What can I do to make a Linux Distro?

[PhantmKllr]

Hello Ubuntu People!

A days ago, I set out to create my own Linux Distro (not a weekend geeky project distro, but a full fledged complete Distro with the works). After scouring the Internet, I discover two things.

There is no easy way to do this.
I can't possibly do this alone.

I went through every possibility for easily making my own Linux Distro. Ubuntu Customization Kit, Reconstrutor (which now charges $5 a month), Fedora Revisor, and Suse Studio to name a few. I came to the conclusion that none of these solutions offered the complete control I wanted.

I seriously don't want to build a Distro from scratch, that would be too hard. I want to build a Derivative of Ubuntu. So I set out looking for articles on how to do so. When I stumbled upon these two articles:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCDCustomizationFromScratch
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCDCustomization

I thought I had hit pay-dirt. But in the end, they didn't offer much control over the finished product.

What I'd like to know is if there's anyone out there who has experience making a Linux Distro (a long shot, I know), who would also be willing to help me out with this project.

Since I will be making an Ubuntu derivative, I will be changing the branding, what packages will be installed, panel layout, wallpapers, themes, etc. I would also like to build a GNOME compliant (and loyal) Distro, so that when Ubuntu switches to Unity with 11.04, I'd like to stick with GNOME (hopefully up to 3.0).

If there's anyone out there who would like to help me out with this project, please send me a PM, or just reply to the post. :D

[Verbeck]

easiest way

1. install ubuntu
2. mess around a bit
3. use remastersys (http://www.geekconnection.org/remastersys/) to make a livecd

[akand074]

If it's just an Ubuntu derivative. Then just do as the above poster said. Really it's just a matter of what Desktop Environment, looks, features and Apps you want installed by default. Otherwise take a look at this (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/).

[PhantmKllr]

easiest way

1. install ubuntu
1. mess around a bit
2. use remastersys (http://www.geekconnection.org/remastersys/) to make a livecd

Remastersys still leaves the Ubuntu branding in tact.


If it's just an Ubuntu derivative. Then just do as the above poster said. Really it's just a matter of what Desktop Environment, looks, features and Apps you want installed by default. Otherwise take a look at this (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/).

I was hoping to make a complete Ubuntu derivative, like Linux Mint.

[Jahid65]

You can use Ubuntu Minimal CD. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD

I think one Ubuntu-derivative Pinguy OS is made by this process.

[linuxforartists]

Jeff Hoogland (who writes the Thoughts on Technology (http://jeffhoogland.blogspot.com/) blog), recently came out with his own Ubuntu-based distro, called Bodhi Linux (http://www.bodhilinux.com/). Maybe you could contact him and get some advice.

For more inspiration, take a look at Desktop Linux Reviews (http://desktoplinuxreviews.com/). You can read up on the pros and cons of various distros. You'll get lots of ideas for your own OS.

Good luck!

[RiceMonster]

Another Ubuntu derivative? I CAN'T WAIT!