Void GNU/Linux is an open source and completely free operating system written from scratch. It offers over 3,000 optimized packages, supports cross build packages, real-time package building, the ability to build binary packages from your favourite Linux distribution, and UEFI 64-bit systems.
Distributed as 64-bit and 32-bit minimal Live CDs
The distribution is available for download as two minimal Live CD ISO images designed for the 64-bit (x86_64) and 32-bit (i386) instruction set architectures.
In order to provide an always-bootable system, the kernel images and modules are never removed from the system. Void Linux uses dracut to handle the initial ramdisk images.
Boot options
From the boot menu, the user can boot the Void GNU/Linux in live mode, as well as to boot the first disk drive that is found by the BIOS. You will be autologged in the live session, which is actually a basic shell prompt.
Just like Arch Linux and other similar operating system, Void Linux installs only a base system that provides only the required utilities for console usage. From there, users will have to adapt the system to their needs.
Text-mode installer
To permanently install the distribution, you must run the “sudo void-installer” command and follow the on-screen instructions. Basically, you’ll have to select a keyboard layout, configure the network, choose an installation source.
Furthermore, you must set the system hostname, locale, timezone and root password, choose where to install the bootloader, partition the disk, as well as to configure filesystems and mount points.
Bottom line
Summing up, Void GNU/Linux is an interesting distribution of Linux, in the style of Arch Linux, allowing the user to install it from nothing using a text-mode installer. We strongly believe that it is aimed at advanced Linux users who want to try something new.
