What is Damn Small Linux?
{{Distinguish2|[[DSLinux]], a different Linux distribution for the [[Nintendo DS]] [[handheld game console]]}} {{Infobox OS | name = Damn Small Linux | screenshot = Damn Small Linux 4.0 640x480.png | caption = Damn Small Linux 4.0 | developer = John Andrews, ''et al.'' | family = [[Linux]] | source_model = [[Open source]] | working_state = Current | latest_release_version = 4.4.10 | latest_release_date = {{release date|2008|11|18}} | kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel]] | ui = [[JWM]] | license = [[Free software]] licenses<br>(mainly [[GPL]]) | website = [http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/ www.damnsmalllinux.org] }} '''Damn Small Linux''' or '''DSL''' is a [[Free software|free]] [[operating system]] for the [[x86 architecture|x86]] family of [[personal computer]]s. It was designed to run [[Graphical user interface|graphical applications]] on older PC [[Computer hardware|hardware]]—for example, machines with [[Intel 80486|486]]/early [[Pentium]] [[Microprocessor|processors]] and very little [[Random access memory|memory]]. DSL is a '''[[Live CD]]''' with a size of 50 [[Megabyte|MB]]. What originally started as an experiment to see how much software could fit in 50 MB eventually became a full-fledged [[Linux]] distribution. It can be installed on storage media with small capacities, like [[bootable business card]]s, [[USB flash drive]]s, various [[memory card]]s, and [[Zip drive]]s. == History == DSL was originally conceived and maintained by John Andrews. The community now includes Robert Shingledecker, who created the MyDSL system, DSL Control Panel, and other features. DSL was originally based on Model-K, a 22 MB stripped-down version of [[Knoppix]], but soon after was based on Knoppix proper, allowing much easier [[Remaster (software)|remastering]] and improvements. == System requirements == DSL supports only [[x86 architecture|x86]] PCs. The minimum [[system requirements]]