kernel with various packages and some limited configuration details, such as which window manager and GUI to use by default (assuming you even want a GUI, blech). In the old days apparently there were some unique advantages to distributions. For example, Red Hat had Red Hat Package Manager (rpm). Of course, nowadays rpm is no longer a unique advantage of Red Hat.

So, why even bother bother with a distribution? Why not just install a kernel and bunch of packages of one's own choosing? What's the complexity?

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I think this question would be better served on serverfault.com –  Miguel-F Oct 9 '12 at 19:43
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closed as off topic by Don Roby, sputnick, Paul Tomblin, assylias, Graviton Oct 10 '12 at 1:54


1 Answer

up vote 15 down vote accepted

Basically, a GNU/Linux Distro IS a kernel and a "bunch of packages" (GNU packages) of one's choosing. People creates distros to perform specific tasks, like server, desktop distros, multimedia oriented distros, etc.

Creating a linux distro can be a really educational task, as you can get to know how a linux system is build from scratch.

I recommend you cheking LFS (Linux From Scratch). Its a project to guide you on assembling your own linux distro from scratch, and believe me, its a great fun and indeed YOU WILL LEARN A LOT. If you'r intereseted on getting to known how a linux distro works, don't miss this. The webpage says:


LFS teaches people how a Linux system works internally Building LFS teaches you about all that makes Linux tick, how things work together and depend on each other. And most importantly, how to customize it to your own tastes and needs.




Of course there are other tools to create a linux distro based on your HD installation, maybe for backuping purposes.

And lot of other scripts to get you started, just google for them. Of course, all of them are like automatically tools oriented for the user, so don't expect to learn a lot from them.

There are lots, thousends of linux distros out there, so obviously is a waste of time to try to make the "ideal" linux distro and compite with ubuntu, mint, etc.

I still recommend you to check out Linux From Scratch, just as a weekend educative project . Trust me, you will learn a lot.

It covers also embedded linux distro creating, to target ARM processors and so.

If you're on the embedded world, Yocto Project worths a look.

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Thanks, that is very useful info. It doesn't really tell me how complex this would be, but I think I can figure it out by looking at the web site you linked. Thanks again. –  Tyler Durden Oct 9 '12 at 21:20
You're welcome :) as I like to say, a task complexity depends on the teacher or guide ability to get you going. The LFS book its clear, and it will take you on the journey with no problem. –  jviotti Oct 9 '12 at 21:31
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