CRUX is an open source, freely distributed and independent distribution of Linux that is built from scratch and optimized for the i686 instruction set architecture. It features a simple tar.gz-based package system, a quite small collection of software, and BSD-style initialization scripts.
Availability, boot options and supported architectures
The distribution is available for download as a single ISO image, which can only be used to install the operating system on a local disk drive. It has been engineered to work with the 32-bit (i686) hardware platforms, but it can also be deployed on computers that use a 64-bit processor.
It is a minimalistic distribution that does not feature a fancy boot prompt, but only a text-based one that provides users with the ability to install CRUX on a local disk drive using the default options or various pre-defined framebuffers, as well as to run a memory diagnostic test.
In addition, users can view IDE, SATA, USB, SCSI and FireWire options by pressing the F3 button, rescue a broken operating system by pressing the F5 key, as well as to view miscellaneous boot options by pressing the F4 key.
A distribution for experienced Linux users
After booting from the ISO image, which can be deployed to either CD discs or USB sticks, users will be dropped to a shell prompt. From there, they need to type the ‘setup’ command in order to install the distribution.
The entire installation process is text-based, and will provide users with two options, to perform a fresh CRUX installation or to upgrade an existing one. When installing CRUX, you will need to first enter the directory where the root partition is mounted, choose which software collections to install, as well as to select individual packages (optionally).
Bottom line
Summing up, CRUX is a distribution of Linux tailored for experienced Linux users who are tired of newbie-oriented operating system. It can be used on a wide range of computers, especially low-end ones.
