Which Linux distro for a dedicated web browsing machine?

[hasu]

I am building a tiny PC exclusively for web browsing.
Looking for a Linux distribution with fast boot and small size to be installed on a CF card.

Tried DSL and Puppy. Both runs fine as Live CD but failed to boot when installed locally on hard drive or CF Card (using IDE adapter).

TIA

 

[drag]

Why did they fail to boot?

It's likely that you'll have similar problems with anything else.

But otherwise do a Debian install. When time comes to select the role of the machine, uncheck everything except maybe 'standard install' (the roles change time to time I don't have Etch memorized) Don't do desktop or server or anything like that. Then install x windows, fluxbox, and 'iceweasel'. Then VLC for media playing. Thats about it. Use Debian-multimedia.org for w32codecs.

 

[hasu]

Originally posted by: drag
Why did they fail to boot?

DSL does not even show any error message. Puppy said the required files are not found on 'ideflash' device. After searching some more I found this link. As per the discussion, it is better to format CF card as FAT16. When I tried last night I used ext2 that could be the reason for failure. I will try FAT16 tonight.

But otherwise do a Debian install. When time comes to select the role of the machine, uncheck everything except maybe 'standard install' (the roles change time to time I don't have Etch memorized) Don't do desktop or server or anything like that. Then install x windows, fluxbox, and 'iceweasel'. Then VLC for media playing. Thats about it. Use Debian-multimedia.org for w32codecs.

I saw that while installing an Etch server. I will give it a try if Puppy fails with FAT16.

Thank you!

 

[gus6464]

I second going with debian etch net-install which downloads all packages are you go. Do a base install only and when you boot into the new system in the prompt do:

apt-get install xorg xorg-driver-(whatever card you have)
test it out and then do
apt-get install fluxbox iceweasel vlc

That is probably the most minimalist config possible with web browsing which should take maybe around 200-225mb of space.

 

[hasu]

Update: Puppy worked fine with FAT16 (using mkdosfs). Thanks guys!