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SOC-0018: Create a Custom Linux Distro ​

Project size: 1 month

Estimated difficulty: Intermediate

  • Familiarity with GNU/Linux internals and tooling
  • Experience with shell scripting (Bash, Python, etc.)
  • Comfort configuring and compiling the Linux kernel
  • (Optional) Knowledge of Debian live-build or Arch ISO tooling
  • Basic understanding of UEFI, GRUB, and boot processes

Description ​

Building a Linux distribution tailored to a specific set of use cases can dramatically simplify deployment, improve performance, and tighten security. In this project, you will design and implement a reproducible, automated build pipeline that produces a custom, bootable ISO image for x86_64 systems. You’ll start with a minimal base (Debian or Arch), apply a curated kernel configuration, select and preconfigure packages (e.g. a window manager or server stack), and embed system settings—all driven by a single set of scripts.

Key activities include:

  1. Base selection & tooling
    • Choose Debian live-build or Arch’s archiso as your build framework
    • Install and configure the build environment in a container or VM
  2. Kernel customization
    • Identify and enable only the drivers and features you need
    • Automate kernel compilation and packaging
  3. Package selection & configuration
    • Define a minimal set of core utilities, libraries, and desktop/server components
    • Preseed configuration files (e.g., /etc/skel, systemd unit overrides)
  4. ISO assembly & bootloader
    • Configure GRUB (or Syslinux) for BIOS/UEFI support
    • Assemble initramfs, squashfs root, and final ISO
  5. Testing & validation
    • Boot and smoke-test in VirtualBox/QEMU
    • Validate network, storage, and USB persistence scenarios
  6. Documentation & automation
    • Provide build.sh (or Makefile) to reproduce every step
    • Write clear README with customization knobs

Expected Results ​

  • Reproducible build scripts in a Git repository that generate:
    • A custom Linux kernel .deb/.pkg.tar.zst
    • A bootable x86_64 ISO with your selected packages and settings
  • Boot-tested ISO that installs and runs in VirtualBox/QEMU without manual intervention
  • Comprehensive documentation covering:
    • Environment setup
    • Configuration variables (kernel flags, package lists)
    • Steps to rebuild or tweak the distro
  • Example configurations (e.g., kernel .config, package manifest, GRUB config)

Stretch Goals ​

  • aarch64 support: Extend the build pipeline to emit an ARM64 ISO
  • Real-hardware installer: Integrate a graphical installer (e.g., Calamares) for USB-to-disk installs
  • Persistent live USB: Enable live sessions with on-disk persistence
  • Automated testing: Add CI jobs to spin up QEMU instances and run basic validation scripts