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| dcore:faq [2016/10/21 05:27] – [Still stuck, more questions, where to get help?] nitram | dcore:faq [2018/12/11 08:20] (current) – [What should i download?] +link to system requirements re. RAM sm8ps |
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| ==== What is dCore? ==== | ==== What is dCore? ==== |
| dCore is a live Linux system based on Tiny Core Linux. It consists of a minimal base install that provides the necessary tools to set up and configure a fully personalized system. Automated scripts are used to download | dCore is a live Linux system based on Tiny Core Linux. It consists of a minimal base install that provides the necessary tools to set up and configure a fully personalized system. Automated scripts are used to download |
| Debian packages directly from Debian or Ubuntu repositories and convert them into [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:faq#what_is_an_sce|SCEs]]. The default shell is [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almquist_shell|Ash]], the default text editor is [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vi|vi]]. When booting into graphics a control panel, basic text editor and multiple terminal emulators are available. Most system administration is performed via CLI (command line interface). It can be installed frugally onto a drive for persistence and works with a variety of boot loaders. | Debian packages directly from Debian or Ubuntu repositories and convert them into [[dcore:faq#what_is_an_sce|SCEs]]. The default shell is [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almquist_shell|Ash]], the default text editor is [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vi|vi]]. When booting into graphics a control panel, basic text editor and multiple terminal emulators are available. Most system administration is performed via CLI (command line interface). It can be installed frugally onto a drive for persistence and works with a variety of boot loaders. |
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| ==== What base system is utilized? ==== | ==== What base system is utilized? ==== |
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| ==== What is an SCE? ==== | ==== What is an SCE? ==== |
| An SCE (self-contained extension) consists of a converted Debian package and all it's dependencies, packed into it's own file system and compressed into a single file ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SquashFS|SquashFS]]). They are imported from dCore, Debian or Ubuntu repositories. Loading them links it's contents into the RAM mounted file system for use. The contents of an SCE are transparent and once mounted can be inspected by exploring /tmp/tcloop/, otherwise copy the extension to a temporary directory and run ''unsquashfs SCE''. Review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:extensions|dCore Extension Management]] section for more information. | An SCE (self-contained extension) consists of a converted Debian package and all it's dependencies, packed into it's own file system and compressed into a single file ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SquashFS|SquashFS]]). They are imported from dCore, Debian or Ubuntu repositories. Loading them links it's contents into the RAM mounted file system for use. The contents of an SCE are transparent and once mounted can be inspected by exploring /tmp/tcloop/, otherwise copy the extension to a temporary directory and run ''unsquashfs SCE''. Review the [[dcore:extensions|dCore Extension Management]] section for more information. |
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| ==== Do all Debian and Ubuntu packages work with dCore? ==== | ==== Do all Debian and Ubuntu packages work with dCore? ==== |
| For reference, a basic dCore install runs well on an 800 MHz Celeron with 512 MB RAM plus a swap partition, using X.org, Fluxbox and lightweight software. The system uses ~50 MB RAM at boot and ~67 MB running emelfm, Dillo and xterm. Iceweasel/Firefox, however, maximizes RAM and causes high CPU usage, despite selectively disabling JavaScript and avoiding Flash. A 1 GB partition is used for this simple install, which provides adequate space to import and update SCE extensions and store the Debian files ('*.deb') and SCEs. | For reference, a basic dCore install runs well on an 800 MHz Celeron with 512 MB RAM plus a swap partition, using X.org, Fluxbox and lightweight software. The system uses ~50 MB RAM at boot and ~67 MB running emelfm, Dillo and xterm. Iceweasel/Firefox, however, maximizes RAM and causes high CPU usage, despite selectively disabling JavaScript and avoiding Flash. A 1 GB partition is used for this simple install, which provides adequate space to import and update SCE extensions and store the Debian files ('*.deb') and SCEs. |
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| | dCorePlus images require at least 1GB of RAM to boot and run as they have all available hardware support and the X window system designed for new users to be able to boot and access a wireless network and install dCore in a graphical environment. |
| ==== What hardware is supported? ==== | ==== What hardware is supported? ==== |
| Presently x86, Arm V7hf, Allwinner-A10, GK802 and Allwinner-A20. As noted above, most graphic, sound, ethernet and wireless hardware is supported. | Previously x86, Arm V7hf, Allwinner-A10, GK802 and Allwinner-A20 were supported, still available from [[http://tinycorelinux.net/ports.html|Tiny Core Linux ports]]. Present development is focused on x86 and x86_64 architecture. As noted above, most graphic, sound, ethernet and wireless hardware is supported. Post on the forum if encountering difficulties. |
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| ==== What about 64-bit systems? ==== | ==== What about 64-bit systems? ==== |
| Although not optimized for this hardware, dCore runs well on 64 bit systems. Note dCore began with the Allwinner A10 architecture and was later ported to x86, where most of the development and testing occurs, which still benefits A10. It can be ported to 64 bit, although the restraint is the developer's time and hardware resources. | As of dCore-stretch and dCore-bionic, dCore now has x86_64 ports. All future dCore releases will support x86_64 and also x86 as long as x86 is supported by the upstream Debian/Ubuntu repos. |
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| **[[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** | **[[dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** |
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| ===== Basic installation ===== | ===== Basic installation ===== |
| Otherwise download either the small dCore ISO (eg. 16mb dCore-jessie.iso) or larger dCorePlus ISO (eg. 74mb dCorePlus-jessie.iso). The smaller ISO consists of the base file system and kernel with a additional isolinux files for live booting. It will initially only boot into a CLI environment until a TCE directory is set up to download and import extensions, such as Xorg and a Window Manager. | Otherwise download either the small dCore ISO (eg. 16mb dCore-jessie.iso) or larger dCorePlus ISO (eg. 74mb dCorePlus-jessie.iso). The smaller ISO consists of the base file system and kernel with a additional isolinux files for live booting. It will initially only boot into a CLI environment until a TCE directory is set up to download and import extensions, such as Xorg and a Window Manager. |
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| The larger dCorePlus ISO contains these same files plus an ~57mb mega-SCE that includes tce-setdrive, Xvesa, Xtc, Xprogs, wireless, flwm_topside, b43-fwcutter, dosfstools, iw, wireless-3.16.6-tinycore and aterm. This will boot into a graphic environment running Xvesa and the lightweight flwm_topside Window Manager with support for most wireless hardware. If desired, this default SCE can later be removed by the user and replaced by the software of choice. The dCorePlus ISO is recommended for most new users. | The larger dCorePlus ISO contains these same files plus an ~57mb mega-SCE that includes tce-setdrive, Xvesa, Xtc, Xprogs, wireless, flwm_topside, b43-fwcutter, dosfstools, iw, wireless-3.16.6-tinycore and aterm. This will boot into a graphic environment running Xvesa and the lightweight flwm_topside Window Manager with support for most wireless hardware. If desired, this default SCE can later be removed by the user and replaced by the software of choice. The dCorePlus ISO is recommended for most new users. Beware of the memory requirements (s. [[#What are the recommended system requirements?|above]]), however! |
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| The ISO releases are based on a relatively recent stable dCore release. As dCore is in active development, experienced users who want to track or participate in development (audit scripts, submit patches, test and feedback) should utilize the latest release candidate instead. After dCore is installed, stable updates can be downloaded by running ''version -c'' or ''version -r'' for release candidates. | The ISO releases are based on a relatively recent stable dCore release. As dCore is in active development, experienced users who want to track or participate in development (audit scripts, submit patches, test and feedback) should utilize the latest release candidate instead. After dCore is installed, stable updates can be downloaded by running ''version -c'' or ''version -r'' for release candidates. |
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| ==== How do i setup a wireless connection? ==== | ==== How do i setup a wireless connection? ==== |
| If the system requires a wireless connection download and use the larger [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:faq?&#what_should_i_download|dCorePlus ISO]], presently only available in dCore-jessie, which includes wireless tools. Alternatively, temporarily use a wired connection to import then configure all necessary wireless software. For more information review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:system_software#dcore_wireless|dCore Wireless]] section. | If the system requires a wireless connection download and use the larger [[dcore:faq?&#what_should_i_download|dCorePlus ISO]], presently only available in dCore-jessie, which includes wireless tools. Alternatively, temporarily use a wired connection to import then configure all necessary wireless software. For more information review the [[dcore:system_software#dcore_wireless|dCore Wireless]] section. |
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| ==== How do i set up sound? ==== | ==== How do i set up sound? ==== |
| Review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sound|dCore Sound]] page and [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/README-alsa-utils.txt|dCore sound README]]. | Review the [[dcore:sound|dCore Sound]] page and [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/README-alsa-utils.txt|dCore sound README]]. |
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| ==== What commands and stuff should i know to administer the system? ==== | ==== What should i know to administer the system? ==== |
| As dCore is based on Tiny Core Linux, working knowledge of Tiny Core is beneficial. Although dCore is managed primarily by command line, [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:x-desktop#dcore_window_managers_and_desktop_environments|supported Window Managers]] provide user friendly OnDemand and System Tools menus, including a Control Panel and menu shortcuts for ''sce-import'', run program, screenshot, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_%28software%29|top process monitor]] and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xkill|Xkill]]. Control Panel items include Backup/Restore, Date/Time, Network, [[http://freecode.com/projects/wbar/|wbar]], Mount Tool, Mouse Tool, System Stats, Wallpaper, Services, Swapfile Tool, Terminal Server and Sce Tools. The Sce Tools button provides quick graphic access (terminal popup) with default options to the most commonly used commands (sce-import, sce-load, sce-debpurge, sce-update, sce-remove). | Review the [[dcore:basic_usage_guide?&#persistence_and_system_changes|dCore Basic Usage Guide]]. |
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| Review [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:extensions#dcore_sce_extension_management_commands|dCore SCE Extension Management Commands]]. Other common commands include version (update dCore base system) and backup (backup mydata.tgz). In a terminal, pressing tab twice lists all available system commands and running ''busybox --list'' prints all [[http://linux.die.net/man/1/busybox|BusyBox]] commands. Entering ''command_name --help'' (two dashes) usually provides usage information. | |
| ==== How to i keep my system up to date? ==== | ==== How to i keep my system up to date? ==== |
| Review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:upgrading_kernel_and_initrd|dCore Updates]] page about updating the dCore base system (kernel and initrd). Review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sce-update_command|dCore sce-update Command]] for updating SCEs. | Review the [[dcore:basic_usage_guide?&#kernel_updates|kernel updates]], [[dcore:basic_usage_guide?&#base_file_system_updates|Base File System Updates]] and [[dcore:basic_usage_guide?&#sce_updates|SCE Updates]] sections and associated links in the [[dcore:basic_usage_guide?&#dcore_basic_usage_guide|dCore Basic Usage Guide]]. |
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| **[[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** | **[[dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** |
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| ===== X-Desktop and applications ===== | ===== X-Desktop and applications ===== |
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| ==== What Window Managers or Desktop Environments are available? ==== | ==== What Window Managers or Desktop Environments are available? ==== |
| Numerous Window Managers and Desktop Environments work on dCore, review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:x-desktop|dCore X Window System]] page. | Numerous Window Managers and Desktop Environments work on dCore, review the [[dcore:x-desktop|dCore X Window System]] page. |
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| ==== I installed a CLI only system, how do i install X.org and a Window Manager? ==== | ==== I installed a CLI only system, how do i install X.org and a Window Manager? ==== |
| To upgrade to a graphic system review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:installations|dCore Installations]] section, especially [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:desktop-quicky|dCore Desktop Quicky]]. Also review the [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/README-X-Desktop.txt|X Desktop]] and specific [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/|Window Manager/Desktop Environment]] READMEs. | To upgrade to a graphic system review the [[dcore:installations|dCore Installations]] section, especially [[dcore:desktop-quicky|dCore Desktop Quicky]]. Also review the [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/README-X-Desktop.txt|X Desktop]] and specific [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/|Window Manager/Desktop Environment]] READMEs. |
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| ==== Help, i followed the documentation but can't boot into graphics? ==== | ==== Help, i followed the documentation but can't boot into graphics? ==== |
| Review /var/log/Xorg.0.log for hints after a failed ''startx'' attempt. If still problems review online Xorg documentation or post on the forum for assistance. | Review /var/log/Xorg.0.log for hints after a failed ''startx'' attempt. If still problems review online Xorg documentation or post on the forum for assistance. |
| ==== How do i install additional software? ==== | ==== How do i install additional software? ==== |
| If using a supported Window Manager the built-in Control panel (System Tools → Control Panel) has an 'Sce Tools' button to auto-launch ''sce-import'' and other commonly used SCE management commands. Otherwise from a terminal run //cpanel// or //sce-tools//. This is most suitable for new users, those that prefer graphic applications or those that do not require fine-grained control over SCE extension management. | If using a supported Window Manager the built-in Control panel (System Tools → Control Panel) has an 'SCE Tools' button to auto-launch ''sce-import'' and other commonly used SCE management commands. Otherwise from a terminal run //cpanel// or //sce-tools//. This is most suitable for new users, those that prefer graphic applications or those that do not require fine-grained control over SCE extension management. |
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| Traditionally dCore extensions are managed via command line using the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sce-import_command|dCore ''sce-import'' Command]]. As software is usually installed for use at boot time, a user would typically run ''sce-import -b SCE'' (eg. sce-import -b nano), where SCE is the desired Debian package name. Running simply ''sce-import'' will allow searching for the starting characters of a desired package name. Running ''sce-import -c'' will allow searching for packages that contain the desired search characters. The desired Debian package and dependencies are downloaded directly from the applicable Debian or Ubuntu repository and the SCE creation process can be monitored in the terminal. An imported SCE still needs to be loaded into the filesystem for use, review the [[ http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sce-load_command|dCore ''sce-load'' Command]] and [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sce-ondemand_command|dCore ''sce-ondemand'' Command]]. | Traditionally dCore extensions are managed via command line using the [[dcore:sce-import_command|dCore ''sce-import'' Command]]. As software is usually installed for use at boot time, a user would typically run ''sce-import -b SCE'' (eg. sce-import -b nano), where SCE is the desired Debian package name. Running simply ''sce-import'' will allow searching for the starting characters of a desired package name. Running ''sce-import -c'' will allow searching for packages that contain the desired search characters. The desired Debian package and dependencies are downloaded directly from the applicable Debian or Ubuntu repository and the SCE creation process can be monitored in the terminal. An imported SCE still needs to be loaded into the filesystem for use, review the [[ http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sce-load_command|dCore ''sce-load'' Command]] and [[dcore:sce-ondemand_command|dCore ''sce-ondemand'' Command]]. |
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| ==== How do i know which Debian packages to install? ==== | ==== How do i know which Debian packages to install? ==== |
| The [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:sce-import_command|dCore ''sce-import'' Command]] can be used to search for most package names. Otherwise familiarity with Debian and Ubuntu packages is beneficial and internet research may be required. Simple example, user wishing to install the game 'rogue' needs to know it is from the //bsdgames-nonfree// package. Use these links or a search engine to find desired packages: https://www.debian.org/distrib/packages and http://packages.ubuntu.com/. Searching package 'descriptions' is usually most useful. | The [[dcore:sce-import_command|dCore ''sce-import'' Command]] can be used to search for most package names. Otherwise familiarity with Debian and Ubuntu packages is beneficial and internet research may be required. Simple example, user wishing to install the game 'rogue' needs to know it is from the //bsdgames-nonfree// package. Use these links or a search engine to find desired packages: https://www.debian.org/distrib/packages and http://packages.ubuntu.com/. Searching package 'descriptions' is usually most useful. |
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| ==== Which repositories are used, can i add more, no sources.list? ==== | ==== Which repositories are used, can i add more, no sources.list? ==== |
| Debian based dCores automatically have access to the main, contrib, non-free and security repositories. Ubuntu based dCores automatically have access to the main, universe, multiverse and security repositories. dCore does not utilize a sources.list file. Additional repositories can be added in /opt/debextra/. Simply create a non-executable appropriately named text file containing the exact repository information for each repository added. This repository will then be accessible via ''sce-import'' to search and install software. Additional information can be found in the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:handling_extensions#dcore_repositories|dCore Repositories]] wiki link and [[http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php/board,75.0.html|dCore Extra Repositories sub-forum]]. | Debian based dCores automatically have access to the main, contrib, non-free and security repositories. Ubuntu based dCores automatically have access to the main, universe, multiverse and security repositories. dCore does not utilize a sources.list file. Additional repositories can be added in /opt/debextra/. Simply create a non-executable appropriately named text file containing the exact repository information for each repository added. This repository will then be accessible via ''sce-import'' to search and install software. Additional information can be found in the [[dcore:handling_extensions#dcore_repositories|dCore Repositories]] wiki link and [[http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php/board,75.0.html|dCore Extra Repositories sub-forum]]. |
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| ==== Can i add a PPA? ==== | ==== Can i add a PPA? ==== |
| Ubuntu-based dCores can add [[https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA|Personal Package Archives]]. Review the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:ppa-add_command|dCore sce-ppa-add Command]] and [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:handling_extensions#additional_repositories|dCore Additional Repositories]] section. | Ubuntu-based dCores can add [[https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA|Personal Package Archives]]. Review the [[dcore:ppa-add_command|dCore sce-ppa-add Command]] and [[dcore:handling_extensions#additional_repositories|dCore Additional Repositories]] section. |
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| ==== How do i install Flash or Java? ==== | ==== How do i install Flash or Java? ==== |
| Review the dCore [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:desktop_applications#flash|Flash]] and [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:desktop_applications#java_runtime_environment|Java]] sections. | Review the dCore [[dcore:desktop_applications#flash|Flash]] and [[dcore:desktop_applications#java_runtime_environment|Java]] sections. |
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| **[[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** | **[[dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** |
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| ===== Miscellaneous ===== | ===== Miscellaneous ===== |
| * Using removable media allows the installation to be securely stored for safekeeping. | * Using removable media allows the installation to be securely stored for safekeeping. |
| ==== Is dCore suitable for a server? ==== | ==== Is dCore suitable for a server? ==== |
| dCore is presently used primarily for desktops, laptops and [[dcore:server_applications|home servers]]. Theoretically, if set up and configured correctly a lean dCore install should have a small attack surface. Most tools offered by Debian and Ubuntu work with dCore and regular software updates are easy to complete. As dCore is in active development and bug fixes are ongoing, it is not yet as stable as more mature Linux distributions. It would be prudent to run a test server for several weeks prior to making a formal decision. Feedback is appreciated via the forum. More information can be found on the [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:server_applications|Server Applications]] wiki page. | dCore is presently used primarily for desktops, laptops and [[dcore:server_applications|home servers]]. Theoretically, if set up and configured correctly a lean dCore install should have a small attack surface. Most tools offered by Debian and Ubuntu work with dCore and regular software updates are easy to complete. As dCore is in active development and bug fixes are ongoing, it is not yet as stable as more mature Linux distributions. It would be prudent to run a test server for several weeks prior to making a formal decision. Feedback is appreciated via the forum. More information can be found on the [[dcore:server_applications|Server Applications]] wiki page. |
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| **[[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** | **[[dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** |
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| ===== Resources ===== | ===== Resources ===== |
| ==== Where can i learn more? ==== | ==== Where can i learn more? ==== |
| *Review these [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/|READMEs]] for a quick start. | *Review these [[http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/README/|READMEs]] for a quick start. |
| *This [[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:welcome|dCore wiki]] is becoming more extensive. | *This [[dcore:welcome|dCore wiki]] is becoming more extensive. |
| *The [[http://tinycorelinux.net/book.html|Tiny Core book]] is essential, most concepts apply to dCore. | *The [[http://tinycorelinux.net/book.html|Tiny Core book]] is essential, most concepts apply to dCore. |
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| ==== Still stuck, more questions, where to get help? ==== | ==== Still stuck, more questions, where to get help? ==== |
| Visit the [[http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php|forum]] and review old posts, note the dCore specific sub-forums. If stuck request assistance on the forum. Provide a reasonable summary of the issue, mention what was tried, dCore flavor and version (available via ''version''), install method, hardware utilized, etc. Please review the [[http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php/board,47.0.html?PHPSESSID=GHlCbHy3oHybqMaUDhTi52|Tiny Core]] forum rules before posting. There are numerous online articles about [[http://stackoverflow.com/help/how-to-ask|how to ask a good question]] and [[http://forums.debian.net/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=116898|how to get help with a technical problem]]. | Visit the [[http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php|forum]] and review old posts, note the dCore specific sub-forums. Request assistance on the forum. Provide a reasonable summary of the issue and if applicable mention what was tried, dCore flavor and version (available via ''version''), install method, hardware utilized, etc. Please review the [[http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php/board,47.0.html?PHPSESSID=GHlCbHy3oHybqMaUDhTi52|Tiny Core]] forum rules before posting. There are numerous online articles about [[http://stackoverflow.com/help/how-to-ask|how to ask a good question]] and [[http://forums.debian.net/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=116898|how to get help with a technical problem]]. |
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| **[[http://wiki.tinycorelinux.net/dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** | **[[dcore:welcome|> Return to the dCore Wiki Welcome page]]** |
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