Creating a custom Debian Distribution

[Dean446]

Hi guys, my first post on here so go easy on me!

I've developed a Linux app (freeware - hobby related) which I'd like to create a custom distribution around. Something similar to smoothwall - user puts in a CD, boots the machine and turns it into a dedicated box running my app.

I'm picking Debian as I've found the app runs very well on a Microsoft X-Box running the X-Box cut-down debian build. That would also suit my users (small cheap quiet box with a built-in NIC).

I'd be very grateful if someone could point me to some resources detailing how to do this.

I have no idea - I can use, run and program for linux, but have never built my own kernal or done any kind of distribution creation, so need something by way of a ground-up guide ideally.

Many thanks,

Dean

[kkubasik]

so you want to create a cd that boots a kernel and your program? (specificaly the debian xbox kernel)?

[Dean446]

Hi qub, thanks for the reply.

Yes, I guess that's about the size of it. It could either boot (and run) straight from CD-ROM, or boot, install and then run.

If my app crashed the server admin could just restart the box.

Very much along the lines of smoothwall/IPCop etc

The app itself is configured over TCP/IP so it wouldn't need any kind of front end.

Dean

[nomar]

Try looking at Morphix, Knoppix and damn small linux if you intend going the live CD route.

Have a look at Componentized Linux http://www.progeny.com/ - might be of some use.

[kkubasik]

uhhh... nomar i think you missed the point, reguardless, sorry i got noting, hopefuly this will bump a bit and someone else will know how.

[Dean446]

No problem.

Thanks for the effort guys - I'll google around for some other linux forums.

Must be someone somewhere that knows.....

Dean