Tiny Core Linux: An Entire Operating System of Only 10MB

Most people who are computer savvy would be amazed to learn that there's a free operating system that is only 10MB in size. This is a fraction of the size of popular operating systems from Microsoft (MS) or in the Linux world. It can run on extremely low resources: a minimum of 48MB (128MB recommended) and a 486 platform with a math processor (Pentium II or higher is recommended). Believe it or not, your computer doesn't even need a local disk to run this open source operating system. The entire system sits in RAM which is temporary memory. Does Tiny Core Linux really work? What are the disadvantages to running such a system?

A very basic knowledge of how Tiny Core Linux runs is essential to anyone considering it. Basically, it can operate in 4 different modes. The first mode is the default known as "cloud" or "Internet." You place the Compact Disc (CD) in the optical drive and reboot. You may need to first change your boot option in your set-up. The Tiny Core Linux desktop literally loads within seconds. Beware that you'll have only a bare bones system. You must have a wired Internet connection in order to begin "extending" the system by downloading the applications you need from what's known as the extensions repository. Unless you're an advanced user of open source operating systems based on the Linux kernel, you won't want to try setting up Tiny Core with dial-up or wireless. Remember, with the core desktop, you won't even have a text web browser, email client, word processor or any such programs with which you're used to working. They all have to be obtained via the repository. This allows each individual user the freedom to truly customize.

The remaining 3 modes of Tiny Core Linux will only be of interest if you find you'd like to explore this free operating system further after trying it in cloud mode. When I tested it for the first time, I simply familiarized myself with the core that boots. Having dial-up, I couldn't immediately connect to the Internet. I saw that there were basic controls for system administration and that I was able to mount my flash drive and navigate to my files via a terminal. I also took the opportunity to work with true text files by opening them in the VI(M) editor which is available on every UNIX and Linux system I've seen.

Tiny Core is not one of the many flavors of Linux that will replace MS Windows. There are much better distributions among which you can choose. If you're a Linux enthusiasts, know basic UNIX commands, and how to work with the VI(M) editor, you may want to give Tiny Core Linux a try. It does have some value especially when speaking of a free operating system that can revive even legacy computers lacking a hard drive.