OS family Unix-like Source model Primarily open source | Working state Current | |
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Latest release SlimPup 3.8 / March 3, 2013 (2013-03-03) Marketing target Live CD, Netbooks, older systems, general use Package manager PetGet, Puppy Package Manager | ||
SlimPup is a slim, fast, fully equipped, and minimalistic operating system based on Puppy Linux, heavily inspired by Crunchbang and Archbang. SlimPup uses the Openbox Window Manager and runs idle at 35-70mb of RAM. It comes equipped with programs of every category for the basic user. The ISO size is 425mb.
Contents
History
SlimPup started in 2011 to create a lightweight Openbox distribution that would eliminate cluttered menus, unnecessary taskbars and desktop features, and provide a cleaner, faster desktop environment while still maintaining functionality out-of-the-box. To achieve this concept, Puppy Linux was chosen as the base. Although the OS is only 425mb and appears very minimal, it comes with everything from video converters to screen recorders, all tweaked to still function adequately with low-end hardware.
Customization
Since SlimPup uses a Puppy base with Conky, GTK+, and Openbox, customization is very easy. It also comes with a few Conky presets and a theme-switcher. A simple google search can return results of many users' custom desktops. Google Images - "SlimPup Customizations"
Frugal Install
Like its parent, Puppy Linux, SlimPup can be used "frugally," allowing users to make their medium portable.
"Frugal is a standard method for installing Puppy Linux. The Linux system files are stored in just couple of files in a directory, rather than spread out over an drive partition. In more technical terms it uses a layered file system. The base SFS, other SFSs and PupSave file remain compressed in filesystem-in-a-file files. However they appear to the user in the terminal and File Manager as the Linux RootFS which normally expanded over a whole partition. Any changes or additional files are added to the PupSave file. Apart from files in the /mnt/ directory which is used to specify mount locations. This method allows the whole OS to be loaded into memory. Additionally, you can have multiple installations on one partition and even install to a Windows partition."
Installation
The Puppy Universal Installer can be found in the control panel, which can be used to perform a full install of SlimPup to any desired bootable medium, whether it be a CD, DVD, flash drive, hard drive, or external hard drive. Subsequently, GRUB must be installed as well, which can also be found in the control panel.