Try this tiny Linux distro when nothing else will fit – here’s why

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Tiny Core Linux is an incredibly small distribution.
• This modular distribution can be customized to your specifications.
• Tiny Core Linux isn’t as hard as you might think.

Most Linux distributions (or operating systems in general) typically range from 1- to 5GB in size. Granted, by today’s hard drive capacity standards, that’s minuscule. But if you’re working with an older machine or want a Linux distribution you can carry with you at all times, you’ll want something smaller.

That’s where Tiny Core Linux comes into play.

Also: Ready to ditch Windows for good? This is the Linux distro I recommend for beginners

This lightweight Linux distribution is modular by design and has three versions:

• Core: A terminal-only version that is 17MB in size.
• TinyCore: A desktop version that uses the FLTK/FLWM graphical desktop environment, which is 23MB in size.
• CorePlus: A desktop version that includes seven different desktops to choose from, which is 248MB in size.

You read that right — it’s MB and not GB.

Who is Tiny Core Linux for?

It’s tiny… hence the name. On top of that, like many portable Linux distributions, Tiny Core can run entirely in RAM (unless you install it, at which point, it runs from your internal drive).

Tiny Core Linux isn’t for everyone. You must have a decent understanding of how Linux works, or at least enough curiosity to figure it out. Tiny Core Linux isn’t all that hard; it’s just different.

Why would you want to use such a small distribution? 

Tiny Core Linux is incredibly fast. This Linux distribution is fast in a way that most can’t touch.  

If you’re looking for a great distribution to carry around with you on a USB flash drive, to revive an old desktop or laptop machine, create a kiosk for your small business, give your children a PC to use, set up a machine to learn the ins and outs of Linux, or just have a distribution that’s as fast as any you’ll ever use, Tiny Core Linux is a great option — especially if you’re willing to learn something new.

The quirks of Tiny Core

Tiny Core isn’t for Linux beginners. The primary reason is the OS’s modular nature. For example, when you boot the Tiny Core live instance, you can’t install it. Why? Because you have to install the tc-install extension.

However, if you go with the CorePlus desktop version, it’s a different ballgame. You can still get the same lightning-fast desktop, along with the necessary tools to install the OS. With CorePlus, you don’t have to manually configure networking or add the installer module. You just launch the GUI installer and walk through the installation wizard.

Truth be told, even the CorePlus installer might put off new users. First, it’s old-school. Second, some of the verbiage used might trip you up. For example, on the first page of the wizard, you have to select between Frugal, USB-HDD, or USB-ZIP. If you’re installing on a standard drive, go with Frugal. If you’re looking to run Tiny Core from a USB flash drive, go with either USB-HDD or USB-ZIP. 

Once you’ve selected Frugal, select Whole Disk, which allows you to select the disk to be used, which will most likely be listed as sda. 

With the disk selected, click the right-pointing arrow at the bottom to continue.

Also: I converted this Windows 11 mini PC into a Linux workstation – it was so worth it

In the next window, stick with the default ext4 file system and click the right-pointing arrow to continue.

Do not change anything in the Boot Options Reference List screen. Just click that wonderful right-pointing arrow.

In the Install Type windows, leave everything as-is (unless you need to add wireless support, in which case select the necessary options for your system) and click the right-pointing arrow.

In the final window, review the installation and then click Proceed to begin the process.

In my case, installing Tiny Core as a virtual machine, the installation took roughly 30 seconds.

An entire OS installed in 30 seconds? How is that possible? Because it’s that small.

Also: I’ve used Linux for 30 years. Here are 5 reasons why I’ll never switch to Windows or MacOS

Reboot the machine and wait for it to display the desktop.

You’re done. Sort of.

Because of the simplistic nature of Tiny Core Linux, you’ll be logged into a default user account. You’ll probably want to create a new user with a password, and the only way to do that is via the command line, like this:

sudo adduser USERNAME

Where USERNAME is the name of the user you want to add. 

During this process, you’ll be prompted to enter/verify a password. With that taken care of, you can log out and log in as your new user.

OK, so you’ve managed to install Tiny Core Linux. What next? You can open the App Store and then install some apps (which are actually extensions).

Tiny Core Linux is the tiniest of tinies and is actually a lot of fun to use. No, it’s not going to replace your everyday operating system, but if you’re interested in using one of the fastest OSes on the planet, and don’t mind working with something slightly different, Tiny Core is a great option.

Download the CorePlus ISO from the official Tiny Core site and give this Linux distribution a try.