Tiny Core Linux 4.0 released

The Tiny Core development team has announced the arrival of version 4.0 of its minimal Linux distribution. As with previous versions, the new release brings improvements to the underlying system and several updates to the included packages.

Tiny Core 4.0 is based on the 3.0.3 Linux kernel, and includes a new search method for both AppBrowser and AppBrowser shell (ab). Package updates include version 1.19.2 of the BusyBox tool collection, udev 173 and version 1.41.14 of the e2fsprogs filesystem utilities. The GNU C Library (GLIBC) has been replaced with version 2.13 of the Embedded GLIBC (EGLIBC) variant and the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) libraries have been updated to 4.6.1.

Tiny Core Linux 4.0 in action The developers note that the Floppy Tool, Hybrid Mode and Starter Packs, which were introduced in 3.7, have been deprecated in the 4.x series. When asked by a user if the arrival of version 4.0 meant that the 3.x branch of Tiny Core had reached its end-of-life (EOL), lead developer Robert Singledecker simply replied "yes".

Tiny Core is a minimal Linux distribution that weighs in at just over 10 MB in size. The "tiny frugal" desktop distribution 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 a very fast boot. With the help of online repositories, Tiny Core Linux can be expanded to include additional applications.

Further information about version 4.0, including a full change log, can be found in the forum release announcement. Tiny Core Linux 4.0 is available to download as a Tiny Core, Micro Core or Multi Core ISO image file. The Tiny Core Base (TCB) system includes a desktop, while the Micro Core version includes a command-line interface; Multi Core images includes both Tiny Core, Micro Core, networking tools and an installer. The distribution can be run or installed from a LiveCD or LiveUSB drive, and an installation guide is provided.

(crve)