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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Slim Down Debian Install (self.linux)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by WhiteOakBayou to c/[email protected]

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I've installed debian on an old laptop and am wondering if the 10 gig base system size can be slimmed down by deleting unneeded files.

I ran the commands to look for any runaway logs or other obviously large files and nothing popped out.

Is there a group of folders full of stuff I don't need or is this just the size of modern distros?

EDIT: I ended up doing a netinstall and got a 6ish gig system so I'm pretty happy with that. The netinstall image was able to detect my wifi card even though the debian live installer was not.

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[–] [email protected] 32 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

Why not save time and do it the other way?

Install the minimal/netinstall image, and then add what you need.

You'll probably spend less time adding than trying to figure out what's installed that you do or don't need and trying to remove random packages without breaking anything.

[–] WhiteOakBayou 1 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

i have broken the install a few times just deleting stuff. The live disk won't find my wifi card so i can't net install unless I buy an ethernet adapter.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

the live disk won't find my Wifi

Oof.

In case it helps: I have solved that problem for myself using a $9.00 USB Wifi dongle.

For whatever reason (other contributors facing the same issue?), I have found that every cheapo USB Wifi dongle I have tried has worked perfectly with the minimal Linux images.

I realize I might have just gotten really lucky a bunch of times, but it could be worth a try.

[–] shertson 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

If you have another USB drive, I think you should be able to load the wifi drivers from that when using the netinstall. I am pretty sure I remember doing that 15 years ago.

[–] WhiteOakBayou 2 points 2 weeks ago

That's a good idea. I can probably scrounge one up

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