I'm trying to build a lightweight Linux distro to share with my colleagues at work as a base toolbox. I'm looking for something minimalist that has a smaller file size than the typical 'lightweight' options out there. After fresh installs, most distros I'm encountering are around 3-6GB, with Mint XFCE hitting around 9.5GB. I'm considering alternatives like Fedora Server or Alpine, but I'm worried that going this way might push me toward using Arch. What are your thoughts on this? Am I overthinking it?
2 Answers
Starting with Arch usually gives you a basic installation of just over 1GB. However, as you add packages, the size tends to grow due to dependencies. You'll also need to keep your system updated regularly, which can add to your storage needs. If saving a few GB is your main goal, you might want to rethink if Arch is the best fit for you since maintenance can get complicated for a team with varying tech skills.
If your main goal is a slim image, consider using `archiso` to create a lightweight bootable ISO. But, is there a reason you're leaning towards Arch over others?
I aim to keep it user-friendly since some team members aren’t very tech-savvy. I want it to be easy for them to manage.