this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2026
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I ran Puppy Linux off of a flash drive on my main rig for about a year years ago before I got around to replacing the hard drive that failed...
Nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution!
Ok ok we’re still relatively newish to Linux deep lore, what the hecc is puppy Linux?!
https://puppylinux-woof-ce.github.io/
Super small Linux distro made to run off a bootable flash drive. Typical size of the OS is under 2gb, so just about any flash drive you find these days is big enough to use.
Works great to get an old computer up and going again, quick and easy to setup since you don't have to install anything on the computer. Perfect for light Internet usage, office/school work, etc. I wouldn't try to run AAA games through it, but I used to play The Binding of Isaac and it handled it fine.