Source Mage GNU/Linux

Source Mage GNU/Linux is an open source distribution of Linux built from scratch, in the style of the Gentoo Linux operating system. It a hybrid DIY distro that requires you to install it by compiling a kernel and various other packages.

It’s distributed as an installable-only ISO image

The Source Mage GNU/Linux distribution can be downloaded from Softoware as an installable-only ISO image, archived with the bz2 compression method. Both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures are supported at this time.

Basic text-mode boot menu

To install the Source Mage GNU/Linux operating system, press the Enter key at the boot prompt. If you need to pass extra kernel parameters, type the “install” command at the boot prompt followed by the respective kernel parameters.

How the installation works

After booting the operating system, you will be immediately dropped to an interactive shell prompt. Type “next” to start the installation. The installation process will require you to first partition the disk, then format it, mount the filesystem and choose the spells to install.

Furthermore, you must edit the basic configuration and compile the kernel, install and set up a bootloader, set the root (system administrator) password, as well as to set up users and passwords.

The installation will take a few hours

Because of the fact that you have to compile the kernel and other required packages, the installation will take a few hours. Please remember that if you’re stuck at a certain step, you must use the “prev” command to go back or type help at any moment to view the available commands.

It is no longer under active development

Since May 2011, the Source Mage GNU/Linux distribution is no longer under active development. It will no longer receive updates and has been archived for historical references purposes only.

What is new in this release:

• Updated kernel (2.6.27.10) = better support for newer hardware
• Use of udev during boot enables automatic hardware probing and detection
• New text-only installer interface -> stays out of your way better for more experienced users -> provides more helpful information for less experienced users -> ability to jump back and forth between installation steps - no need to completely start over if you mess up -> able to handle more advanced and complicated setups
• LVM and raid support
• Documentation for all ISO packages available during the install
• Fast installs! experienced users have reported 10 minute installs! (note: dependent on linux experience, hardware, and how simple your install setup is)