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DSL linux

limboemu edited this page Mar 20, 2019 · 5 revisions

DSL Linux Guide

DSL (Damn Small Linux) is a lightweight Operating system compatible with Limbo PCEmulator. Below are the steps to set up a hard disk image for use with Limbo and install DSL linux.

Considerations

Performance:
DSL Linux is one of the few lightweight Desktop OSes that is supported by limbo though it is still rather slow to your expectations of Desktop PC.

Security
The Kernel used by DSL Linux is old and considered insecure. Additionally its package managers are not receiving any security updates. Please use at your own discretion.

Recommended Limbo Configuration​

  • Arch: x86
  • Machine: pc
  • CPU: n720
  • Mem: 128+
  • VGA: std or Cirrus
  • Network: User
  • ​Network Card: ne2k_pci
  • Disable ACPI: yes

Recommended Guest Configuration

Set the following within the virtual guest for better performance:
Desktop Resolution: DSL Control Panel -> 800x600x16 or lower
Desktop Manager:
Start Menu -> Desktop -> Icons -> xtDesk
Start Menu -> Desktop -> Menu -> no Icons
​Open .xinitrc with an editor (ie nano, or vi) and comment the following lines to reduce the processes on startup:
​ #dillo /user/share/doc/dsl/getting_started.html &>/dev/null &
#torsmo 2>/dev/null &

Instead of running from the live CD you can install dsl linux on a hard disk image. Installations steps on how to do a frugal install are here

Utilities

DSL Linux comes with an X window manager and busybox. You can also upgrade to GNU Utils by going to 'Start Menu' -> Apps -> Tools -> "Upgrade to GNU Utils".

Package Management

There are 3 ways to download new packages to DSL:

  • dpkg
  • apt-get
  • myDSL Browser
  • synaptic

MyDSL Browser

You can find MyDSL Browser under 'Start menu' -> 'MyDSL' -> 'MyDSL Browser'. On the main window you browse the categories or you can search for software by name / description using the 'text search' button. Keep in mind software with extension uci install temporarily and you have to reinstall next time you reboot.

aptitude

To use aptitude onDSL Linux first you have to enable it by going to 'Start Menu' -> Apps -> Tools -> Enable Apt

Synaptic

Synaptic is a front end for apt-get. You can find it and install it under MyDSL Browser.
Note: Don't install synaptic via apt-get it has unmet dependencies, use MyDSL Browser instead.

Useful Tools

Make sure you have enabled/installed the above package managers.

GCC:

To install gcc compiler go to MYDSL Browser and find and install package gcc1-with-libs.dsl

Java:

​you can install via apt-get:
sudo apt-get install jdk1.1-dev

Perl:

version 5.8.0 is pre-installed no need to install again.

Python:

​you can install via apt-get:
sudo apt-get install python

Known Issues

There is an issue with QEMU and the mouse acceleration under VNC. This causes the mouse to stop before reaching the end of the screen boundaries. On a terminal within DSL Linux type "xset m 1" or add the same line at the end of your .xinitrc at your home (dsl) directory. This should disable mouse acceleration.

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