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Damn Small Linux
Damn Small Linux
Damn Small Linux
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Damn Small Linux
Damn Small Linux 4.4.10
DeveloperJohn Andrews, et al.
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen source
Initial releaseApril 13, 2005; 20 years ago (2005-04-13)
Latest release4.4.10[1] Edit this on Wikidata / 18 November 2008; 16 years ago (18 November 2008)
Latest preview2024 RC 7[2] Edit this on Wikidata / 18 September 2024; 13 months ago (18 September 2024)
Kernel typeMonolithic Linux kernel
Default
user interface		Fluxbox, JWM[3]
LicenseFree software licenses
(mainly GPL)
Official websitewww.damnsmalllinux.org
Damn Small Linux demonstration

Damn Small Linux (DSL) is a Linux distribution for the x86 family of personal computers. It is free and open-source software under the terms of the GNU GPL and other free and open-source licenses. DSL is designed to run graphical user interface applications on older PC hardware, but the exact specifications required differ significantly between the original version and the modern version.

History

[edit]

DSL was originally conceived and maintained by John Andrews. For five years the community included Robert Shingledecker who created the MyDSL system, DSL Control Panel and other features. After issues with the main developers, Shingledecker was, by his account, exiled from the project.[4] He currently continues his work on Tiny Core Linux which he created in April 2008.

DSL was originally based on Model-K, a 22 MB stripped-down version of Knoppix, but soon after was based on Knoppix proper, allowing much easier remastering and improvements. The distribution is now based on Debian and antiX.[5]

Original DSL

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Originally, DSL supported machines with as little as a 486 microprocessor and 8 megabytes (MB) of random-access memory (RAM). The live CD itself was only 50 MB in size. What originally began as an experiment to see how much software could fit in 50 MB eventually became a full Linux distribution. It could be installed on storage media with small capacities, like bootable business cards, USB flash drives, various memory cards, and Zip drives.

This version of DSL was last developed in 2012, with its last stable release in 2008.[6]

Modern DSL

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In 2024, a release candidate for DSL was released, the first in twelve years. This newer version has rather higher system requirements, and a size limit of 700 MB, but still supports older 32-bit systems. This version is based on antiX rather than Knoppix.

System requirements

[edit]

DSL is designed to primarily support x86 PCs. The minimum system requirements for the older version were a 486 processor and 8 MB of RAM. DSL has been demonstrated by browsing the web with Dillo, running simple games, and playing music on systems with a 486 processor and 16 MB of RAM. The system requirements are higher for running Mozilla Firefox and optional add-ons such as the OpenOffice.org office suite.

Features

[edit]

Version 4.4.10 of DSL, released November 18, 2008, included the following software:

DSL has built-in scripts to download and install Advanced Packaging Tool (APT). Once APT is enabled, a user can install packages from Debian's repositories. Also, DSL hosts software ranging from large applications like OpenOffice.org and GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), to smaller ones such as aMSN, by means of the MyDSL system, which allows convenient one-click download and installing of software. Files hosted on MyDSL are called extensions. As of June 2008, the MyDSL servers were hosting over 900 applications, plugins, and other extensions.

Boot options

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DSL boot options, called cheat codes

Boot options are also called "cheat codes" in DSL. Automatic hardware detection may fail, or the user may want to use something other than the default settings (language, keyboard, VGA, fail-safe graphics, text mode...). DSL allows the user to enter one or more cheat codes at the boot prompt. If nothing is entered, DSL will boot with the default options. Cheat codes affect many auto-detection and hardware options. Many cheat codes also affect the GUI. The list of cheat codes can be seen at boot time and also at the DSL Wiki.

The MyDSL system

[edit]

MyDSL is handled and maintained mostly by Robert Shingledecker and hosted by many organizations, such as ibiblio and Belgium's BELNET. There are two areas of MyDSL: regular and testing. The regular area contains extensions that have been proven stable enough for everyday use and is broken down into different areas such as apps, net, system, and uci (Universal Compressed ISO - Extensions in .uci format are mounted as a separate file system to minimize RAM use). The testing area is for newly submitted extensions that theoretically work well enough but may have any number of bugs.

Versions and ports

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Release timeline

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Release history[7]
Version Date
1.0 2005-04-13
1.1 2005-05-05
1.2 2005-06-07
1.3 2005-07-14
1.4 2005-08-02
1.5 2005-09-06
2.0 2005-11-22
2.4 2006-05-16
3.0 2006-06-20
3.1 2006-11-29
3.2 2007-01-18
3.3 2007-04-03
3.4 2007-07-03
4.0 2007-10-23
4.1 2007-12-02
4.2 2007-12-18
4.3 2008-04-22
4.4 2008-06-09
2024-RC7 2024-06-08[8]

Ports and derivatives

[edit]

DSL was ported to the Xbox video game console as X-DSL. X-DSL requires a modified Xbox. It can run as a Live CD or be installed to the Xbox hard drive. Users have also run X-DSL from a USB flash drive, using the USB adaptor included with Phantasy Star Online, which plugs into the memory card slot and includes one USB 1.1 port. X-DSL boots into a X11-based GUI; the Xbox controller can be used to control the mouse pointer and enter text using a virtual keyboard. X-DSL has a Fluxbox desktop, with programs for E-mail, web browsing, word processing and playing music. X-DSL can be customized by downloading extensions from the same MyDSL servers as DSL.

Linux distributions derived from Damn Small Linux include Hikarunix, used for a CD image that runs the game of Go released in 2005,[9][10] and Damn Vulnerable Linux.

Live USB

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A Live USB of Damn Small Linux can be created manually or with applications like UNetbootin.[11] See List of tools to create Live USB systems for full list.

Status

[edit]

Due to disagreements and irreconcilable differences among the project's originators and main developers, DSL development seemed to be at a standstill for a long time, and the future of the project was uncertain, much to the dismay of many of the users.[4]

On July 8, 2012, John Andrews (the original developer) announced that a new release was being developed. The DSL website, including the forums which were once inaccessible, were back, as well.[12] The first RC of the new 4.11 was released on August 3, 2012,[13] followed by a second one on September 26.

On February 1, 2024, DSL 2024 Alpha 1 was announced and released on the project's webpage.[14][15] May 22nd 2024 the DSL forum has a post "Release Candidate 4 Now Available"[16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Damn Small Linux

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Damn Small Linux (DSL) is a lightweight, free and open-source Linux distribution designed for older x86 hardware, originally launched in 2002 as a compact 50MB live CD based on Knoppix and Debian to enable full graphical computing on minimal resources. After a 12-year hiatus, DSL was revived in 2024 as a 660-700MB ISO built on antiX 23 (itself derived from Debian and MEPIS), emphasizing compatibility with low-spec systems while incorporating modern lightweight applications for web browsing, office tasks, multimedia, and system management. Key features include dual window managers (Fluxbox and JWM), essential software such as Firefox-ESR and Dillo browsers, AbiWord word processor, Gnumeric spreadsheet, Sylpheed email client, MPV media player, and text-based tools like Ranger file manager, all optimized to fit within CD-sized media for easy booting and persistence on USB or hard drives. DSL supports graphical installation, APT package management for Debian repositories, and multilingual options including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian Portuguese (with some reduced, restorable via script), targeting users seeking to repurpose legacy PCs for efficient, resource-light operations without bloat.

History

Origins and Early Development

Damn Small Linux was created by John Andrews in 2002 as a minimalist based on 3.2, which itself derives from , with the primary goal of compressing a functional desktop into a 50MB image suitable for boot floppies and CDs. This design aimed to deliver a complete operating environment that could operate efficiently on limited storage media, prioritizing portability and ease of use for users without access to high-capacity drives. The initial public releases appeared in early 2003, with version 0.3.3 featured in a review by Germany's User magazine in June of that year, marking an early milestone in its visibility. These versions emphasized RAM-based operation, loading the entire into memory for fast performance and to breathe new life into aging x86 hardware, including 486 processors equipped with just 8MB of RAM. This approach allowed DSL to function as a live without requiring disk installation, making it ideal for testing, operations, or temporary use on obsolete . Central to DSL's foundational design were ambitions to provide a fully graphical within the strict 50MB limit, utilizing the lightweight JWM as an efficient alternative to for window management. Essential applications were selected for their minimal footprint, including the web browser for lightweight surfing, the word processor and spreadsheet for basic office tasks, and multimedia tools such as for audio playback. These choices ensured a balanced, usable system focused on core productivity without excess bloat. Early community engagement grew rapidly through platforms like for distribution and discussion, alongside the project's dedicated forums, fostering contributions and feedback centered on booting and hardware compatibility. By mid-2003, this support had propelled DSL into international recognition, with features in magazines and interviews highlighting its innovative compactness.

Peak Popularity and Evolution

The release of Damn Small Linux (DSL) 1.0 in April 2005 marked a significant milestone, delivering a stable 50 MB distribution that fit a complete onto a business card-sized medium. This version included a suite of applications such as web browsers like and , email client , office tools including the flwriter and Siag , a PDF and MS Office document viewer, graphics editor XPaint, media player , file manager , and various simple games, enabling full graphical functionality on legacy hardware. Concurrently, the MyDSL extension system was introduced around 2004–2005, pioneered by contributor Robert Shingledecker, which allowed users to download and integrate modular add-ons like themes, additional applications, and drivers from an online repository directly into a running session. This innovation preserved the core ISO's minimal footprint while enabling customization without requiring a full reinstall, fostering contributions and extending DSL's versatility for diverse use cases. Subsequent major releases built on this foundation. DSL 2.0, launched in late 2005, enhanced persistence mechanisms for saving user changes across sessions on removable media like USB drives. DSL 3.0 followed in June 2006, improving hardware compatibility through added ACPI modules for power management on newer systems, FUSE support for flexible file systems, and sshfs for remote mounts, alongside bug fixes for keymap configuration and SSH services. By DSL 4.0 in 2007, the kernel was updated to version 2.4.31 with new modules for cloop compression, unionfs overlays, ndiswrapper for Windows drivers, and madwifi for wireless, while introducing embedded-friendly installation scripts for pendrive and USB hard disk setups using GRUB. DSL reached its peak popularity between 2007 and 2008, ranking as the tenth most viewed distribution on and attracting a vibrant community around its forums and for support and customization. This era saw numerous emerge, adapting DSL for specialized needs like thin clients and rescue tools, with the project's website drawing significant traffic indicative of widespread adoption among users seeking options. The final stable release, DSL 4.4.10, arrived in November 2008, incorporating refinements such as updated and libraries for better performance in custom applications. Although development slowed thereafter, minor release candidates like 4.11 RC2 in 2012 addressed lingering issues, including security-related patches for core components. Toward the end of this period, interest shifted toward embedded applications, exemplified by variants like DSL-N tailored for devices such as Internet Tablets, emphasizing DSL's adaptability beyond traditional PCs.

Hiatus and 2024 Revival

Following the release of DSL 4.11 RC2 in 2012, Damn Small Linux entered a prolonged hiatus lasting over a decade, with no further official updates until 2024. This dormancy was influenced by the evolving ecosystem, where the rise of larger, feature-rich distributions such as derivatives diminished the demand for ultra-compact systems, and the original maintainer's personal project became challenging to sustain in a changing technological landscape; the official website transitioned to a static during this period. In February 2024, the project was revived by its original creator, John Andrews, leading a effort, announcing DSL 2024 as an alpha release aimed at breathing new life into the distribution. This iteration is built on antiX 23, utilizing the Debian 12 "Bookworm" i386 branch and the 5.10, to ensure compatibility with legacy 32-bit x86 hardware. The revival's primary goals center on upholding the "damn small" —delivering a , efficient operating system for low-spec computers—while pragmatically expanding the ISO size to around 700 MB to enhance usability and include more practical applications without sacrificing the core focus on . The initial alpha ISO was made available on February 1, 2024, marking the project's return after 12 years, with subsequent iterations including Release Candidate 4 (RC4) issued in May 2024 to refine stability and features. Notable updates in DSL 2024 include the full enablement of APT for package management, allowing users to easily install additional software, and a deliberate emphasis on by supporting older hardware that modern distributions cannot boot, thereby helping to extend the lifespan of aging x86 systems and reduce . Ongoing development relies on contributions, including through donations to support maintenance and future enhancements. As of 2025, the project continues active development with release candidates available for testing, and the community remains engaged through forums hosted at damnsmalllinux.org, fostering discussions on improvements and deployment.

Design Principles

System Requirements

Damn Small Linux was designed to operate on extremely limited hardware, making it ideal for reviving legacy systems from the and early . The original versions required a 486DX or compatible processor running at 100 MHz, with a minimum of 16 MB RAM for console mode and 24 MB for the graphical user interface (), though 24 MB was recommended for the GUI. Persistence to hard disk necessitated at least 1 GB of storage, while boot options included a dual-speed or faster drive or a 1.44 MB floppy drive for initial loading on systems without CD support. The 2024 revival maintains compatibility with low-end hardware but adopts higher thresholds due to its base on antiX Linux, targeting i386-compatible CPUs such as Pentium-era or older processors, with support limited to 32-bit x86 architecture and no 64-bit option. Minimum RAM is 256 MB, with 512 MB recommended for reliable operation including the GUI, and installations require about 4 GB of storage space. Idle RAM usage in the base system hovers around 100 MB when using lightweight window managers like , enabling efficient performance on embedded devices or aging laptops without dedicated GPU acceleration, relying instead on VESA graphics modes. Boot media for both original and 2024 editions include (limited to 700 MB ISO size for the modern version), USB drives, or PXE , emphasizing portability without high resource demands. This configuration supports power-efficient operation, with original DSL idling under 50 MB RAM and minimal CPU utilization, while the 2024 edition achieves similar low overhead around 100 MB at base for extended battery life on old portables.

Core Architecture

Damn Small Linux (DSL) originally derived its foundation from , a Debian-based live distribution, incorporating elements optimized for extreme to fit within a 50 MB ISO image. This base allowed DSL to leverage Debian's package ecosystem while stripping down components for compactness. The core remained Debian-oriented. The system's design emphasized portability, enabling it to run entirely from read-only media without installation. The filesystem architecture centered on a compressed, read-only root using the cloop module in early versions for loopback compression of the KNOPPIX filesystem image, later transitioning to for improved compression ratios and performance in subsequent releases like DSL 4.x. Overlays were managed via , which merged a writable RAM-based layer () with the read-only base, allowing user changes without altering the original media; this facilitated persistence options while keeping the system lightweight. In toram mode, the entire ISO could be loaded into memory for faster access and to minimize disk wear, operating as a full RAM disk post-boot. The kernel employed 2.4.x series, chosen for its minimal footprint and stability on legacy hardware, including built-in support for IDE drives and serial ports without excessive modules that would inflate size. The init system relied on traditional SysV , aligning with 's conventions at the time and enabling sequential service startup suitable for the constrained environment. Packages in the original DSL used a mix of custom .dsl extensions—essentially tarballs for easy loading into RAM—alongside select Debian .deb files managed manually, eschewing a full APT repository to maintain the tiny footprint. In the 2024 revival, DSL shifted its base to 23, a 12 (Bookworm) derivative with roots in the repository for enhanced stability on low-spec x86 hardware. This update preserved the live distribution ethos while incorporating antiX's optimizations for older systems. The filesystem adopted for the read-only compressed root, paired with aufs or for RAM-based writable overlays, enabling seamless changes during sessions and supporting toram mode to load the full ~700 MB ISO into memory for diskless operation and reduced wear. The kernel upgraded to the 5.10 LTS series (with options for 6.1 modern kernels via tools), including modules for legacy hardware like IDE controllers and serial ports to ensure compatibility with pre-2000s machines. The system transitioned to , a lightweight alternative compatible with SysV scripts, drawn from 's variant for faster boot times and lower resource use in the full RAM disk setup post-boot. Package management standardized on .deb formats with APT support, allowing terminal-based installations from repositories while retaining extension compatibility for custom additions.

Features and Capabilities

Included Applications

Damn Small Linux (DSL) features a curated selection of lightweight applications designed to provide essential productivity and utility functions while adhering to the distribution's minimal resource footprint. The original releases, such as the final stable version 4.4.10 from 2008, included approximately 100 applications totaling under 50 MB, prioritizing speed and low memory usage over comprehensive feature sets. These choices avoided resource-intensive desktop environments like or , opting instead for simple window managers and tools that could run efficiently on hardware with as little as 16 MB of RAM. For the graphical desktop, DSL employed the or JWM window managers, both of which offer customizable, tabbed interfaces with minimal overhead— deriving from for its efficiency in handling multiple windows, and JWM providing a familiar and system reminiscent of traditional PC desktops. File management was handled by emelFM, a dual-pane GTK+-based tool that supports drag-and-drop operations and integrates seamlessly with the lightweight environment, ensuring quick navigation without taxing system resources. Web browsing in the original DSL relied on as the primary graphical browser, a compact 300 KB tool enhanced with SSL support, tabbed navigation, and frame rendering for basic internet access on low-end hardware, alongside the text-based browser for even lighter usage. Email functionality was provided by , a GTK+ newsreader and client capable of handling POP3/IMAP protocols with a simple interface suitable for offline composition. For document handling, the suite included Ted as a WYSIWYG word processor supporting RTF and PDF export, Siag Office for tasks compatible with legacy formats like , and for viewing PDF files efficiently. Multimedia capabilities centered on for audio playback, supporting formats like , OGG, and CD ripping, paired with Xzgv as an that generates thumbnails using GTK+ and Imlib for quick previews. Image editing was available via Xpaint, a versatile tool for color manipulation across multiple formats. System utilities encompassed terminal-based editors like Vim and Nano for text manipulation, alongside networking tools such as wireless-tools and ppp for connectivity, and backup utilities integrated into the coreutils package. Lightweight games, including Frozen Bubble—a puzzle game reminiscent of —added recreational options without significant overhead. The 2024 revival, based on 23 and expanding to 700 MB, retained the emphasis on software but introduced a more modern, curated set of around 50 core applications to enhance usability on aging x86 systems. The 2024 version, currently available as release candidate RC7 (June 2024), Window managers remained and JWM, with file management shifting to zzzFM, a minimalist Orthodox offering dual panels and . Web options were bolstered with Firefox-ESR for standards-compliant browsing, GTK for efficient rendering on low resources, and retained Dillo and Links2 for legacy compatibility. Office tools in DSL 2024 upgraded to for word processing with XML support and template handling, for spreadsheet analysis including charting, and as a lightweight PDF viewer using the Poppler library. continued as the email client, now complemented by the terminal-based Mutt for advanced users. Multimedia saw the addition of MPV for video playback alongside for audio, while mtPaint provided simple raster graphics editing and feh served as an with wallpaper setting capabilities. System tools expanded to include Ranger as a terminal with Vim-like keys, for session multiplexing, and utilities like for monitoring, Cmus for console audio, and networking aids such as gFTP. Terminal games, including five lightweight titles, were incorporated for brevity. This refreshed suite maintains DSL's philosophy of efficiency, with additional software available via APT from repositories.

Boot and Persistence Options

Damn Small Linux (DSL) offers several boot modes designed for flexibility across various hardware setups, emphasizing its nature for older systems. The default mode is a live from or USB, where the entire system runs in RAM without modifying the boot medium, providing a stateless session that resets on . For enhanced performance, the toram parameter loads the ISO contents into RAM, allowing ejection of the or USB after . Hard disk installations support booting via the fromhd option, while frugal or embedded installs place core files on a partition without overwriting the , enabling coexistence with other operating systems. In the 2024 revival, booting relies on GRUB as the , shifting focus from the original chainloading of floppy-based boots to direct USB and support, with compatibility for virtual machines. Kernel parameters customize the process, such as dsl lang=us for language selection (limited to English in live modes), mydsl=cdrom or mydsl=sda1 to load extensions from specified devices, and vga=normal for standard graphics resolution. A failsafe mode addresses troubleshooting by disabling advanced features like , ensuring compatibility with problematic hardware. The 2024 version inherits antiX-based parameters, including options for text-mode booting or resolution selection via menus. Persistence in original DSL versions enables across sessions through mechanisms like savefiles and saveparts. A savefile creates a backup.tar.gz archive (up to 2GB) on USB or HDD partitions, capturing user settings, contents, and select system files listed in /opt/.filetool.lst; restoration occurs via the dsl restore=hda1 . Saveparts mount a dedicated partition (e.g., via dsl home=hda5) for direct persistence of the /home/dsl/ directory, with optional extension to /opt/ for scripts and extensions, requiring manual copying and permission adjustments. These methods provide semi-automatic saving but demand explicit setup and boot-time specification. The 2024 revival introduces overlayfs-based persistence, leveraging its antiX foundation for more seamless live USB operation. Options include persist_root for full root filesystem persistence (changes saved to a rootfs file on the USB), persist_home for user data only, and persist_static for non-RAM-loaded storage to conserve memory. Setup involves selecting persistence during initial boot menus, allocating space for overlay files (e.g., rootfs sized to available RAM, homefs to USB capacity), and confirming saves on shutdown; this supports automatic or manual modes without altering the core ISO. Additionally, full installations use the antiX-derived Calamares installer, requiring at least 3.2GB disk space for a persistent, non-live setup. Frugal installs retain a dedicated dsl directory for overlayfs changes, bridging original concepts with modern filesystem unioning.

Customization and Extensions

MyDSL Extension System

The MyDSL (My Damn Small Linux) extension system, introduced in 2004, was the primary mechanism for modularly expanding the functionality of the original Damn Small Linux (pre-2012 versions) without altering the core distribution. It consisted of an online repository hosting compressed extension files in .dsl format, each typically ranging from 1 to 50 MB, encompassing applications, device drivers, themes, and other add-ons designed to integrate seamlessly with the lightweight architecture of the original DSL. Maintained by community member Ke4nt and hosted on mirrors such as ibiblio, the repository featured stable extensions in a main section and experimental ones in a testing area. By December 2004, over 200 such extensions were available, enabling users to customize original DSL for diverse needs like office productivity or development. However, the repository has not received updates since 2008, and extensions are based on outdated versions, limiting compatibility with the 2024 revival of DSL, which is built on 23 (Debian 12). Extensions were loaded either at boot time or during runtime, preserving the live environment integrity of original DSL. At boot, users could specify locations using the mydsl= cheat code (e.g., mydsl=hda1 to load from a hard drive partition), or enable auto-scanning for directories named "mydsl" across attached devices to automatically detect and integrate extensions. Once loaded, .dsl files were unpacked or mounted—often as UnionFS overlays—into the /opt directory for immediate access, with the system supporting optional extensions stored in subdirectories for on-demand installation via the desktop menu. Runtime loading occurred through the MyDSL Extension Browser (accessible via Apps > System > MyDSL), which allowed browsing categories, downloading files to /tmp, and installing them with the mydsl-load command; manual methods included using wget for downloads followed by EmelFM for file handling and verification via MD5 checksums. Representative examples include OpenOffice.org for document processing, GCC for compiling code, XChat for IRC connectivity, and printer drivers in the system category. The system organized extensions into categories such as legacy (for graphics and sound utilities), extras (including games and tools), apps (), net (networking applications), and system (drivers and utilities), with later additions like UCI (Universal Compressed ISO) for mountable, self-contained packages in DSL 3.0 and beyond. This categorization facilitated targeted downloads, with the browser tool providing previews and metadata from accompanying .info files. While highly effective for original DSL's frugal and liveCD setups, MyDSL was inherently tied to the original distribution's structure, lacking compatibility with broader package managers like APT and relying on testing to ensure stability. For the 2024 revival, while basic .dsl file loading via boot parameters (e.g., mydsl=) is supported for compatible extensions, the full MyDSL infrastructure including the online repository and Extension Browser is not actively maintained or updated. Instead, the primary customization method is the APT package manager, which provides access to full Debian repositories for installing and managing additional software. Users can enable APT and use commands like apt update and apt install to add applications, with changes persisting in live USB setups via overlayfs. As of November 2025, no new MyDSL extensions have been developed specifically for DSL 2024. Community contributions formed the backbone of MyDSL for the original distribution, with users submitting extensions through the DSL forums and for review and inclusion by maintainers. This collaborative model, independent of the core DSL project, fostered rapid growth and innovation, such as remastering tools for creating custom .dsl packages, while forums provided for integration issues like dependency resolution.

Live USB Implementation

Creating a live USB installation for Damn Small Linux (DSL) involves writing the ISO image to a USB drive and configuring to save changes across sessions. For the original DSL versions, common tools include the dd command in or UNETBOOTIN for cross-platform use. The process begins by identifying the USB device (e.g., /dev/sdb) using fdisk -l and writing the ISO with dd if=dsl.iso of=/dev/sdb bs=4M status=progress && sync. Partitioning the USB drive typically requires at least two partitions: a FAT32 partition for the (approximately 100-500 MB, formatted with mkfs.vfat -F 32) and an partition for (labeled "dsl", sized 1-4 GB recommended for storing backups and user data, formatted with mkfs.ext3 -L dsl). The boot partition holds the ISO contents and (e.g., or GRUB), while the persistence partition mounts at /mnt/sda2 or similar during setup. Persistence in original DSL is achieved by creating a backup.tar.gz file via the desktop menu (right-click > System > Backup/Restore), specifying the USB persistence partition as the target. This backs up selected files and directories listed in /opt/.filetool.lst (e.g., settings, application configs). On subsequent boots, append the cheatcode restore=usb or restore=sda2 to the GRUB/ menu to restore the backup, enabling changes like installed packages or desktop customizations to persist. For the 2024 revival of DSL, which is based on , the live-usb-maker tool from the antiX Control Centre simplifies ISO-to-USB creation, supporting both and modes. Alternatively, woeusb can be used for writing the hybrid ISO directly. Partitioning follows similar guidelines but leverages antiX's for persistence, creating a writable overlay on the FAT32 or boot partition without needing a separate slice. In DSL 2024, persistence setup uses an overlay mechanism akin to casper-rw, where changes are saved seamlessly to a rootfs or homefs file on the USB (enabled via boot parameter persist_root or persist_all in the GRUB menu). This allows automatic saving of system modifications, user files, and apt-installed packages without manual backups, with file sizes dynamically allocated based on available USB space (e.g., up to 4 GB for typical use). Live USB implementations offer key advantages, including high portability for use across multiple machines without optical media, reduced wear compared to CDs, and compatibility with multi-boot setups via GRUB on a shared FAT32 partition. For example, GRUB can chainload DSL alongside other distros like . Troubleshooting common issues includes ensuring USB 1.1/2.0 compatibility by testing on legacy hardware, as older DSL versions may fail on high-speed ports without legacy mode. For old systems, avoid UEFI mode by selecting BIOS boot in the menu to prevent partition recognition errors; if booting fails, verify the bootloader installation with syslinux --install /dev/sda1 or reinstall GRUB.

Versions and Derivatives

Release Timeline

Damn Small Linux (DSL) originated in 2003 as a lightweight distribution derived from , with early development versions emerging that year. The first notable public mention came in June 2003 with version 0.3.3, which received a in Germany's Linux User magazine. By August 2003, an initial release around version 0.4 was highlighted on OSnews as a 50MB business-card-sized . Development continued through 2004, culminating in version 0.9.0 in December 2004, which introduced features like the , followed by stability-focused 0.9.1 in January 2005. The project reached its first stable milestone with DSL 1.0 on April 13, 2005, establishing a full feature set under 50MB. Subsequent releases in 2005 addressed bugs and refinements: 1.1 in May, 1.2.1 in June, 1.3.1 in July, and 1.5 in September. In 2006, versions 2.0 (November 2005, overlapping into early 2006 planning) and 2.4 (May) introduced options, while 3.0 (June) brought kernel updates for better hardware support. The 3.x series continued with 3.3 in April 2007, emphasizing embedded device compatibility. From 2007 to 2012, the 4.x series focused on enhancements and embedded applications, with the final stable release, 4.4.10, arriving on November 17, 2008. A release candidate, 4.11 RC2, followed in September 2012 but saw no further official development. No major releases occurred between 2013 and 2023, during which the project entered a hiatus, with only minor patches maintaining older versions. In , DSL was revived based on and , targeting low-spec x86 systems with a larger 700MB footprint. The alpha version launched on February 1, followed by release candidates: RC1 and RC2 in early , RC4 on May 22, and RC7 on September 18. As of November 2025, no stable release has been issued, though the project continued iterating toward one using Linux kernel 5.10.
YearMajor VersionsKey Milestones
20030.3.3, ~0.4Initial development; first reviews and distributions with magazines.
20040.9.0 (Dec)Added core applications like ; stability fixes in 0.9.1 (Jan 2005).
20051.0–1.5Stable 1.0 launch; series of bug fixes and refinements.
20062.0–3.0 features; kernel updates for broader compatibility.
20073.3Embedded focus enhancements.
2008–20124.0–4.4.10; 4.11 RC2Security updates; final stable in 2008, RC in 2012.
2013–2023NoneHiatus with community patches only.
2024Alpha; RC1–RC7Revival on /Debian base; alpha Feb 1, RC7 Sep 18; kernel 5.10, 700MB size.

Ports and Forks

Damn Small Linux featured two notable official ports tailored for specialized hardware. DSL-Embedded, released in 2007, was designed for embedded systems such as routers and disks, enabling deployment on low-resource devices like boards and supporting virtualized environments via for tasks including network configuration and recovery operations. DSL-N, introduced in 2008, served as a port to the Maemo 4 platform specifically for the internet tablet, incorporating GTK2-based applications like and while providing modern kernel support for and other hardware, though it diverged from the core DSL by lacking a strict size limit. Several lightweight Linux distributions emerged as derivatives inspired by Damn Small Linux's emphasis on minimalism and efficiency. Puppy Linux, developed concurrently in the mid-2000s, adopted a similar approach to delivering a full in under 300 MB, prioritizing RAM-based operation and frugal installs for aging hardware, much like DSL's model. SliTaz, another mini-distro from the same era, mirrored DSL's compact footprint—often around 40-50 MB—while offering a centralized control panel and easy package conversion tools for rapid deployment on resource-constrained systems. More recently, antiX has influenced DSL's revival, serving as the foundational base for the 2024 edition due to its Debian-derived, systemd-free architecture that aligns with DSL's ethos, though antiX maintains distinct customization options. Community forks of Damn Small Linux have been limited, with most efforts focusing on niche modifications rather than sustained branches. The DSL 2024 release itself functions as a semi-fork, rebuilt atop 23 to revive the original project's spirit for 32-bit x86 systems while incorporating updated applications within a 700 MB cap. Older community initiatives included mods like Damn Small VoIP, which extended DSL for voice-over-IP setups using tools such as , and various DSL Mods for custom remastering, though these were informal extensions without official backing. Damn Small Linux exerted significant influence on subsequent lightweight distributions, particularly Tiny Core Linux, which originated as a direct fork led by original DSL developer Robert Shingledecker in 2008, emphasizing even smaller core images (as low as 11 MB) and modular extensions while inheriting DSL's focus on speed and minimalism for legacy hardware. Beyond this, no major active forks have persisted since around 2012, aside from the 2024 revival, as the project's stagnation shifted attention to successors like Tiny Core. Legacy ISOs of Damn Small Linux, including ports and older releases, remain available through archives on damnsmalllinux.org, which hosts historic downloads such as DSL 4.4.10 from 2008, and supplementary mirrors like Archive.org for preservation of versions up to the early . Earlier files were once distributed via , though current access prioritizes the official site for verified images.

References

  1. https://distrowatch.com/damnsmall
  2. https://archiveos.org/dsl/
  3. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/
  4. https://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/images/9780132338691/Introduction/0132338696_Introduction.pdf
  5. https://distrowatch.com/interview-damnsmall
  6. https://wiki.debian.org/DamnSmallLinux
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  12. https://lwn.net/Articles/137437/
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  14. https://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/images/9780132338691/samplepages/0132338696.pdf
  15. http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/persistence.html
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  17. http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/notes.html
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  19. http://csci.viu.ca/~pwalsh/teaching/251/Tasks/dsl.pdf
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  27. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/forums
  28. http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/minimum_hardware_requirements.html
  29. https://antixlinux.com/download/
  30. https://distrowatch.com/antix
  31. https://damnsmalllinux.org/forums/printthread.php?tid=48
  32. http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/packages.html
  33. https://www.datamation.com/open-source/damn-small-linux-makes-darn-big-impression/
  34. https://hackaday.com/2024/03/05/jennys-daily-drivers-damn-small-linux-2024/
  35. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/getting_started.html
  36. https://mxlinux.org/wiki/help-antix-live-usb-system/
  37. https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/making-a-live-usb-with-persistence/
  38. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/about_damn_small_linux.html
  39. http://distro.ibiblio.org/damnsmall/current/documentation/MyDSLhowto.pdf
  40. http://distro.ibiblio.org/damnsmall/current/
  41. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/cheat_codes.html
  42. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/mydsl_loading_extensions_at_boot.html
  43. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/installing_mydsl_extensions.html
  44. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/mydslpanel.html
  45. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/mydsl.html
  46. https://www.damnsmalllinux.org/wiki/install_to_usb_from_within_linux.html
  47. https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/damn-small-linux-2024-based-on-antix-23/
  48. https://damnsmalllinux.org/forums/thread-228-newpost.html
  49. https://www.osnews.com/story/4296/damn-small-linux/
  50. https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20041206
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  52. http://damnsmalllinux.org/static/act-SF/f-18/st-30.html
  53. https://www.linux.com/news/dsl-40-damn-small-improvement/
  54. http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/dsl-n/
  55. https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/dsl.html
  56. https://opensource.com/article/19/6/linux-distros-to-try
  57. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/linux-unix/tiny-core-linux-distribution-what-are-its-features/
  58. https://distrowatch.com/tinycore
  59. https://archive.org/details/damn-small-linux-4.4.10
  60. https://sourceforge.net/directory/?q=damn%20small%20linux%20iso
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