Tiny Core Linux

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Tiny Core Linux
Software Details:
Version: 8.0 / 8.1 RC3 updated
Upload Date: 2 Sep 17
Distribution Type: Freeware
Downloads: 1234

Rating: 4.0/5 (Total Votes: 4)

Tiny Core Linux is an open source project that provides users with a collection of minimal and modular Linux distributions that can be used to create full featured desktop and server operating systems, as well as appliances.

The project comprises of three main editions, Core, Tiny Core, and Tiny Core Plus. While the first one is the most tiny of them all and has no graphical interface, the second and third ones use a minimal window manager and various applications.

Distributed as 32-bit Live CDs

All three editions are available for download from the dedicated section (see above) as ISO images, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware platforms. They can be written to USB sticks or burned onto CD discs.

Boot options

The boot prompt is different for each Tiny Core Linux edition. For example, the Core version has a minimal shell prompt where you can press the Enter key to start the live environment or use the F2, F3 and F4 keys for advanced boot options.

On the other hand, the boot menu of the Tiny Core edition allows users to boot the live environment with default settings, configured for low-end machines, as well as to boot the Core flavor (command-line only).

The Tiny Core Plus edition comes with a more complex boot prompt that lets users to boot the live environment with various window managers, among which we can mention JWM (Joe's Window Manager), Fluxbox, IceWM, Openbox, FLWM, and Hackedbox.

The latter is the biggest of them all and includes a plethora of community build extensions, providing a straightforward way to get started using the Tiny Core philosophy, enabling users to effortlessly install a supported desktop.

Bottom line

All in all, the Tiny Core Linux project provides a wide range of GNU/Linux distributions that boot extremely fast into a graphical or command-line interface, offering basic functionality.

What is new in this release:

  • patched busybox rpm2cpio lzma bug
  • tc-config: static ip - from andyj

What is new in version 8.0:

  • busybox updated to 1.25.1 and cpio patched for uid/gid error
  • kernel updated to 4.8.17
  • glibc updated to 2.24
  • gcc updated to 6.2.0
  • e2fsprogs base libs/apps updated to 1.43.3
  • util-linux base libs/apps updated to 2.28.2

What is new in version 7.2:

  • tc-functions: ondemand improvements, from Misalf
  • tc-config, rcS: move clear from tc-config to rcS, requested by andyj
  • tc-functions: allow passing args to ondemand items without .desktop files, from Misalf
  • ondemand, tc-functions: quote args
  • tc-functions, ondemand: pass arguments, patch from Misalf
  • ondemand: Don't start yourself, space cleanup

What is new in version 7.1:

New in Tiny Core Linux 7.0 (February 25th, 2016)

What is new in version 7.0:

  • kernel updated to 4.2.9 with the latest stable patch, with these config changes:
  • minstrel enabled for some wireless cards
  • vmmouse disabled for VMWare + Xvesa
  • the cpu limit on the 64-bit kernel raised to 64
  • busybox updated to 1.24.1
  • busybox patched to fix "crontab -e" error
  • glibc updated to 2.22
  • glibc patched for dns vunerability
  • gcc updated to 5.2.0
  • e2fsprogs base libs/apps updated to 1.42.13
  • util-linux base libs/apps updated to 2.27
  • tc-config: use full path for hwclock, from Misalf

What is new in version 6.4.1:

  • tce-load, tce-setup: don't leave a hanging /mnt/test dir by dentonlt
  • tc-functions: allow passing args to ondemand items without .desktop files by Misalf
  • ondemand, tc-functions: quote args
  • tc-functions, ondemand: pass arguments by Misalf
  • ondemand: don't start yourself, space cleanup
  • cliorx: proper quoting by yiyus

What is new in version 6.4:

  • tce-load: recursive_scan_dep should print full dependencies for every app, from aswjh
  • motd: new ascii penguin, from nitram
  • tce-load: correct exit code in some cases, from aswjh

What is new in version 6.3:

  • tce-load: exit if fromwhere doesn't exist
  • tc-config: nfs4 patch from gerald_clark
  • tce-load: separate the listing and handling loops, patch from aswjh
  • tce-audit: fix adding missing extensions to tce_lst
  • tce-setup: move extension loop to tce-load, 4% speedup in CorePlus tce-setup time from aswjh
  • tce-load: simplification by aswjh
  • tce-load: simplify app_exists by aswjh
  • tce-load: -t TCEDIR patch from aswjh

What is new in version 6.2:

  • tce-audit: similar speedup patch from aswjh
  • tc-config: nfs4 mount changes from gerald_clark
  • tce-load: 2% speedup from aswjh
  • tce-size: apply patch from Greg Erskine for no-deps files
  • tce-remove, rc.shutdown: update copy2fs name
  • tce-ab: convert to a symlink
  • tce-load: awk recursion changes changed to a subshell, so exit status needs to be passed
  • tce-setup: wait for slow CD drives

What is new in version 5.4 / 6.1 RC1:

  • busybox updated to 1.23.1
  • tce-load: apply awk patch from forum member aswjh
  • settime.sh: fix systems with default year not 1970
  • tce-load: remove unused depi variable
  • search.sh: awk patch from aswjh
  • search.sh: move common part to a function
  • tce-audit: awk patch from aswjh
  • Also in conjuction with the above in Xprogs:
  • apps: quote the search argument, patch from aswjh
  • apps: reload the list on an empty search
  • apps: Set a minimum size to the window
  • apps: Nicer resize behavior

What is new in version 5.4:

  • /etc/services: added entries for nfs server
  • /usr/bin/filetool.sh: Print 'Done' in new line
  • updated udev 173 -> 174 to fix race condition (thanks to edgardogho)

What is new in version 5.4 RC1:

  • /etc/services: added entries for nfs server
  • /usr/bin/filetool.sh: Print 'Done' in new line
  • updated udev 173 -> 174 to fix race condition (thanks to edgardogho)

What is new in version 5.3:

  • busybox: updated nosuid to 1.22.1, added ntpd, corrected dc failure, modified wget timeout to 10s
  • tce-load: don't show an error when extension contains multiple modules
  • tc-config: change owner /tmp/tce/optional to support tftplist (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • tce-load: use sudo when unmounting meta-extensions
  • Added full path to sudo'd commands
  • tc-config: introduce ntpserver boot option
  • Switch getTime.sh to ntpd
  • Replace aliases with functions in useBusybox

What is new in version 5.3 RC2:

  • busybox: updated nosuid to 1.22.1, added ntpd, corrected dc failure, modified wget timeout to 10s
  • tce-load: Don't show an error when extension contains multiple modules
  • tc-config: Change owner /tmp/tce/optional to support tftplist (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • tce-load: Use sudo when unmounting meta-extensions
  • Added full path to sudo'd commands
  • tc-config: introduce ntpserver boot option
  • Switch getTime.sh to ntp
  • Replace aliases with functions in useBusybox

What is new in version 5.3 RC1:

  • tce-load: Don't show an error when extension contains multiple modules
  • tc-config: Change owner /tmp/tce/optional to support tftplist (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • tce-load: Use sudo when unmounting meta-extensions
  • tc_noscan.lst: initial commit
  • tc-config: removed ntpd boot option
  • Added full path to sudo'd commands
  • tc-config: introduce ntpserver boot option
  • Switch to ntp
  • bb-aliases: Remove pointless sudo
  • Fix sudo call
  • Replace aliases with functions in useBusybox

What is new in version 5.2:

  • rebuildfstab: do not replace fstab entries for a device that does not have "Added by TC" on the line (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • init: increase the default inode count
  • ondemand: don't list extensions under subdirs in onboot maintenance
  • ldd: add wildcard to support both x86 and x86_64
  • busybox updated to 1.21.1 plus wget patches and split suid/nosuid for better security
  • ldd: Added quotes for binaries with spaces in their names
  • /etc/services: modified to suit rpcbind rather than portmap
  • tc-functions: Removed the getpasswd stars to allow backspace to work

What is new in version 5.2 RC3:

  • rebuildfstab: not replace fstab entries for a device that does not have "Added by TC" on the line (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • init: increase the default inode count
  • ondemand: don't list extensions under subdirs in onboot maintenance
  • ldd: add wildcard to support both x86 and x86_64
  • busybox updated to 1.21.1 plus wget patches and split suid/nosuid for better security
  • ldd: Added quotes for binaries with spaces in their names
  • /etc/services: modified to suit rpcbind rather than portmap
  • tc-functions: Removed the getpasswd stars to allow backspace to work

What is new in version 5.2 RC2:

  • init: increase the default inode count
  • ondemand: don't list extensions under subdirs in onboot maintenance
  • ldd: add wildcard to support both x86 and x86_64
  • busybox updated to 1.21.1 plus wget patches and split suid/nosuid for better security
  • ldd: Added quotes for binaries with spaces in their names
  • /etc/services: modified to suit rpcbind rather than portmap
  • tc-functions: Removed the getpasswd stars to allow backspace to work

What is new in version 5.1:

  • kernel: updated from 3.8.10 to 3.8.13, to correct long sync issues
  • (This is a minor update to fix a specific bug. No config changes)
  • tce-fetch: updated to support $KERNEL parameter (thanks to maro)
  • version: added multi-architecture support
  • tc-functions: getbootparam updated to properly match a parameter that is a substring
  • tc-functions: getpasswd updated to preserve last character entered in a password

What is new in version 5.1 RC1:

  • kernel: updated from 3.8.10 to 3.8.13, to correct long sync issues (This is a minor update to fix a specific bug. No config changes)
  • tce-fetch: updated to support $KERNEL parameter (thanks to maro)
  • version: added multi-architecture support
  • tc-functions: getbootparam updated to properly match a parameter that is a substring.

What is new in version 5.0.2:

  • tc-config: pretce processing done earlier to allow loading of network drivers (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • tc-config: Cosmetic text message adjustments - (thanks to ioannis)
  • tc-config: allows the nfs directory to be mounted without -onolock (thanks to Gerald Clark)
  • tc-functions: setupHome to allow existing empty home directory
  • tc-config: Restore mkdir home to support tftplist
  • ondemand: Fix remove option when called without .tcz suffix
  • server-side syslinux synchronised with isolinux.bin from the latest 5.x extension

What is new in version 5.0.1:

  • Updated tc-functions: setupHome to preserve permissions on persistent home.
  • Updated tc-config: minor adjustments for setupHome.
  • Updated zlib-1.2.7 -> 1.2.8 due to bug (thanks to user helasz for reporting this).

What is new in version 5.0:

  • kernel update to 3.8.10 with (u)efi boot enabled
  • option to use vmlinuz + rootfs.gz + modules.gz or vmlinuz64 + rootfs.gz + modules64.gz (where boot loader permits)
  • aterm, freetype, imlib2, jpeg and libpng factored out of Xlibs/Xprogs
  • glibc updated to 2.17 and recompiled against 3.8.x kernel headers
  • gcc updated to 4.7.2, recompiled against 3.8.x kernel headers and cloog, gmp, mpc, mpfr and ppl
  • e2fsprogs base libs/apps updated to 1.42.7
  • util-linux base libs/apps updated to 2.23.1
  • scm extensions have been dropped
  • /usr/sbin/fstype modified for new blkid output (supress "/dev/sda" type output in /etc/fstab and mount gui)
  • fixed copy2fs bug with tc-load
  • localhost.local domain added to /etc/hosts, /usr/bin/sethostname for avahi compatibility/libcups printing
  • 50-udev-default.rules adjusted to allow rw access to /dev/rfkill

What is new in version 5.0 Alpha 3:

  • Fixed copy2fs bug with tc-load (thanks to Gerald Clark for reporting).

What is new in version 4.7.7:

  • Updated tc-terminal-server to remove offending option.
  • Updated select to by pass a menu of only 1 item.
  • Updated .profile and .ashrc to handle EDITOR env variable in both CLI and X.
  • Updated tc-functions useBusybox added cat and sync.

What is new in version 4.7.6:

  • Updated tce-setup to support startup script for gzs.
  • Updated tc-terminal-server added boot_file /pxelinux.0

What is new in version 4.7.5:

  • Updated autologin to use getty.
  • Fixed permission on busybox.conf for user umount.
  • Updated tce-load to prevent download of existing valid extensions.

What is new in version 4.7.4:

  • Updated rebuildfstab to exclude LVM2 members
  • Updated select to handle no items from pipe.
  • Updated tc-functions getMirror to optionally specify build type.

What is new in version 4.7.3:

  • Improved system integrity by updating Core scripts to directly call busybox ash and useBusybox function.
  • Updated tce-load to improve module detection.
  • Updated filetool.sh dryrun report for handling spaces in filename.

What is new in version 4.7.2:

  • Updated /opt/tcemirror to default to new server.
  • Updated provides.sh for local download and integrated local search.
  • Updated search.sh and scm-search.sh for local searching.
  • Updated tc-functions to support corepure64 repository and useBusybox aliases function.
  • Updated tc-config to factor out rcS
  • New boot code xonly to disable Exit to Prompt in exittc GUI.
  • Removed deprecated keyword cgi.

What is new in version 4.7.1a:

  • Updated Apps GUI to fix missing buttons on Selective Copy to File System.
  • Updated tce-load - added -f option to force overwrite of existing items. Use with caution.
  • Updated tc-functions - added support for arm builds.
  • Updated tce - cleanup display when no .dep or .tree files exist.
  • Updated ondemand - try to execute already loaded CLI items.

What is new in version 4.7:

  • Updated ondemand to suport scm extensions and icons from both tcz and scm.
  • Updated wbar - to support scm ondemand icons.
  • Updated scmapps GUI for new ondemand maintenace and download option.
  • Updated scm-load - new option -wo ondemand download.
  • Updated tc-functions - added new support functions.
  • Updated scm to interface to updated scmaps GUI.
  • New scm-run to support scriptable load and launch scm style extensions.
  • Updated filetool - New GUI access to ,filetool.lst, .xfiletool.lst, and backup options.
  • Updated filetool.sh to interface to updated filetool GUI.
  • Updated apps GUI - New Check Onboot Unneeded and changes required by ondemand scm support.
  • New chkonboot.sh for cli Core only use.
  • Updated tce-setup for consistency in handling onboot.lst and scmlist.lst.
  • Updated loadcpufreq to allow blacklisting.

What is new in version 4.7 RC4:

  • Updated ondemand to suport scm extensions and icons from both tcz and scm.
  • Updated wbar - to support scm ondemand icons.
  • Updated scmapps GUI for new ondemand maintenace and download option.
  • Updated scm-load - new option -wo ondemand download.
  • Updated tc-functions - added new support functions.
  • Updated scm to interface to updated scmaps GUI.
  • New scm-run to support scriptable load and launch scm style extensions.
  • Updated filetool - New GUI access to ,filetool.lst, .xfiletool.lst, and backup options.
  • Updated filetool.sh to interface to updated filetool GUI.
  • Updated apps GUI - New Check Onboot Unneeded and changes required by ondemand scm support.
  • New chkonboot.sh for cli Core only use.
  • Updated tce-setup for consistency in handling onboot.lst and scmlist.lst.
  • Updated loadcpufreq to allow blacklisting.

What is new in version 4.6.2 / 4.7 RC3:

  • New scm-run
  • Updated scmapps - new OnDemand download option.
  • Updated scm-load - new option -wo ondemand download
  • Updated tc-functions - added new support functions
  • Updated ondemand - now supports icons from both tcz and scm
  • Updated wbar - to support on demand icons
  • Updated Apps GUI - Check OnBoot Unneeded added "Scan complete" message
  • Updated filetool GUI - added directory support and enhanced tab labels

What is new in version 4.7 RC2:

  • Updated loadcpufreq to allow blacklisting
  • Fixed reported issues with OnBoot checking
  • Fixed reported issues with OnDemand scm launching
  • Updated apps and scmaps GUI to support relative path.
  • Updated wbar as required for new OnDemand structure

What is new in version 4.7 RC1:

  • Updated filetool - New GUI access to ,filetool.lst, .xfiletool.lst, and backup options.
  • Updated filetool.sh to interface to updated filetool GUI.
  • Updated ondemand to suport scm extensions.
  • Updated scmapps GUI for new ondemand maintenace.
  • Updated scm to interface to updated scmaps GUI
  • Updated apps GUI - New Check Onboot Unneeded and changes required by ondemand scm support.
  • New chkonboot.sh for cli Core only use.
  • Updated tce-setup for consistency in handling onboot.lst and scmlist.lst, dropped .scm from scmlist.lst items.

What is new in version 4.6.2:

  • Updated scm-load. Dropped tcz check for dependencies.
  • Updated help screen for scm-load and tce-load.
  • Updated rebuildfstab to support raid members.
  • Updated tc-config call set time for no real time clock arm systems.
  • Updated tc-config to quiet unneeded messages.
  • New set-time.sh called for systems with no real time clock.
  • Updated tc-terminal-server to require essential fields.

What is new in version 4.6.1:

  • Updated ondemand. Added hash -r to generated ondemand scripts to better support CLI and non-menu extensions.
  • Updated filetoo.sh. Added encryption key integrity check before restore.
  • Updated rebuildfstab. Added support for network block devices.
  • Updated tc-config. Added nortc (no real time clock) boot code for arm devices.
  • Updated tce-ab. Cosmetic title change to reflect new name.

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