EasyOS – An experimental Linux distribution (2025)
16 hours ago
- #Linux
- #Containerization
- #EasyOS
- EasyOS is an experimental Linux distribution designed from scratch with unique features.
- Container-friendly: Supports running apps or entire desktops in containers with minimal overhead.
- Very fast: Operates primarily in RAM, leading to quick app and container startups.
- Flash drive longevity: Minimizes writes to drives to extend lifespan.
- Totally isolated from drives: Offers a boot option for complete drive isolation for security.
- Run as root: Controversial approach where the user operates as root, with apps optionally running as non-root or in containers.
- Top-level /files folder: A dedicated space for personal files, with apps having their own private folders.
- No ISO: Uses image files for installation on flash drives or internal hard drives.
- No full install: Installs frugally, occupying just a folder in a partition.
- Roll-back, roll-forward: Allows snapshots for easy system restoration.
- Atomic version upgrade: Upgrades by replacing three key files for guaranteed success.
- Four package managers: Includes PKGget, SFSget, Appi, and Flapi for versatile package management.
- SFS mega-packages: Uses Squashfs files for easy management of bundled packages.
- Package manager audit trail: PKGget keeps track of file changes for easy rollback.
- AppImages and Flatpaks: Supports these formats with additional security features.
- Run anything in containers: Even other Linux distributions can run within containers.
- "devx" container: Pre-created container for development purposes.
- pup_event service manager: A simple alternative to systemd for service management.
- sudo-sh replaces sudo: A simpler mechanism for non-root apps to run programs as root.
- No systemd: Avoids systemd and related components like policykit and pam.
- GUIs for everything: Aims for configuration via simple GUIs without commandline fiddling.
- Non-standard hierarchies: Features unique menu and folder structures.
- JWM-ROX desktop: A lightweight yet powerful desktop environment.
- Icon-free desktop: Option to have a desktop without icons, all in the system-tray.
- Encryption: Supports AES-256-XTS encryption for secure data storage.
- x86_64 and aarch64: Supports these architectures, with builds for RPi3&4 boards.
- Network and drive names: Retains kernel-assigned names without renaming.
- Hardware profiling: Remembers hardware setups for different computers.
- Compiled from source: Built with packages optimized for EasyOS, reducing bloat.
- Devuan package repository: From version 7.0, uses Devuan/Debian .deb packages.
- Puppy heritage: Inherits features from Puppy Linux but is distinct.
- "Everything but the kitchen sink": Includes a wide range of applications in a small download.
- Support for old computers: Compatible with older hardware within certain limits.