[gears]

Getting some time off soon and traveling, I would like to take some time to familiarize myself with the Linux command line, without modifying my G4 Panther PowerBook.

The idea would be to boot form a small Linux distribution on a small external drive, be it USB drive, large CF card and whatnot.


Can boot Linux from external?
Best distribution with small footprint, or possibility of custom minimal install?

Note that:
- I am not looking for a full-fledged package, just a core Linux to practice command lines.

- I realize I could do most of that within OSX, but like the idea of leaving it alone for now..

Your thoughts?

[besson3c]

Take a look at some of the guides online and see what you think, such as the following:

Linux: How to install Linux on a USB drive - Lifehacker

Additional options would include booting off of a Live Linux CD (e.g. Ubuntu, Knoppix, etc.), or running Linux in a virtual machine (provided by Qemu or Virtual PC).

[besson3c]

You can install Qemu and QemuX from Macports. I'd recommend doing this, as Qemu is itself a fairly common Linux tool you can use to get your feet wet with.

Edit: looks like QemuX is now "Q":

AboutKju - [kju:] - Trac

[gears]

.. nice, thanks (where else would I have heard of Q..??)

I have Q installed, will work on picking a small footprint distribution from the choices offered thru Q's interface.

I am finishing my Merlot (Sterling Vineyards), so, I should put the keyboard away for now...