size of distributions

[storv]

Hello community,

I'm new to the RPI but know something about linux. The basic idea is the use of a central control processor on a sailing yacht. Since there are other systems to show various data on screens, displays, and instruments, I need the RPI simply as a server without keyboard, without screen, thus a small textual linux server. Maintenance will be done from time to time by SSH.

What I'm looking for is a small distribution with some developer ware. Which distribution can you recommend? And where can I find an overlook of distribution image sizes? And finally; I'd like to ask where to find valuable hints for the implementation of an RPI virtual machine under XP/linux.

Thank you in advance,
-wolfram

[DeeJay]

What I'm looking for is a small distribution with some developer ware. Which distribution can you recommend? And where can I find an overlook of distribution image sizes?

The 'default'/recommended choice of Raspbian fits easily on a 4Gb SD card with plenty of room to spare. You don't have to run the gui if it isn't needed. There are smaller 'minimal' systems around, but they are less well supported. Search these forums for 'minimal'.

The RPi Downloads Page links to files held at downloads.raspberrypi.org/ - navigating that server will reveal the size of the downloads.

[storv]

Hello DeeJay,

thank you for quick response. Since I have runned Debian since 15 years, I know about their distribution policies. But debian grows, When I started, it was about some 10 MBytes. Nowadays, it's about 500 MBytes in a 'small' distribution.. Therefore, that is NOT what I'm looking for. You must understand that I'm living aboard with restricted internet access, needing a very small distribution to hold the system lively. If I'm in big habours for a lot of money, there will be no problem: Free WiFi is helpfull. If I'm in a lonely anchor bight, no WiFi is available, but Shortwave is anyway with 1200Bd. For textual eMail, this is satisfying (we did it in the 80th), weatherfax will need time then, internet is impossible, Thus, the smallest linux on the PI is required as a developer's system. It's the biggest aboard...

Debian is a very good system, if you are connected good, and fast. Say 'apt-get update' + 'apt-get upgrade', and you are actual after a minute. They are safe, reliable, concious about their work. A good crew, many good workers.

Are there 'small' alternatives to Raspbian? I need a very small system without gimicks, senseless monitors, senseless processes, senseless audio, senseless video. Again, is the basic idea to have a small, efficient controller aboard to sample, and to control data in an active sense on the TCP stack.

Again, thank you for the quick response although it is not the one, I expected.

Greetings,
-wolfram

[DougieLawson]

You could download XBIAN (216MB (7zipped) which is 1/5th the size of NOOBS). Then strip out the XBMC to leave the basic OS.

Or PiLFS (Pi Linux from Scratch) http://www.intestinate.com/pilfs/about.html which comes in at 341MB (PKzipped). http://circu.it/pilfs/pilfs-base-20131105.zip

[ShiftPlusOne]

Hello,

It doesn't really matter which distro you choose. Arch comes without bells and whistles and would work great, but if you prefer debian-like, then you can use raspbian.

Check the readme here:
https://github.com/hifi/raspbian-ua-netinst

As far as a virtual machine goes, you can't virtualise a pi, but you can emulate it. I have written a tutorial on how to run raspbian in qemu here:
http://xecdesign.com/qemu-emulating-ras ... -easy-way/

Edit:
And if you REALLY want minimal for some reason, look into buildroot and linux from scratch. (I wouldn't recommend this approach)