Custom Debian distributions and Debian derivatives

Aigars Mahinovs

Debconf 5 – Debian Day

Definitions

Distribution – a set of OS kernel and supporting software in a defined format with the possibility of some integration by adjusting configuration defaults. Also some services are part of the package.

Derived distribution – a distribution that was made to be somehow different from the base distribution. Usually services must be remade.

Custom Distribution – a tool kit that allows creating derived distribution within the base distribution

Family trees

RedHat (~50)

Mandrake

SuSe

Fedora

Debian (~150)

Knoppix

Skolelinux

Ubuntu

Slackware (~30)

Gentoo, LFS, independent distributions

Why to derive from Debian?

Strict policy and packaging standarts

Gigantic number of packaged programs

Small and simple base system

Flexible installation infrastructure

Long release cycle ensuring a stable base

Non-commercial nature (support, not a concurent, freelancing experts)

Knoppix

Klauss Knopper

Live CD

Spawned hundreds of derivatives including those based on other distributions and operating systems (Morphix, Clusterix, Cute, DeadCD, ....)

Best way to try out Linux without any installation

Best system recovery tools

Stable environment everywhere you go

Ubuntu

Mark Shuttleworth

“humanity to others”

Employs 40+ Debian Developers to create a distribution that would be usable by the common man

Releases every 6 months

Developed many added features that afterwards are integrated back into Debian

Best first distribution

Special Area distributions

Vienux

LinEx

Arabix

Catix

LIIS Linux

....

Hundreds of distributions, usually totally unknown outside the specific area.

Special purpose distributions

Educational distributions (Skolelinux, Freeducd)

Scientific distributions (Bionix, GEOlivre)

Hobby distributions (AGNULA, HAMix)

High security distributions (Adamantix, LAS)

Server oriented (Clusterix, Defender, TupiServer)

......

For any purpose a special purpose distribution can be made.

Comercial base derivatives

Ubuntu

Progeny

Amber Linux

...

The aim in not to make the best distribution, but to make a set of a distribution an personell that will be able to adjust this distribution to any neede purposes.

CDD framework

Few simple files

No derivation from Debian – less work

Ability to adjust all needed features:

packages selection

configuration of packages

file overrides

recompiled packages (with patches)

added new packages

Future of derivatives

Minimal derivation:

less maintenance work

more comparability gains

no retraining

ability to become a base for others

More contribution back to base

Easier creation, maintenance and instalation

A purpose -> a tool.

Summary

There are hundreds of Debian Derivatives

Every one of them is customised for a purpose

Usually they are the best tools available for this purpose

Every Debian Derivative bases on strengths of Debian and adds its own special benefits

Debian Derivatives will increasingly become CDDs and will concentrate on their strengths becoming better and easier

Soon even you will be able to make a CDD!

2005-07-08T21:33:49