Tiny Core Linux 2.0 released

Only eight days after the fourth release candidate was made available for testing, Tiny Core lead developer Robert Shingledecker has announced the final release of Tiny Core Linux 2.0 and Micro Core Linux 2.0. Tiny Core is only about 10 MB in size and is based on the 2.6.29.1 Linux kernel. Micro Core is a new 7 MB separate ISO that's based on the same core as Tiny Core, but does not include the X environment.

Version 2.0 of Tiny Core includes the 2.6.29.1 Linux kernel, version 2.9 of the GNU C Library (glibc), virtual drive support and several bug fixes. The last release candidate of Tiny Core 2.0 saw the return of Joe's Window Manager (JWM) as the default window manager and added support for ".core." elements (specialised SquashFS system components that load before any extensions). The Core Elements specialised mounted extensions give Micro Core full Tiny Core functionality. The final release also includes updates to the Dropbear SSH server and client, the PCI ID public repository and flPicSee, a FLTK-based picture viewer. As the modules and libraries have all changed, the developers advise against using Tiny Core 1.x extensions with Tiny Core 2.x.

Tiny Core Linux features the BusyBox tool collection and a minimal graphics system based on Tiny X and JWM. The core can run entirely in RAM, allowing for very quick booting. With the help of online repositories, the minimal desktop distribution can be expanded to include additional applications. The system can boot from a LiveCD or a LiveUSB drive and then be installed to a hard drive.

More details about Tiny Core 2.0 and Micro Core 2.0 can be found in the release announcement. Tiny Core 2.0 and Micro Core 2.0 are both available to download.

(crve)