Core is a lightweight GNU/Linux distribution that prioritizes minimalism.
Upon a fresh installation of Core, the user is greeted with a console and provided with all the necessary tools to perform tasks - nothing beyond that is required! Though Core is primarily intended for experienced Linux users, it has recently garnered an audience among those looking to learn more about Linux and its operation.
One thing that stood out to me was the requirement for manual configuration, compiling and installation of applications, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. However, for those who enjoy delving into man pages and documentation, Core could be worth checking out.
The installation process for Core is quite straightforward, with just a few simple steps to follow. After downloading, burning and booting the ISO, the user will need to partition, format and mount the hard drive. It is recommended to use 'install_core [mount point of hard drive]' to proceed, and any optional packages can be installed with corepkg(8).
One noteworthy aspect is that the kernel is located in /pkgs/kernel and should be copied to /usr/src of the hard drive. After running 'chroot [mount point] bash -l' to chroot into the new system, users can then compile and install the Linux kernel (be sure to run LILO). It is also important to review and modify the files under /etc before finally rebooting and starting to construct the new system.
If you're looking for a tried-and-tested minimalist Linux distribution that provides a great deal of control and flexibility, Core may be the way to go. Its strongest attributes are its simplicity, ease of installation and operation, and its ability to serve as a great learning experience for those seeking to learn more about Linux.
Version 2.0 Beta: N/A