Blueflops is a Linux distribution utilizing two floppies, which offers a graphical web browser (Links with svgalib) and an IRC client (Tirc).
If you're looking for a lightweight Linux distribution that can fit on just two floppies, then blueflops is definitely worth considering. As an added bonus, it comes with a graphical web browser (based on "links" using svgalib) and an IRC client (tirc).
Under the hood, blueflops runs on kernel version 2.6.12.3 and has almost all of the Ethernet drivers and PPP support (for dial-up connections). The C library is uClibc-0.9.26 and kernel image is compressed with UPX-1.90. You can even use HTTPS thanks to OpenSSL, a rare feature for such a small distribution.
But perhaps one of the biggest selling points of blueflops is its user-friendly configuration process. The setup script accesses all configuration scripts and even has a nice "dialog" front-end. You can save, load, erase configurations – in short, it's highly customizable.
Network connectivity is another strength of blueflops. It supports DHCP client and has drivers for a wide range of Ethernet cards, including 3COM, AMD LANCE and PCnet, SMC Ultra, Racal-Interlan, and many more. Support for pocket and portable adapters and USB CDC Ethernet is also included.
Utility programs include links (with SSL and partial javascript support), tirc (an IRC client), tetris (the famous game), fdisk and cfdisk (partitioning programs), and various text editors and SSH clients. Standard UNIX utilities such as ifconfig, nslookup, netstat, telnet, traceroute, and various compression tools are also included.
File system support includes minix, VFAT, and tmpfs, and the system requirements are modest – an i386 processor and 16 MB of RAM (though it's technically possible to run with just 8 MB and swap space).
Installation is straightforward; just run ./install.sh on a serious OS (or install.bat on DOS or Windows), write "blueflops 1" and "blueflops 2" on the floppies, and boot from the first floppy.
The latest release (as of writing) includes kernel 2.6.14.2, links-2.1.pre19 with new fonts (including Cyrillic), Busybox-1.1.0-pre1, and support for ULi M5261/M5263 Ethernet Controller, among other changes.
Overall, blueflops is a solid option for those in need of a lightweight, customizable Linux distribution with networking capabilities and basic utilities. Its simple installation process and user-friendly configuration make it a great choice for those who need a quick and easy solution.
Under the hood, blueflops runs on kernel version 2.6.12.3 and has almost all of the Ethernet drivers and PPP support (for dial-up connections). The C library is uClibc-0.9.26 and kernel image is compressed with UPX-1.90. You can even use HTTPS thanks to OpenSSL, a rare feature for such a small distribution.
But perhaps one of the biggest selling points of blueflops is its user-friendly configuration process. The setup script accesses all configuration scripts and even has a nice "dialog" front-end. You can save, load, erase configurations – in short, it's highly customizable.
Network connectivity is another strength of blueflops. It supports DHCP client and has drivers for a wide range of Ethernet cards, including 3COM, AMD LANCE and PCnet, SMC Ultra, Racal-Interlan, and many more. Support for pocket and portable adapters and USB CDC Ethernet is also included.
Utility programs include links (with SSL and partial javascript support), tirc (an IRC client), tetris (the famous game), fdisk and cfdisk (partitioning programs), and various text editors and SSH clients. Standard UNIX utilities such as ifconfig, nslookup, netstat, telnet, traceroute, and various compression tools are also included.
File system support includes minix, VFAT, and tmpfs, and the system requirements are modest – an i386 processor and 16 MB of RAM (though it's technically possible to run with just 8 MB and swap space).
Installation is straightforward; just run ./install.sh on a serious OS (or install.bat on DOS or Windows), write "blueflops 1" and "blueflops 2" on the floppies, and boot from the first floppy.
The latest release (as of writing) includes kernel 2.6.14.2, links-2.1.pre19 with new fonts (including Cyrillic), Busybox-1.1.0-pre1, and support for ULi M5261/M5263 Ethernet Controller, among other changes.
Overall, blueflops is a solid option for those in need of a lightweight, customizable Linux distribution with networking capabilities and basic utilities. Its simple installation process and user-friendly configuration make it a great choice for those who need a quick and easy solution.
What's New
Version 2.0.13: N/A