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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).

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Puppy Linux UEFI (alternatives?) (self.linux)

submitted 1 year ago by HexesofVexes to c/[email protected]

6 comments fedilink hide all child comments

So, in the past, I used to make a bit of money fixing up comps for folks.

With slightly trickier cases, I used to boot up puppy Linux to check the more essential hardwares (and if it booted, back up essential files for the customer). My students are now asking how to manage similar things.

Alas, puppy is no good for a modern system, as it really does not like UEFI boot. I was wondering if anyone can recommend an alternative.

I'm looking for a very lightweight gui os I that can run some hardware diagnostic tools, runs on a wide range of hardware, that is easy enough to set up on a pen for novice users.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm a fan of SystemRescue. It's specifically designed for backing up and fixing disk layouts, and it supports both BIOS and UEFI booting.

I've never tried it on Secure Boot enabled devices (I usually disable secureboot before troubleshooting systems), so I do not know if they use a valid signed efi-stub.

For "simple" stuff, I usually boot a live ubuntu image. If the machine has sufficient RAM, I can get away with installing quite a few packages that I need for troubleshooting (gparted, gdisk, etc.).

[–] HexesofVexes 1 points 1 year ago

Not a bad idea - I'll have a play and see!

Thanks for the suggestion.

[–] ronnietucker 1 points 1 year ago

I'd recommend getting a 32 or 64gb stick and put Ventoy on it. Then drop whatever distros you fancy on there and try them out. Ventoy is uefi compatible.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My go-to is a flash drive with Ventoy and then System Rescue CD and a few other ISOs (Antivirus scanner (Desinfec’t), Windows installer, Linux installer, etc.) on it. But I’m mostly using System Rescue CD and it can be installed directly to USB, too, if you want. Not really for novice users, though, as it boots into the Linux command line. But there’s X11 with GParted and other graphical tools available.

[–] HexesofVexes 1 points 1 year ago

Did not know system rescue had an X environment.

Will have to test that when I have my play around. Thanks for the info!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Tiny Core might be up your alley, you can customize the usb with the packages you want and bring it as an emergency boot/quick fix tool.