TinyCore as net-installer for Linux Live USB sticks

[Roberto A. Foglietta]

Hi all,

I have released the v0.3.0 of a set of scripts and files that are able to install a Linux live into a USB bootable stick using Porteus, as example.

• https://github.com/robang74/porteus-usb-installer/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#on-demand-usb-live-image

What's peculiar in here? Nothing, yet. But why in 2025 we are still busy with ISO? Instead of adopting an on-demand USB bootable maker approach? Then, here we are!

In fact, TinyCore can be customised for being a on-demand network installer (cfr. Debian net-install) Kiosk for creating customised USB bootable stick for Linux live distribution.

Enjoy, R-

[Roberto A. Foglietta]

NET INSTALL V0.3.2 FOR PORTEUS v5.1 ALPHA

Release v0.3.2 is committed and ready to be tested by expert users and developers. It is based on v5.1 alpha, because v5.0.1 does not anymore SHA256sum.

• howto: https://github.com/robang74/porteus-usb-installer/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#usage-quick--dirty

The easiest test to try is with the `net-install` on-demand by remote:

Code: [Select]

mkdir usbtest; cd usbtest
bash <(wget -qO- tinyurl.com/27om5cm3)

Just few more information:

• the LIVE on VFAT seem faster in boot because the EXT4 install leverage lazy options on mkfs.ext4.
• performances greatly varies among USB sticks, some are more for VFAT and others better on EXT4 journaled.
• The Porteus v5.1 alpha is slower in boot than the v5.0.1 and it easy to catch the difference

In the next version I will try different ways to deal with filesystems, to find a more suitable set of options.

However, 0.3.2 is going to stay because I have another project to carry on.

Therefore, I will care about developing further the v0.3.2 only in case of bug fixing for a little while in the future.

Enjoy, R-