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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Slim Down Debian Install (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

19 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I've installed debian on an old laptop and am wondering if the 10 gig base system size can be slimmed down by deleting unneeded files.

I ran the commands to look for any runaway logs or other obviously large files and nothing popped out.

Is there a group of folders full of stuff I don't need or is this just the size of modern distros?

EDIT: I ended up doing a netinstall and got a 6ish gig system so I'm pretty happy with that. The netinstall image was able to detect my wifi card even though the debian live installer was not.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

The first thing I do to, if I need to get the size down, is swap out Gnome for one of the X11 Windows managers, usually XFCE.

I usually do this by starting from the minimal install and building up, as schizo already suggested.

That said, I guess I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Linux Mint is an easy way to get Debian's core with the XFCE window manager.

Looks like Mint starts at 3GB - 8GB, depending on options chosen?

Disclaimer: It's honestly been awhile since I really paid attention to my own Linux install size, as long as it's below 40GB.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I am using xfce atm. I might just have to fix my driver problems and do a netinstall

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

if xfce is what you want, try a custom install (using dvd1) and just pick xfce instead of the gnome default during tasksel. you will get a few desktop applications like libreoffice and firefox esr, but those are easily removed if you don't want or want to replace them. using dvd1 as my install source, wired and wireless drivers were set up during install, were available during install, and were ready to go on first boot to xfce (on an am3 pavilion desktop test system).