How would I modify the core components of Linux (preferably debian or ubuntu) to make my own distro?

by theweb · 3 Comments
in Questions and Answers

linux
Dustin asked:


I want to make my own distribution, targeted at linux newbies making the transition to linux. I would prefer it to be based on debian or ubuntu due to the large amount of software for both, yet something my own. Like a custom boot screen, one centralized task bar, and if it is in any way possible, the last copy of beryl. I would need the iso file.

3 Responses to “How would I modify the core components of Linux (preferably debian or ubuntu) to make my own distro?”

Comments

  1. Mike says:
    November 18, 2008 at 6:33 am

    If you are asking a question of this level, it is highly unlikely that you have the skill to make a bug free distribution of a complex operating system.

  2. Matt Flaschen says:
    November 20, 2008 at 11:21 pm

    This is possible of course. There are already many derivatives of both distributions, and of course Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian. Basically, you would get the source code of the packages you want, modify them, add any extra packages, and rebuild. Then you publish on an apt mirror.

    However, this is making it sound much easier than it is. I agree that you should probably learn more about GNU/Linux before attempting this. Good luck.

  3. Slacker says:
    November 23, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    You can create a Linux distribution (more or less) without knowing how to program. The biggest part is deciding what software you want to include. But knowing how to program is useful for writing tools/scripts for your distribution and fixing bugs. Try to learn some C and python/sh scripting for a start.

    There are tools available to help you create a custom Ubuntu distribution:

    Check out the Linux Mint distribution:

    The main developer uses tools like the ones above to make Mint. But he also writes tools for it called “Mint tools” and even added a software portal and many desktop innovations to Mint.

    Also look at this if you want to build a system from source code:

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