When we talk about Linux, the first thing that strikes us is that we can tweak or create our own distro. There are several Linux distributions out there on the internet — some are officially created by a firm or organisation and some are created by individuals. However, there are people who don’t want to use ready-to-use Linux distros, rather, they want something that specifically serves the user’s need. So, in order to tweak or build your own Linux distro, you need to have some specific tools.
In this article, we list some of the best tools that you can use to work on your next or first custom Linux distribution.
Linux Respin
Linux Respin is the fork of discontinued remastersys. If in case you don’t know what is remastersys, it is a free and open-source program for Debian, Ubuntu-based, Linux Mint or derivative software systems that were used create a customized Live CD/Live USB (a remaster) of Debian and its derivatives.
Using Respin, one can now create its own distro. That is not all, Respin can also make a live version of the created OS, and even make a backup for a fresh install. This tool to create your Linux distro is open source and free to use.
Also, to get started with Respin, you can check out their guide to create your own distro.
Linux From Scratch
When it is about creating your own Linux distro, Linux from scratch is another platform that one should try. It is a project that provides step-by-step instructions for building a custom Linux distribution. And the best part is, it is entirely from source code.
LFS without a doubt one of the best, as it takes a little bit of reading. Therefore, when you build/tweak your own custom Linux distro, you also get to learn about the nuts and bolts of Linux. The approach to building Linux distro is in-depth and is extremely beneficial for the user.
Note: Windows user will have to get Linux installed to get hands-on with Linux from scratch.
Pinguy Builder
This is another good tool to play around with Linux distros. Just like Respin, this is also a fork of remastersys. It is also considered to be one of the first re-mixing platforms for Ubuntu. This amazing tool was created by the developers of PinguyOS, which is a small but very popular distribution.
With Pinguy Builder one can create a distribution based on Ubuntu. All s/he has to do is extract the Ubuntu ISO components and modify them. For guidance, you can click here and check the official guide by Ubuntu.
Ubuntu Customization Kit (UCK)
UCK is an alternative for Pinguy Builder. This tool can also do the things that Pinguy builder can. By using the Ubuntu Customization Kit, which is a tool, one can customize official Ubuntu Live CDs as per needs. That is not all, the user can also add any package to the live system. Another best thing about this tool is that it uses graphical interfaces in order to make things user-friendly for the user. Also, UCK is free and available to download and install.
SUSE Studio
Unlike any other build or tweak platform for Linux, SUSE Studio is completely different. SUSE Studio is a web interface that lets you customize you Linux distro before downloading it.
Talking about SUSE, it works to deliver enterprise-grade, open source software-defined infrastructure and application delivery solutions. Its studio, SUSE studio today is one of the most sought after platform when it comes to tweaking Linux.
Another feature of this platform is that it lets its users download other tweaked versions of Linux that were modified by someone else. To know more about this platform, you can check their official documentation.
