Leaner: RPath Linux 2
RPath has released version 2 of its Linux distribution which is mainly designed for producing customized software appliances.
The kernel (version 2.6.24.7) is about one third smaller than its predecessor, and the base system is just half the size. This is very much in line with the manufacturer's strategy, and one that both Ubuntu and Suse follow with operating system variants under the motto of "Just enough Operating System (JeOS)": The Linux distribution becomes a basic platform on which software vendors can distribute bootable live or appliance versions of their applications. Examples of appliances based on Rpath include Sugar CRM, the Joomla CMS, and Mediawiki.
RPath uses its own Conary package management system, with Syslinux providing a boot loader. A graphical boot splash is displayed when you fire up the system; the splash can easily be modified to reflect your own needs. Software vendors interested in doing so can call in the RBuilder online service to have appliances built for them.
The image files for the current Rpath version 2 are also available on the Rbuilder system here and include virtual system images in Vmware format as well as installable ISOs.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.