[NCLUG] how much disk space to load X?

[mbutcher at aleph-null.tv]

Matt,

At one point, I managed to get X Free 86, Mozilla, a video client, and a bunch
of other stuff on a 64M DOC (and, incidentally, on a Disk On Module). It used a
_very_ compact compile of X. 

Later, however, we switched to a network-based boot with PXE and TFTP. Actually,
it was really easy to do. Even in this case, though, I'd recommend actually
compiling X from scratch.

Alternatively, you could look at an alternative to XFree. A few we evaluated were:
TinyX (part of XFree, now)
http://www.xfree86.org/
http://www.pps.jussieu.fr/~jch/software/kdrive.html

DirectFB
http://directfb.org/

There are other X alternatives, too. I know we tested at least two more... I
just can't remember what they were.

In the name of shameless self-promotion, here's an article I wrote about my
experiences setting up PXE.
http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT5834950453.html

Matt Butcher

Quoting Matt Rosing <rosing at peakfive.com>:

> I'm wondering how much disk space is needed to run enough linux to
> have an X terminal.  I'd like to make a quiet (as in no moving parts)
> box and put my compute/server in the furnace room.  I can get rid of
> all the fans using something like mini-itx.  But I also want to get
> rid of the disk drive and was thinking of using compact flash as a
> bootable drive.  A 1GB compact flash is under $200.  So the question
> is can I build enough of a system run X, have audio, usb, keyboard,
> mouse, etc, and fit it in 1GB with swap and all that stuff.  
> 
> On my current system I have about 1.3 GB used in / and a bit more in
> /boot.  But I assume I don't need most of that.
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Matt
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