On 2011-05-16 17:38, WestHurley ComputerReCycling wrote:
Normally use DBAN on a Bootable Floppy and it uses some version of
Linux.
Any recommendations for software to make a standard 1.44MB Linux
Bootable Floppy?
>
> Would like to have the smallest size to allow more room for apps and
> data.
It is possible, but it isn't easy; generally this is done by stripping
the kernel down and compiling it for the specific hardware in mind,
otherwise it won't fit on the floppy along with a minimalistic environment.
It's also to put a specialized kernel on one floppy, and prompt the user
to switch floppies for the root image (e.g. the environment). If I
remember correctly, compiling via "make floppy" was the method that
prompted for the separate root disk. I'm sure I'm forgetting details,
though, because it's been forever and a day since I've done this. This
is how Slackware would install way-back-when, and there were several of
these "boot" images dedicated to SCSI, IDE, Network, etc, because even
if the kernel itself was all that was on the floppy, it still wouldn't
fit all of the hardware drivers for booting.
It isn't possible to make a generic kernel fit on a floppy -- it's just
too big. If you want to make a generic image, make a custom boot CD or
USB stick image instead.
--
-- Chris
--
Chris Knadle
[email protected]
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